Last Day of Challenge

This is the last blog challenge post and I'm so ready for it.  There will be no picture though only some good things that happened.  It certainly wasn't the most exciting of days for me but a collection of little things that, in the end, made for a nice day.

1. One of the first things that happened this morning was getting on the internet and finding a series of quilting shows that Eleanor Burns made.  I just love to watch her and see her little tricks for quilting.  She really is a remarkable person and she made me feel excited about quilting again.  I'm going to look for a beginner's book to buy sometime.  I also bookmarked the site so I could watch more.
2. Sometimes finishing things, whatever they might be, gives me such a good feeling.  I've been canning tomatoes all week and putting those tomatoes to good use was satisfying to me.  I even made a big batch of chili to use some of the old tomatoes I had and some peppers from the garden. 
3. Today, both of our orders from Amazon came in  -  a new winter cover for the pool and an inflatable for it.  I was getting a little worried about when it would come and hoped we would be here.  The neighbors are usually pretty good about keeping an eye out for stuff like that.
4. I was very excited to hear that my daughter-in-law is going to be in an exercise group with Denise Austin.  Wow, I couldn't believe it.  My first thought was to tell someone else who could appreciate the scope of this news so I texted Juanita the girl I used to exercise with.  She was just as excited as I was.  My hubby even knew who she was from TV.  That was the most fantastic news of the day!
5. The last thing I felt good about today was what I made for supper, not that it turned out all that well or that I'll ever make it again, but that it was new, different and I used up a lot of stuff.  It was called Lazy Lasagna and instead of noodles, you layer ravioli and sauce.  I had pulled what I thought was chili for my hubby out of the freezer, only to find it was meatballs and sauce.  So this was my attempt to use it anyway and as an added bonus, I used the ravioli. 

Well there you have it  -  my final blog challenge post.  I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I'm ready to move on.  I have learned things along the way such as putting pictures on my posts that don't come from the camera.  That was really major for me.  At times the memories were a bit much for me and it almost made me sad but I recovered quickly.  Some were good memories and I even got some pictures sorted through for scrapbooking.  In the end I'm glad I did it and glad it's over. 

3 Wishes

Now my idea of wishes is what kids do with their birthday cake.  I feel like I've had to come up with so much stuff for this challenge that has to do with what I want such as dream house, dream wedding.  It's made me realize that I'm happy with what I have.  So for this I'm acting like Miss America and my three wishes are

1. World Peace
2. A cure for cancer
3. a big lottery win

Anything else I could ask for are things I can probably get myself.  Of course the lottery would be mostly for my family and charities.  Do you think that would get me a win?  Sorry for the attitude and I should have seen what the challenge was going to expect of me.  At first it was kind of fun looking at old pictures and reminiscing about my parents and places I've been, but now I want it to be over.  Maybe that was the point of it  -  to focus so much on yourself that you want to see others now.  Tomorrow is the last challenge and I will be relieved and ready to start anew.

Something That Stresses Me Out

This challenge really tries to make you dig deep, even if you don't want to.  I wrote before about how I don't like to merge in traffic and that also causes me some stress but I feel I need to come up with another one for the sake of the challenge.  I find since I retired that I don't have much stress and I even notice it in my hubby.  One thing I do get is a little anxious about  being around other people in conflict or a person that has said stuff to me that makes me uncomfortable.  I'm not going into details but sometimes I anticipate what a certain situation can bring and I feel that dirty sneaker effect.  More often than not I'm wrong and it's all good.  Too many times I've been in a situation where I never say what I feel because usually I'm too surprised to think of something.  So I spend time rehearsing what I would say if it happens so I don't feel like I've been walked on.  Age brings a lot of this stuff on and as I get older I don't want to have things over my head like that. 

Town That I Live In

McKean is the town I live in, at least for now.  I've been thinking about this one for quite awhile and how a decision decades ago influences the lives of your children and grandchildren.  I will miss living here, I know that.  I remember as our house was being built, coming here and climbing in the basement window to get a look at things.  It was the first time I had ever been in this area and thought how far away it was.  I came to realize, especially with the mall so close to the north and Edinboro so close to the south, that it was positioned just perfectly.  Our neighborhood was small and not as elite as Georgetown Hts. was, and that's how we liked it.  Our kids would fill a whole bus going to school, at least when Andy started school.  After that the numbers dwindled.  I think it was so great for the kids growing up because when they were old enough they could walk to so many things, such as the school, rec park (the back way), Country Fair, Post Office and the ice cream store.  When the kids would have friends over, they would be so tickled to have that opportunity as they lived out in the country.  Halloween was great here because the kids could walk all around the neighborhood and even a little up on 99 for candy.  Of course the down side was that we would get so many trick or treaters come here.  But it was always nice to see the preschoolers that would come and say Hi to Mrs. Markievich.

My Dream Wedding

If I had the chance, how would I have done my wedding differently, I guess that's how to think of it.  I've always loved the idea of a pig roast at a wedding.  The guy I used to work with on weekends had one at one of his weddings and I was impressed.  Not that I would want anything real casual like everyone in denim but an outdoor setting would be wonderful.  I'm a hands on, make your own, kind of girl and that's what it was like for my wedding.  I made my own dress and all the bridesmaid's dresses were handmade (I made one of those, too).  I wish now that I had made something a little fancier for my wedding but at the time, money and time were issues and I guess I didn't think I had the ability to do more.  I was probably wrong about that, looking back at all the clothes I used to make for myself and others.  I'm also a realist about this and although I would have loved to have some nicer pictures taken at the wedding, I wouldn't have wanted to pay for them.  Nowadays, there's so much more to do for weddings and I would be in my glory to make centerpieces, cookies, etc.for a wedding.  I'll have that chance with my daughter's wedding coming up and hope she gets her dream wedding.

No iPod

Ok, I don't have an iPod and don't really know what it is except I might have bought one for my daughter for Christmas one year.  So I assume this is about songs I'm listening to right now if I had one.  For a technology-impaired person such as me, I'll tell you what cd I am listening to in the car right now  -  Rod Stewart and his best.  I looked around a long time to find a cd with just the right songs on it.  So many were remakes but I wanted ones he recorded ,especially Forever Young.  This is one we used to listen to at the beginning of every dance show my daughter was in until Patty changed it and things weren't the same.  Now as I listen to this cd, I find myself enjoying all the songs, some more mushy than others.  I sing and move with the Some guys have all the luck and also enjoy When I was younger.  Of course, my hubby likes Maggie May as I do but that might be the only one for him.  That raspy voice of his makes it easy to sing along with  -  I even sound pretty good!  On our trips to the cabin when I start driving, we'll listen to this, maybe zip through a couple of them and then put the radio on.  At least it gives me a little fix.

Something I've Learned

I've learned many things over the course of these 60 years but I think the most important is that I am responsible and solely responsible for my happiness.  No one else can do that for me or make me feel any way I don't want to.  I've seen too much of how other people blame others, be it parents, spouse or children, for their own choices in life and I realize that no one else can force me to do what I don't want to do.  This kind of philosophy is liberating in a way, and you don't have those bad feelings toward anyone else.  I reminds me when the kids were little and would talk of being bored or they had nothing to do.  I told them they had to make their own fun.  We did that as kids down by the creek that ran behind our house.  We would spend all day creating rooms across the water.  I know everyone isn't lucky enough to have that sort of childhood memory but even my kids could make their forts and go treasure hunting at the creek near us.  I might be simplifying things a bit but my point is to start each day with a clean slate and if you need to set someone straight about something, go ahead and do it, then let it go. 

Board Games I Love

Once again I'm unable to just name one board game that I like  -  I have several.  One of my first favorites was the Barbie Prom game.  I know it's a kid's game but I like it so much that I bought one at a thrift store as an adult to play with my granddaughter someday.  I remember playing this at some one's house for a sleepover and then requesting they bring it to my house at a later time.  The first one had cards for Ken, Pointdexter and a couple other guys and also the dresses you could choose.  Another game I first played at a friend's house was Mille Borne (1000 miles in French) and I later asked for one for myself.  I remember my mom and I playing it and saying the french words for everything including essence for gas.  We had a ball.  Then with my own kids I recall us all playing Mall Madness.  It was kind of a hassle setting up but we each had a credit card to put through a slot and it went "ch-ching".  There were sales and clearances all over and the object was to buy a certain amount and then leave the mall.  I wish now we hadn't gotten rid of that one  -  I think even my grandson would have enjoyed that one.  Ch-ching!!

What's in my Purse

I've had to think creatively since I made my new purse.  The Travelon purses had a place for everything especially cards.  I've managed to fit it all in my new grab bag thankfully.  I have just about what everyone else has as far as the basics and then a few other things we seem to need from time to time.  I carry some Shout wipes for drips, Tide-to-go for extra protection, a small pair of fold-up scissors for coupons, a page of return address labels for any raffle tickets we might buy, a few packaged towelletes for a quick clean-up, a small bundle of my calling cards, in addition to the usual wallet, cards, cellphone, comb, mirror, chapstick, pens, and gum that most others stuff into their purses. That pretty much handles it for me and there's still a little room if my hubby wants me to hold his cigs or camera.
P.S.  Hope nothing is misspelled in here.  I let one thing go that I knew was wrong thinking the spellcheck would get it and it didn't.  What's up with that?  So much for the new format.

Crocheting

OK, this one will put me back on track  -  thank goodness!  What would I never get tired of?  For this one I'd have to say crocheting.  I sometimes like to knit but I grow tired of that and need to put it away for awhile, but with crocheting that doesn't happen.  I've been very busy lately with sewing but at times I need a break from that, too.  I guess I considered my tv addiction as something I don't get tired of but sitting in front of the tv gets boring too.  This past week I broke down and bought some more yarn for an afghan at Ollies.  I swore I wouldn't buy any more after I finished a couple baby blankets but I was itching to crochet.  I had a calendar full of afghans to crochet that my sister had given me and there were a couple that I really wanted to make, so I started one over the weekend.  It felt good to be crocheting again!  I'll keep you posted on my progress and possibly a picture when it's done.

Nicknames

I've never really had any nicknames that I would care to share.  My dad had one for me but I choose to forget that one.  The others, such as Mary Mouse, were not used around me in a nice way.  People close to me frequently call me Mare but that's about it.  Of course, I've been called many things such as rule follower and dork but those were dependent on the moment.  Sorry this wasn't a very interesting blog.  I'm playing catch-up again and to tell you the truth, this challenge is kind of dragging on a little more than I thought it would.  I'm anxiously awaiting the day when I can get back to my regular stuff.

Someone I Miss

I've been thinking about this challenge very thoughtfully and trying to come up with something I miss.  Being retired lets me do whatever I want so I shouldn't miss anything.  I do miss playing cards and board games with someone else.  The hubby has never been a game player so it's solitaire for me.  What I came up with is someone that likes to do the things I like, to play with and bounce ideas off of. I realized it was my mom that I miss.  I mentioned before that we were  a lot alike that way.  She was always ready to try something new, also.  As I have been sorting through pictures, I've noticed her wearing dresses that she made.  She could really help around here with the sewing.  She'd also be making a lot of goodies, especially pies which might not be as good for us.  She'd probably make them and donate them as I remember her and my dad volunteering for Meals on Wheels.  One thing I used to hate is when I went shopping with my mom how she would always find someone she knew and have to stop and talk.  That should sound familiar to my kids because they've accused me of the same thing.

Food I Like

This is another challenge that depends on many factors.  There's not one single favorite place I like to eat.  I pride myself on being able to find something I like anywhere we go.  The one thing I don't like much is seafood however I do like a good deep-fried fish every now and then.  So as far as Chinese, any place will do, as far as pizza, Pizza Hut takes top honors, as far as Italian, I'm partial to Serafini's, as far as wings, I still love Buffalo Wild Wings (Copper Coin is under new management and therefore the decision is still out on that one), as far as Mexican, none are really my choice (either too spicy or too bland) and as far as the rest, I just go with the flow. Usually what happens is we go somewhere fairly often and then for one reason or another, we get tired of it and find another.  My philosophy is that if someone else is cooking, I'm in!

Turning 60

This will probably sounds pretty strange but I'm looking forward to turning 60 this week.  I know  -  who wants to get older  -  but think of the discounts I can get.  Up to now the only ones I got were those handed out to 55 yr. olds and those were few and far between.  Of course some people hesitate to ask your age so they automatically give it to you if you look old.  Who cares as long as you get it!  Some places still wait until you're 65 and I'll have to rely on my hubby to provide that one in a couple years.  Until then I'll look forward to the day when I can get my own and feel proud of it.  I've written before about the benefits of getting older and how we can get away with murder, almost.  When I cut someone off, I'm old and can't be held responsible, if I can't read signs, my eyesight is failing, it gets harder and harder standing for a long time, offer me your seat (believe it or not, women offer more), and I don't move as fast so stop and let me cross in peace. 

Dream House

This one is relevant -  relevant to what period in my life we're talking about.  If I were being asked this 30 years ago I would have wanted lots of bedrooms and space for everyone in the family besides a fully loaded kitchen.  Now that the kids are gone and life is being simplified, my dream house has also changed.  In fact, I probably already have my dream house in our cabin.  When we were planning the cabin the items of concern for me were an outside space (aka front porch and deck)  main floor laundry room and eating area/bar in the kitchen.  All of those were met when we built it and since then, with the renovation of the basement giving us a half bath, family room and bedroom, my dream of a craft room has also been accomplished.  I didn't even realize how much I wanted a craft room until I had one here and then I knew I would miss not having it.  Having a huge house with all the bells and whistles is not what appeals to me now.  I'd rather have it ample but easy to clean.   

Satisfaction

This one is about the moment I felt satisfied with my life.  Wow, where do you start with this one.  Should it be something momentous, an achievement award or such, a major accomplishment, or tiny moment in time that affected me, a sunset that was breathtaking, a peacefulness that came over me, a moment of complete serenity  -  what path do I take.  I think I'm putting way too much time into this one!  I came up with 2 moments that tell me I did something right in my life.  The first was when everyone in my family came to see me at the hospital for my surgery.  I try not to send them on a guilt trip but I'm sure they could have sensed my disappointment if they weren't there so maybe that shouldn't count.  I made it through fairly well I'd say with not a lot of anguish or fear.  As I was waiting to go into the operating room, I noticed it was number 73 which made me feel like everything would be fine since that's my lucky number (year I got married and graduated).  But the moment that I can honestly say was even better was when the grandkids visited in July.  We spent the week doing a bunch of things and my main goal was to get them back home safe and sound.  When the week was over and we were going home I asked Braden if he wanted to come back next year and do it again and there was an emphatic "Sure".  Those are the kind of moments I will look forward to having every year.

Picture in 2010

This a picture of me from last year (in the middle)during my last summer at work.  The past year hasn't changed my appearance all that much except for a couple more scars from my surgeries and a few more gray hairs.  I do have a new heart valve and a pacemaker though.  I think the main way I've changed since last year is in my stress level.  I'm amazed at how easy life can be without the stress of getting up and going to work and dealing with a lot of other people.  Having all your activities on your own terms does wonders for your emotional health.  I guess that's what retirement is all about.  At this point I'm surprised the life expectancy doesn't skyrocket!

My Goals

When I was still working, I thought about all the crafts I wanted to finish or do but knew I'd have to wait for more time.  After retiring and starting this blog, procrastinating was off the table.  One of the themes of the blog was  "No more excuses".  I'd have to say my goals have been working on all those crafts and finishing projects.  Something I want as far as decorating the cabin has been an afghan and quilt on every bed.  I initially wanted to use up material that I had but with every new purchase there is more and more to use up.  I have a place at the cabin to sew so that will be an ongoing goal for quite awhile.  Since I'm not sure when we'll be moving to the cabin on a permanent basis, I want to make the most of the resources we have here such as the garden and fruit trees.  I just made 3 batches of Cinnamon-Crabapple jelly from our tree, thinking that will probably be the last I will do.  I'm pretty sure it will last awhile even using some for Christmas gifts.  I know these goals are ones that can be measured, etc. like those Smart Goals I've mentioned before but I'd also like to have some not-so Smart Goals that are even more important.  Oprah wrote in her magazine this past year that when making New Year's resolutions we should use adjectives instead of verbs or nouns.  So in the spirit of simplifying my life I'd like to make a goal to be happy, busy and satisfied with what I've accomplished, no timeline and the only judge will be me.

My Cell Phone

This is something I try hard not to leave home without  -  my cell phone, charged and ready to go.  That's the whole point of it anyway  -  to use when you're out and about without access to a land line phone.  That's why my hubby and I got them in the first place. I also take it when I walk in case of emergency and to know the time.   Of course, it's become much more than that over the years.  Now it's our long distance phone service, so without a charged phone at home, my calls are limited.  That's exactly what happened last week, to my surprise.  I heard a beeping at home and realized it was my phone and it needed charged.  As I reached for my charger, I became aware that it was not in its usual spot and I had a pretty good idea where it was.  Fortunately, I had enough juice to make a quick call to my hubby who confirmed my suspicions  -  he had taken my charger, along with his when he went out of town.  To make matters worse, the car charger we bought wasn't working either!  Well, after I calmed down, I made a run to Kmart to buy another car charger that I could take with me on my trip. Another thing I realized was that it doesn't feel too good to be tied to anything that much, be it phone or computer.

TV Addiction

TV addiction  -  what an awful thing.  It drags us in and keeps us hanging for a whole week with no end in sight.  I'm guilty of ODing on it.  I first started watching reality tv with the Apprentice and not even when it first started.  Then it was Biggest Loser after the first few seasons, then reruns on cable from Australia and UK.  When that didn't satisfy me, I rented old dvds and watched them late at night.  Now I have Bravo and the Housewives to keep up with my fixes.  Bravo is like that bag of candy I talked about before but with every new Housewives show it's more like a bottomless bag that they keep full of tv goodies.  I have to say though, I'm a functioning addict thanks to Bravo.  I can still live my life because they constantly replay all my shows.  My hubby is also very sympathetic to my addiction and made sure the tv we have at the cabin has Bravo  -  what a guy!  Do I need help with my addiction  -  no, I get that from Watch what happens live with Andy Cohen (on Bravo) where he brings us all together to talk about our addiction.  So for the record, my name is Mary and yes, I'm a reality show addict.