Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Mutual Suffering

I have friends. Lots and lots of friends. Not going through the best time of my life, and my friends are there for me. They call me, they check on me. They buy me cards and write encouraging messages that sometimes makes me cry. They take me out and keep me annoyingly busy for the homebody that I am. They are wonderful, wonderful friends. They will listen and sympathize on my bad days when it seems the tears just won't stop. They laugh with me on the good days--but don't assume that "finally she's done." They happily volunteer to do bodily harm to the person who is the source of all this pain. They are there.

But there is something to be said for mutual suffering. Misery doesn't just love company, it needs company. I had dinner tonight with a mutual sufferer. Her story is just like mine (I know that I complained about this in a previous blog, but this is a different day). Tonight I was able to talk to someone and know that they understood me because they are right there with me. It is not that I want only miserable people around me, but aometimes, I feel guilty being around happy people. I hate feeling that I am sometimes dragging them down into my depths. And I don't want to be that person. I don't need miserable company 24/7. That would be horrible, but to be around those that also suffer and share in their pain is a connection that, may I say it, is sacred.

Beware, I am about to get preachy here. Through this time I have been reading a lot in the book of Psalms. Just last night I read "My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite." YES, that is me. Or how about this one from 2 nights ago "I cried out, 'I'm slipping!' and your unfailing love, O Lord, supports me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer." David's words and the psalms that he wrote appeal to me as well. I have held onto misery and have needed its company through this: "As for this friend of mine, he betrayed me; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as cream, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion but underneath are daggers!" It is hard when your best friend has turned against you and all he has to offer is self-pitying.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Wow, Did You See This?



I am all about weather. Storms absolutely fascinate me. I know that it is not the safest pasttime, but when a storm comes through, I love to just sit by the window or stand behind the storm door and just watch the storm. It is not just the lightening that amazes me, even though the lightening is the best. I like the wind and the rain and the sheer volume of white noise that a storm creates. Good stuff.
Amazing Home Remedies

A friend sent these to me and I had to share them. There are times in life that you feel you just can't smile, this is one of those. Anything that will lift your spirit during those times is amazing and this is one of those. Thank you Gayla-girl--good luck in your next adventure. (Oh and these are not serious, so no one try them at home and then leave me hateful comments--not sweet.)

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto, the blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
In life, you only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.
If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.

Thought for the Day: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES ..... THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING ... BUT THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.

Hope that you had as much enjoyment as I did. I laughed so hard--and the windows are open so I am sure that my neighbors are unsure of my sanity.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Flower Month Revisited
Just to brag on myself a little bit. I did this arrangement for church. I love working with flowers, it is so hard to make them look bad.
Mother's Day

I have to say, this Mother's Day has not been as bad as ones in the past. For the past 3-4 years, my Mother's Day celebrations have been getting progressively more depressing. Fertility issues can do that to a person, but this year, not so bad and I was surprised. I guess when not actively pursuing a baby, Mother's Day can actually be about my mother, and not in the pursuit of motherhood.

I am currently in motherhood limbo and for now, that's okay. Hope that you had a good mother's day regardless of the motherhood status that you find yourself in.