I Needed This Today

 Recently, I had to move. Recently, as in we spent the first night in our new place Sunday, April 23rd. I'm not going to go into the particulars now: I'll save that for a future post. However, this move has been...a lot, physically and emotionally. But this post isn't about that.

With everything going on, I got up this morning and thought, "I just can't do it. I just don't feel like going to work."  I sat on the side of my "bed" and felt close to tears; however, Rita isn't a crier. Plus, today is Administrative Professionals Day, and I'm an Administrative Professional so I had to go to work. Otherwise that wouldn't have been professional! So I did what I had to do to get ready. I said to Gabriella, "It would be so nice if I got to work and I had flowers." She said, "I wish I'd get flowers too!"

So I decide to go to Wendy's to try their $1 breakfast biscuit on my way to work. I would have gone to Dunkies to get a tea, but the line was out into the street. So I knew I wouldn't have any hot tea because Wendy's doesn't have it, so I pulled in there where there were NO cars. I got my biscuit and an orange juice and went on my way.

I got a good parking space so that was good. Then I gathered my things and trudged into work. Of course the first door was locked so I had to trudge to the other office door, that thankfully was open. I went in, looked at my desk -

And there were flowers!! My boss had gotten me like this big coffee mug with flowers and butterflies on it, with a lovely set of tea roses, greenery and a pink and black plant in it as well, with a glittery butterfly attached. I loved it! And she also gave me a beautiful card which included a Dunkies gift card. It was just what I needed today!

When I went into her office to thank her, she said she was so glad I liked the planter because she said it reminded her of me. I just adore her! And then for lunch, she took me to the Administrative Professionals' luncheon at the Courtyard Marriott in Lake George! She is the best and always makes sure I feel appreciated for all I do for her. I am so happy that she chose me to be her assistant; and I love making her life easier here at work.

So there it is: my day started out not great but it turned out awesome! God knew exactly what I needed, and He provided it for me.

Here is my floral arrangement:

Thanks so much Mary Hand. You're awesome!!

 

The Ten Commandments

 One of the best movies of all time! For many, many years it's been a tradition in my family to watch this at Easter time. My sister Robin is the one that turned us on to it; and a lot of times we would watch it with her. Once we knew the movie by heart, we could focus more on the smaller action on the screen instead of the big action. Like for instance: if you look really carefully at the people carrying the golden calf after they made it through the Red Sea, you will notice a poor extra who stubbed his toe on something and hops around a bit. Priceless! Robin and I would laugh and laugh at this every time! She's probably in Heaven making the real Moses and Aaron, et al, act it out for her every Easter. She's like that!

Anyhoo, on the topic of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 1-17), I know that most of us are familiar with at least some of them. And most of us have no problem keeping most of them, like thou shalt not kill, honor thy father and thy mother, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not commit adultery. But here's the one that people break: most of the time not even realizing it. It's the one that has the most said about it, because God wants us to know how important it is.

"8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." KJV

There it is. But now you're saying, "I do keep that commandment. I go to church on Sunday. That's the Sabbath, right?" No, actually it isn't. The Sabbath is Saturday, which is the seventh day (technically, sundown Friday until sundown Saturday). Sunday is the first day.

I have heard it said that the sabbath was changed to Sunday because that's the day Christ was resurrected. However, God didn't change the day. It was Roman culture that did. You see, in Roman culture they worshipped the sun god, because the sun gave warmth and illumination to mankind. That's pagan theology. 

In the Bible it says that Jesus observed the Saturday Sabbath, as did his disciples even after his death and then ascension into Heaven. Nowhere in the Bible does it say to change the Sabbath to Sunday. So who changed it? The Roman Catholic Church, whose religious leaders say they are "God on earth" so have the authority to do so. They believe they had the authority to change biblical principles. Please feel free to look that up. Augustine in 400 A.D. proclaimed that "all glory of the Jewish Sabbath is transferred to Sunday".

I have known for many, many years that the Sabbath should be kept on Saturday, and for a time I did this. But old habits die hard, and Sunday seemed to be more convenient so I slipped right back in with the majority. But in my heart I know, in time, (if the Lord tarries) I will go back to Saturday worship.

I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. I'm just providing a little Biblical truth. God gave us all free will. However, if we are trying to keep the Ten Commandments, we should keep this one as well since obviously it is the most important one.

You don't have to take my word for it: feel free to do your own research. You'll be amazed at what you find. Truth.

Irrational Fears - The Musical

 When I worked at State Farm, I had a good friend named Amy. She is one of the funniest people I know. As we worked together, we shared stories of raising kids, life before kids, being a working mom and some personal stuff as good friends will. One day we were talking about a show she had seen where stars were taken to haunted places and filmed to get their reactions. This led into a discussion about what we're afraid of. After listening to a couple of mine Amy said, "Good Lord, there's a Broadway show in there somewhere!" After that, whenever something would get mentioned and I'd say I was afraid of it, she would say, "Another act in Irrational Fears: the Musical!"

With that being said, I'm going to give you a few examples of what seems perfectly rational to me to be afraid of, but sent Amy to her keyboard to compose the score to my Broadway show. I've even managed to get over some of these fears!

Pink Floyd: when I was a kid my brothers listened to this group. They said it was "head music". I knew this related to drugs, so I thought if I listened to it I would get hooked on drugs. I didn't want that!

The Three Stooges: even as a child, I thought they looked like child molesters because they were in black and white. This also went for Laurel and Hardy, the Little Rascals (who looked like adults posing as children), Charlie Chaplin and the episodes of Superman with the mole people. 

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show: the guy with the eye patch. 'Nuff said.

Raisins: once my mother bought raisins from a store that is so long gone that no one would remember it. It was called Gateway. Anyhoo, she put them in a fridge drawer and kind of forgot about them. When I went to the fridge and pulled out that drawer: let's just say the raisins were moving on their own. To this day I still won't touch them no matter how fresh!

Puppies: my evil older brothers used to tell the neighbor's puppy to sic me when it came into our yard. The puppy was so small it hopped instead of ran, but it scared my little four year old butt anyway. Haters!

Water: Also when I was still basically a toddler, Marie would often wash my hair in the kitchen sink with the sprayer. Of course the water would spray everywhere and get in my face and I thought she was trying to drown me. (hey, maybe she was) I would call on the Lord to save me, and it worked because I'm still here! 😉

 Shorter than usual people: I am tall. They are not children yet are small. I'm not sure why this frightened me, but it did! Marie used to say to me, "I thought Clancy was going to not grow. If his growth had been stunted, would you be afraid of him?" It took me a long time to answer!

Carrots: When I was a kid I loved raw carrots. One day I was eating one and choked. My brothers laughed at me as I tried to breathe and made fun of me for weeks afterwards. They didn't really like me, did they?

 Keith: he went through a very angry phase when we were younger. When he would ask me for a ride, I was always afraid that he was going to punch me in the face while I was driving. I stopped taking his calls!

Popeye: it started out in black and white. Olive Oyl was too skinny; and I was afraid of the goons from Goon Island.

The Nutcracker: to this day the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy gives me chills, and not in a good way.

There you have it: the short list of my irrational fears. I'm over all of them except for the raisins and Three Stooges, et al. I even went to see Roger Waters a few years ago: and it was the best concert I had ever attended! And I'm drug free!

I haven't talked to Amy in awhile. If you're still working on that musical, remember I get half the royalties!

What Made Her Stop Drinking

 Just so we're clear: Brie gave me permission to write this post. It happened several years ago after she returned from living in Washington State.

Once upon a time, Brie was quite the partier. She had a group of friends who loved to go out drinking and dancing pretty much every weekend, and sometimes on Thursday nights too. I was rather worried about this behavior: but she was an adult and I couldn't dictate her actions. She said as long as she was working and taking care of her other responsibilities, it was all good. I didn't really believe this, but again: she was an adult.

Apple picking season rolled around and Kitty wanted to go. The Saturday she picked was unseasonably warm, but I said we could go even though it was late in the season. I didn't feel like driving all the way to Granville to go to Hicks. I told her, "There's a place that's closer that we can go to." I named a place off of exit 13S. "Is it a nice place? Do they have cider donuts?" Kitty asked. "I've never been there but I've passed it and I'm sure they do," I said optimistically. "Okay."

Since apple picking was a family affair, I proceeded to march up the stairs to wake up Brie, who had probably rolled in around daybreak. "Get up! We're going apple picking!" I bellowed into her room. This was greeted with a loud hungover groan. "Why do I have to go?" "Because it's a family affair. Get up and let's go!"

She finally appeared downstairs, looking a lot the worse for wear. "Okay I'm here. Stop yelling and let's get this over with." Kitty was all excited, not noticing her sister's disheveled and sorry looking state. We got in the car and were on our way!

A word to the wise: before you go to a new orchard, you really need to check it out ahead of time. We turned in and were greeted with signs that pointed to where different apple trees were, where to pay, what was do-it-yourself (which turned out to be everything!) and where the store was. Now, this would have been okay except that the place was deserted: like a ghost town. Where were the customers? Undaunted,  I read the sign that told us how to tell which tree had which kind of apples, and proceeded to drive into the "orchard". 

We felt better once we saw another car. So that made two families there that day. Hmm...Regardless, we parked in the middle of the orchard, got out our bags, and tried to wake up Brie who had passed out in the backseat. Sighing with annoyance, I gave up, locked her in the car with the window partially rolled down and Kitty and I commenced to apple picking.

Or what would have been apple picking, if there had been any apples! We caught up with the other family, who was also wandering around with empty bags and bewildered looks on their faces. We looked at the markings of the trees for the apples we wanted, but you couldn't see the markings and seriously: what apples? As we pondered this, I had no idea of what was happening with Brie...

Apparently Brie finally realized that the car had stopped moving, and she was hot and sweaty since the sun was beating down on the car in the open field. "Where are we?" she asked, but no one answered. She groggily sat up, and there was no one in the car. She looked out her window and saw nothing familiar. Where was her family? Had the trumpet blew and she missed the Rapture? She got out of the car to see if she could ascertain where she was. As she pondered the disappearance of everyone but her, she heard something. Looking around, this is what she saw and I cannot make this stuff up:

There was a black man, shirtless, wearing overalls. He had a cloth bag slung over his shoulder and he appeared to be picking sweet potatoes out of the ground. He had what could have been an ox with huge horns pulling a cart behind him. And of course: he was singing an old spiritual. The ox gave her a curious look. As you can imagine: this sight did not bring any comfort to Brie. She jumped back into the car and locked the doors because she had no idea where she was or her family. She didn't know what else to do! 

After talking to the other family, we all decided to cut our losses and leave, since there were no apples to be found. It was hot and I was not in the mood for nonsense. When we got within sight of the car, we could see Brie's little face in the window and her hands were on the glass as she stared. When she saw us I could see her mouth moving but of course couldn't hear her. Then when I got closer: oh I heard her! "Where were you? Where are we? Why did you leave me in the car alone?? Do you see a man picking sweet potatoes or am I hallucinating? I thought it was the second coming and I'd been left!"  This was slightly alarming, but when I turned and saw the man, I had to laugh as it wasn't a sight usually seen in these parts. "Get in the car Laffy McLafferton!"

We did. "Where are the apples?" Kitty replied, "There weren't any. Can we go up to the store and get some donuts?" I drove up to the store, where again there was no one there, and some donuts were in bags on the counter. "Hey, no fresh ones?" Kitty was indignant. "This isn't anything like Hicks! No apples and no fresh donuts. We are never coming here again!" We bought one small bag just to sample (honor system with a wooden box), and you can imagine how they were. We dropped the bag into the trash on our way out. "Tragic waste," Kitty muttered.

Brie was quiet on the way home, deep in thought. When we were inside and Kitty had gone off to tell her dolls about the wasted trip, Brie finally said, "That was crazy." "Yes it was," I agreed. "And if this is the second time you thought it was the second coming and you missed it, you might want to re-evaluate your life." "Yeah...when I woke up and there was no one but maybe an imaginary black man looking like the guy from Green Mile and singing...it just might be time to cut back on the drinking." "You think???"

And she did! She would still go out occasionally, but I think that experience really gave her something to think about. When you think you're hallucinating and it turns out to be real: that will certainly give you pause. Now she might have a glass of wine if she goes out to dinner or something, but getting drunk isn't on her to-do list at all. For that I am thankful!

The New Bachelorette Is...

 Unintentionally I found myself sucked into watching the latest "Bachelor" season. I hadn't meant to, because I had no clue why this particular man was chosen when he only made it to eighth place on the "Bachelorette". But one night Brie wasn't home and I didn't want to watch RAW so I tuned in about four episodes in, and was hooked because it was a train wreck, as usual. So formulaic! Each season they say, "This is the most dramatic show in the history of the franchise! Stay tuned for the most shocking finale in the history of the franchise!" And at the end of the day: it isn't really. Granted, on this show, the big lug told the two women he slept with in the Fantasy Suite that he was in love with them, and you're not supposed to do that. He also told them that he slept with each of them. Might not want to do that either! Then got mad at the third woman because she was upset that he told her he loved her, yet still slept with the other two and told them he was falling in love with them! Gee Susie: can't understand why you're mad when he loves you the most! And you could see it a mile away that he was going to end up with no one, which is what happened. Until the most shocking ending in Bachelor history happened: and Susie showed up at After the Final Rose to say she and Clayton were together and in love! Boo to that. And the two women he threw over are the new Bachelorettes and doing a season together. That only makes sense because they are BFFs now. Insert eye roll.

Anyhoo, if the network really wanted to give the audience something different, then the next Bachelorette should be...ME! That's right: I'd give them a season they'd never forget. And it would go a little something like this:

First of all, I have no idea how these contestants are able to get 2 months or more off from work without losing their jobs, unless they lost them before going on TV and are looking for a place to stay. After all, some shady and lascivious stuff happens on those shows. Now I don't want to lose all of my PTO being on this show, so they'd have to shoot around my work schedule. And that means we're not shooting at some high-end resort: nope, the contestants will have to stay at the Queensbury Hotel or the Georgian, which are nice local hotels. Dates will have to take place after my work day is done, and on the weekends.

So the first night I'd be all dolled up waiting for the limos to arrive. And here's how we're going to shorten the season: when each man steps out of the limo, if he is wearing one of those tight skinny suits with his ankles showing and dress shoes with no socks: he can turn around and get right back into that same limo. I despise that look. So that will eliminate some men right away. And if you're wearing some crazy costume to be funny or you think that's cute: you're gone too. I didn't get all dolled up for you to dress like a Viking.

Now I'm in the hotel with the lucky ones who made it inside. If you "steal me for a minute" (I hate that expression) and try to kiss me: you're out. I don't know you from Adam and I have no idea where your mouth has recently been. If you spend the evening drinking and bromancing, you're also out. Are you there to make friends or there for me, the grand prize? And for the record: I don't drink so your ability to outdrink the other gentlemen will not impress me. Now I don't have so many roses to hand out and will keep the extras for myself.

Don't expect fancy dates and such: we're on a time crunch. So no helicoptering off and such. That will have to wait until the weekend, if you're still there by then. We could do a Lake George cruise on the Lac, a hot air balloon ride, go horseback riding: that kind of thing. And when we go on a one on one and it's dinnertime: that dinner had better be edible. Have you noticed that they sit at this beautifully set table, but there's never any food? I want a nice meal! When (or if!) I give you that rose at the end of the date and we go into another room and there's one of my favorite musicians / singers (Sting? Chris Botti? Slim Man?), you'd better know how to really slow dance. None of this turning in a circle business, otherwise I might take the rose away! Or I might leave with Chris Botti and then the season is over.

On the group dates, we might have to go to Skyzone or Extreme sports or something like that and you all can use your testosterone and flex your muscles and compete for my affection, or the group date rose. If anyone gets too aggressive and purposely hurts someone though: you're out. Bullies don't impress me. Or maybe we could do something fun like have you write a poem or song about me and  perform it. The inexpensive possibilities are endless in upstate New York! And no sleeping in on Sundays: you'll be going to church with me 🙏 If you don't go: you're out.

When it comes down to the final four, I will use a few vacation days to do hometowns. I certainly want to meet families, and I know they will love me! But when it comes to the last three guys, don't expect that Fantasy Suite to go how it usually does. Please: I have a reputation to uphold and why in the world would I want America to know my personal business where something like that is concerned? So plan on conversation and getting to know me that way. And don't forget the dark chocolate covered strawberries! But don't try to feed them to me unless you wash your hands first. I don't know where your hands have been!

When it's time for you to meet my family that will be easy. I'll only subject you to Kitty, Brie and Clancy. Good luck with that!

If you make it to the final two: be prepared to pick a really nice ring to propose to me. Of course I'll get proposed to! I'm a catch! Sorry we didn't get to go to Europe or the Caribbean, but again: I need my vacation time! But back to the ring: I already have a beautiful Neil Lane diamond ring. However, I'll certainly take another one. Emerald or pear please. NO YELLOW GOLD. White gold or platinum band, since ABC is footing the bill. 😊 Thank you.

Of course, there's a good chance no one will make it until the end because I'm picky. Or neither one will want to propose because I did all filming within a hundred mile radius and didn't sleep with them. But this will really let me know who's in it for me and who just wanted free vacations and liquor.

There you have it. The shortest and most inexpensive Bachelorette season in history. Now that's shocking! 😉

My College Bestie

 When I was attending SUNY Adirondack during the Roaring '20s, I always thought that I'd like to work here. I had no idea in what capacity, but I enjoyed college until one day I decided I didn't and left. But now I've been back for almost four years and enjoying my job, which has nothing to do with my major. But I digress...

On my first day of college, I met this girl who was also in the Radio Broadcasting program. We couldn't have been more different if we tried, and I'm not even talking about skin color. She was an only child, I had four siblings. She lived in the country, I lived in a bigger town. She was into soft rock, country and pop rock. I was into disco and rock. She was into comfy clothes and I dressed up every day. She was mostly a homebody (I remember going to her house to bake chocolate chip cookies) and I loved the night life. Yet somehow: we became best friends.

We have a long history. We hung out a lot during school in the Student Center where we held court with those lucky enough to be allowed into our small circle. We sat in the farthest corner on the right as you entered, by the windows. Best seats in the house to watch people! Now, whenever I go through the Student Center, I can still "feel" the ghosts of us in there during breaks from class.

When I made the mistake of moving to Long Island, she was the only one that consistently "found" me during my lost years and and kept in touch. And when I finally came back home for good: she was one of the first ones I saw.

Lynne has always been one of my biggest supporters. She was the first one to buy one of my books. Through all of my less than stellar relationships: she was right there, with her solid marriage firmly in her back pocket. She's a great mother, a great wife and a great friend. She gets my sense of humor. She trusts me as I trust her. And we love to go out to eat, to catch up and mostly laugh! It really is good for the soul.

She is also one of those good friends where you aren't friends just because you "know where the bodies are buried", but because your life is better with this person in it. Thankfully, we have laughed more than cried, our children are raised and doing okay, and we still enjoy each other's company. And when I'm funky and we don't get together, she keeps at me until I do agree to dinner or lunch and it is always a good time! Seriously: why does she put up with me and my creative mood swings???

Of course, nothing is perfect. I've gone through my times of not being in touch, and one time I wasn't talking to her but I don't think she realized it. It was when I didn't get invited to her daughter's wedding. But I got over it because it isn't always about me.

I could certainly go on and on, but suffice it to say I am so happy that Lynne has been such a constant in my life. We met for dinner yesterday evening at the Peppermill and it was like always: good food, good conversation and laughter! Not all conversations are funny or light: there was a little bit of sadness there too. However: we are always there for each other. That's the true beauty of this friendship.

Thanks for always being there Lynne. I'm glad we're on this ride together!

It's Not That Difficult!

 I adore my new co-workers. Every Friday they all have lunch together in the cafeteria, and I'm included. Sometimes I go, sometimes weather keeps me at my desk. Sometimes they order out and Chris usually goes to get it. I'm all about that!

This past Friday was our Spring Break day off, so on Thursday the guys decided to order out from New Way Lunch. This is the "famous" place known for its hot dogs with amazing meat sauce. I'm told it's amazing: I've never tried it. But people all over the country would order it and my friends rave about it (and so does Kitty!) so it must be true. But I digress...

So Thursday Chris had us go online so we could all order together. I looked at all the food everyone else was getting; then added my order for some cheddar broccoli soup with extra crackers and a hot dog with just light mustard. I was asked, "Are you sure that's all you want?" "Yes!" Then I waited gleefully for it to arrive since I hadn't had breakfast.

 When he returned and placed all the orders on the table next to my desk: everything smelled delicious! I don't mind the smell of the meat sauce because it does smell good. But it's too much for me. Anyhoo, the names were on the bags and Chris handed me this lovely paper bag with handles. I looked inside and then took out the contents. Soup with extra crackers: yes! Hot dog with just a little mustard: no! My hot dog had everything on it, including extra onions! I was so unhappy. I had the easiest order of the bunch! I had typed my order in carefully! How difficult could it be to read the order? I sighed, gave the extra hot dog away and had the soup. Ugh!

Saturday after taking Kitty to the gym, she wanted to go to the drive-thru of New Way Lunch for a hot dog. I figured this was a good time for them to redeem themselves for Thursday's debacle. So I went to the window, ordered three with the works and one with just a little mustard. I heard the guy yell back, "Four, one with just a little mustard!" That pleased me. I paid and drove up to the delivery window. 

After just a tiny wait, a guy came to the window and said, "Here are your large fries!" "Um...we didn't order any fries. We had four hot dogs." "Oh I'm sorry: just a minute!" He ducked back inside and presently handed me the to-go box. I took it, opened it, and there were four hot dogs with the works inside! "Excuse me!" I called, "I requested four hot dogs, one with just a little mustard!" "Oh, I'm sorry," the guy said, looking confused as he took the box back. Why was he confused? He was the one that took my order!

Finally another gentleman came to the window with my just-mustard hot dog in a little bag, and he gave the other box back and said we could keep the extra one. Now that really pleased Kitty! I ate my hot dog on the way home.

I think that they are pretty much on auto pilot at that place, because how many people do you think roll through and just want a little mustard? Yeah I know: another first world problem, when there are so many real issues going on. Trust me: I pray for those situations!

So I wasn't actually mad at New Way Lunch: just glad I checked the box before driving away!