Hello...
Thank you for checking in Chros, how nice. Yes, I've been fairly busy. I only work 3 days a week. Thursday night, 12-8 am, and Saturday and Sunday 8-4 pm. The switching of hours from trying to sleep in the 'daytime' for the 12 am night to needing to sleep at 'night' for the two 8 am days are kind of rough on this ol' lady. My body doesn't know which way is up sometimes. I'm pretty much over the 'fatigue' from my radiation treatments. Sure feels nice to feel better.
I still go over and give one of my aunts her insulin shots 4 times a day on the days I'm not working. She went to Oregon to visit a sister she hasn't seen in over 60 years. So don't have to give shots for a few weeks.
My grandson David who went to Iraq earlier this year, was shipped back home to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I don't have the full story, but something to the effect he was helping unload jeeps/hummers from a plane and some strap broke, injuring David's hip. He was first sent to Germany, and then on to North Carolina. Supposedly he needs surgery, but my daughter (his mother), doesn't know the extent yet. We are praying it's not bad enough to require a hip replacement. He's only 22 and those have to be replaced every 10 years or so. He is so sad. He didn't want to be shipped home, and he wants to be a lifer. They told him he would be given 6 months light duty after surgery, then he has to pass PT in order to remain in the Marines. He is due to be deployed by ship in 7 months. As soon as my daughter learns when David's surgery is, she will fly out to be with him and his family. Although he is sad, we as mother and grandmother are certainly thankful that his injury isn't any worse than what it was.
I want to go spend some time catching up on you and your wife's blogs. Both are wonderful reading. Yours for the spiritual and K's for the refreshing reminder of everything involved in rearing little ones.
A couple of funnies re the motel. Some guy (drunk as a skunk), come down to the desk in his underwear asking for matches. Reluctantly, I gave him a book matches. (Worried he might burn the place down.) He started to light his cigarette right there. I told him he needed to go back to his room first. I went and got a pool towel and told him he needed to cover himself. I don't think he realized he wasn't dressed. There was a wedding earlier, and he was part of the wedding party. It was very hard to keep my composure. I know I was 7 shades of red for one thing, and wanted to burst out laughing on the other hand.
When a guest dials 911 from one of the rooms, an alarm goes off at the desk so we are aware there might be a problem. One morning about 3 am, the 911 alarm went off. I dialed the room to see what the problem was. A guy answered, and informed me that their 3 year old dialed it. They recently taught him about 911. Okay, fine. An hour or so later, it went off again. This time the 911 center called 'me' and told me to put a stop to it. I dialed the room once again and informed the guest that 911 was upset at receiving non emergency calls from our motel. I told him he needed to put his 3 year old to sleep and keep him off the phone. 3 am and their baby was awake and dialing 911!!! ~giggle~
I should make notes on all the happenings. Could write a book...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
One key at a time...
Incredible story about an incredible person.
http://www.paulsmithfoundation.org/index.html
The links to his artwork on his site don't always come up. So I placed some of his pictures on my tripod site.
http://karen50864.tripod.com/psmith.html
http://www.paulsmithfoundation.org/index.html
The links to his artwork on his site don't always come up. So I placed some of his pictures on my tripod site.
http://karen50864.tripod.com/psmith.html
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Running America...
This is what I thought was ironic by K mentioning marathon, and Tom Hanks.
Tentatively, providing nothing goes wrong during their run from San Francisco to Iowa, Charlie Engle and Marshall Ulrich are supposed to stay at our motel on October 9th. (I put the link here so you can see.)
Both of these guys are marathoners. Charlie has quite a success story, and Marshall is the only person in the world to complete the Triple Crown of Extreme Sports.
These guys will stay at Super 8 Motels across the country on their run, and our motel is one of them.
Their run will be filmed as a documentary. We have 20 pages of things we're supposed to get done, provide, and have available for them and the movie crew by October 9th.
Anyway, rumor has it that Tom Hanks, and Matt Damon are a couple of the celebrities that will be here.
We (staff) can run with them if we like. They will film 1 mile of it I'm told, for the documentary.
Sherry, our manager is nervous as a cat. :o)
Anyway...marathon, Tom Hanks in two posts now. How about that? ~giggle~
http://www.runningamerica08.com/
Tentatively, providing nothing goes wrong during their run from San Francisco to Iowa, Charlie Engle and Marshall Ulrich are supposed to stay at our motel on October 9th. (I put the link here so you can see.)
Both of these guys are marathoners. Charlie has quite a success story, and Marshall is the only person in the world to complete the Triple Crown of Extreme Sports.
These guys will stay at Super 8 Motels across the country on their run, and our motel is one of them.
Their run will be filmed as a documentary. We have 20 pages of things we're supposed to get done, provide, and have available for them and the movie crew by October 9th.
Anyway, rumor has it that Tom Hanks, and Matt Damon are a couple of the celebrities that will be here.
We (staff) can run with them if we like. They will film 1 mile of it I'm told, for the documentary.
Sherry, our manager is nervous as a cat. :o)
Anyway...marathon, Tom Hanks in two posts now. How about that? ~giggle~
http://www.runningamerica08.com/
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Work...yay!!!
A bit of good news.
Although jobs are scarce all over, it's even worse in small towns. I'm 56 years old, and nobody wants to hire someone my age, they want the young kids. You walk into a place of business around here, and it's either youngsters or elderly people working. I'm talking mid to late 70s. They are on retirement and working for extra money, so they latch onto the jobs and don't let go.
I have a cousin who works in housekeeping at a Super 8 Motel. One of the young desk clerks clocked out and quit. So Lindy (my cousin) told Sherry (General Manager) about me. Sherry called and asked me to come over and make application. I did so, and Sherry talked with me in between taking care of guests, it was on a Saturday and was very busy.
Well, a few days later, Sherry called me and told me I had the job if I wanted it. I began orientation this past Tuesday, 12th. It's nothing special. Desk Clerk/Night Auditor. Not a high paying position, and only part-time, but it's a start.
Sherry is aware of my recent treatments for cancer, and that it caused fatigue (which goes away after awhile). She was kind enough to say that this job shouldn't be too hard on me while I'm getting better.
So, I am being introduced to their particular software program, and am learning about the motel business.
It's proving to be very interesting......ha ha. Sherry has told me some doozie tales about guests.
The room rates went up yesterday. First time in 10 years. The computer had a glitch, and charged everyone 3 cents too much. So Buddy and I had to walk up and down the halls with cell phones, dial the guests room number, and tell them we were at their door with a 3 cent overpayment. Guests pay in advance, and don't always come back to the desk at check-out, so we had to do it this way according to the manager......... ha ha
It was so hilarious. Buddy and I were rolling over in laughter, and the guests joined right in. The guests made cute/funny comments and took it with a grain of salt.
Anyway, I am back at work, and it feels wonderful. (Even though I have to dress like a penquin). ~snicker~
Although jobs are scarce all over, it's even worse in small towns. I'm 56 years old, and nobody wants to hire someone my age, they want the young kids. You walk into a place of business around here, and it's either youngsters or elderly people working. I'm talking mid to late 70s. They are on retirement and working for extra money, so they latch onto the jobs and don't let go.
I have a cousin who works in housekeeping at a Super 8 Motel. One of the young desk clerks clocked out and quit. So Lindy (my cousin) told Sherry (General Manager) about me. Sherry called and asked me to come over and make application. I did so, and Sherry talked with me in between taking care of guests, it was on a Saturday and was very busy.
Well, a few days later, Sherry called me and told me I had the job if I wanted it. I began orientation this past Tuesday, 12th. It's nothing special. Desk Clerk/Night Auditor. Not a high paying position, and only part-time, but it's a start.
Sherry is aware of my recent treatments for cancer, and that it caused fatigue (which goes away after awhile). She was kind enough to say that this job shouldn't be too hard on me while I'm getting better.
So, I am being introduced to their particular software program, and am learning about the motel business.
It's proving to be very interesting......ha ha. Sherry has told me some doozie tales about guests.
The room rates went up yesterday. First time in 10 years. The computer had a glitch, and charged everyone 3 cents too much. So Buddy and I had to walk up and down the halls with cell phones, dial the guests room number, and tell them we were at their door with a 3 cent overpayment. Guests pay in advance, and don't always come back to the desk at check-out, so we had to do it this way according to the manager......... ha ha
It was so hilarious. Buddy and I were rolling over in laughter, and the guests joined right in. The guests made cute/funny comments and took it with a grain of salt.
Anyway, I am back at work, and it feels wonderful. (Even though I have to dress like a penquin). ~snicker~
Monday, August 11, 2008
Cheryl...
I was only going to say a few words, but it's turned out to be much more, so I will just make a post out of this.
You'll have to pardon me, I'm having a little difficulty with this. Although I was never given a reason, I am not allowed on your blog, but you come to mine and make comments. I wasn't going to respond at first, but since there's no other way of corresponding with you, I have only two choices. Ignore your comment, or reply. I will give you the courtesy of a reply.
Although 'we' are usually our worst enemy, and 'we' are the ones who beat our self up over things, I don't know where you're getting that I'm being hard on myself from this particular post.
I spoke in my post about disappointments, failures, obstacles. Something we all encounter, and something most of us like to share. I don't post things like this seeking pity. I do not think I am anybody special. I know there are many many people in this world who are worse off than I am.
However, it's just human nature that when things are happening to 'us', we tend to temporarily forget anything that is going on with others in order to deal with our own problems, and I share these problems in hopes of encouragement, or to perhaps let someone else know that they aren't alone, that it happens to each and every one of us.
I am the first to admit that I have questioned God as to why so many obstacles? Why must things be so hard for me? The little bit I mentioned in my post was only a drop in the bucket.
I am more than willing to give myself a break. I could use one in the worst way. But God has other plans for me obviously. And the only way I get through this is by reminding myself that my burdens are ordained, and that God is building my character, and I must have faith and believe.
I have had plenty of pity parties for myself. So I don't need that from others. I just recently finished 29 radiation treatments for breast cancer. And believe me, this being my 2nd time around with it, I certainly wanted to give up. But with encouragement from a few very special people, I kept on trudging until I finished. I left here every weekday morning at 4:30 to drive 145 mile round trip in order to receive treatment. I began June 10th and finished July 18th. I pulled over many times on the way home and give way to tears. I was fried, I was exhausted, and there were days I wish I hadn't woke up.
I would remind myself of a quote by Helen Keller. "Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world."
It didn't always work that way, but I would tell myself "rise and shine" Karen, don't "rise and whine".
The last time I went through this, I took 37 radiation treatments. I was married, and my husband who worked 3rd shift at GM, come home from work each morning and drove me to every single one of my treatments, I had a shoulder. This time, I faced it alone, and it was much more difficult.
So no, I don't think I am being hard on myself, someone 'else' is being hard on me. I've actually been on my knees begging the Lord for guidance to get me through, and show me the way.
You'll have to pardon me, I'm having a little difficulty with this. Although I was never given a reason, I am not allowed on your blog, but you come to mine and make comments. I wasn't going to respond at first, but since there's no other way of corresponding with you, I have only two choices. Ignore your comment, or reply. I will give you the courtesy of a reply.
Although 'we' are usually our worst enemy, and 'we' are the ones who beat our self up over things, I don't know where you're getting that I'm being hard on myself from this particular post.
I spoke in my post about disappointments, failures, obstacles. Something we all encounter, and something most of us like to share. I don't post things like this seeking pity. I do not think I am anybody special. I know there are many many people in this world who are worse off than I am.
However, it's just human nature that when things are happening to 'us', we tend to temporarily forget anything that is going on with others in order to deal with our own problems, and I share these problems in hopes of encouragement, or to perhaps let someone else know that they aren't alone, that it happens to each and every one of us.
I am the first to admit that I have questioned God as to why so many obstacles? Why must things be so hard for me? The little bit I mentioned in my post was only a drop in the bucket.
I am more than willing to give myself a break. I could use one in the worst way. But God has other plans for me obviously. And the only way I get through this is by reminding myself that my burdens are ordained, and that God is building my character, and I must have faith and believe.
I have had plenty of pity parties for myself. So I don't need that from others. I just recently finished 29 radiation treatments for breast cancer. And believe me, this being my 2nd time around with it, I certainly wanted to give up. But with encouragement from a few very special people, I kept on trudging until I finished. I left here every weekday morning at 4:30 to drive 145 mile round trip in order to receive treatment. I began June 10th and finished July 18th. I pulled over many times on the way home and give way to tears. I was fried, I was exhausted, and there were days I wish I hadn't woke up.
I would remind myself of a quote by Helen Keller. "Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world."
It didn't always work that way, but I would tell myself "rise and shine" Karen, don't "rise and whine".
The last time I went through this, I took 37 radiation treatments. I was married, and my husband who worked 3rd shift at GM, come home from work each morning and drove me to every single one of my treatments, I had a shoulder. This time, I faced it alone, and it was much more difficult.
So no, I don't think I am being hard on myself, someone 'else' is being hard on me. I've actually been on my knees begging the Lord for guidance to get me through, and show me the way.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Struggling Through Life's Experiences...
We all have them, disappointments, failures. They come in all shapes and sizes. From early childhood and being disappointed at Christmastime or perhaps a Birthday, to adulthood.
As a little girl, my only dream/daydream was to grow up, get married and have a family. And although a little young, that's exactly what I did, I married and we had a family.
Our children grew up, deaths occured, then, after 38 years, divorce. I want to say that all my accomplishments went right down the tubes. But, when I stop and think about it, I can't say that. We raised 3 wonderful children, and almost a 4th together. None of them caused us any severe grief, they were good children, still are. And my husband and I each taught the other one some very important things throughout the years. So, I can't say that nothing was accomplished during my marriage. However, I can say my divorce was a disappointment, and I encountered failure. Just goes to show, no matter how safe you think you are, nobody is 'exempt'.
Since I married so young, I did not have a complete education. I suffer today because of that. I ask myself if I would change this if I could do it over. No, probably not. Because that would alter other courses, and I wouldn't want to do that. However, not having a proper education and not having set goals for myself doesn't leave me many stepping stones to cross the creek. Therefore, I must endure the disappointment that comes from not having that education.
I've had nothing but obstacles since my divorce. Everything from difficulty finding jobs at my age, a major move and culture shock, to breaking my wrist, to falling down a flight of 14 stairs and getting busted up, to cancer. Many times I have whimped out and said "woe is me" and wanted to throw in the towel.
Since I have no shoulder to lean on, and have no one to help me make decisions, I have coped with things to the best of my ability and tried not to struggle which would only make things worse.
Today I suffered yet another disappointment. Actually one of the worst disappointments since my divorce, a very hurtful one. This time it has to do with a friendship. A multitude of things I suppose. Misunderstanding, disagreement, interpretation. All I know is that it hurts.
I have only modest dreams. I try not to ask for the impossible in this world. So once again, I will try to deal with disappointment in a positive way. Pain is inherent in life. Things change. Sometimes expectations just don't materialize.
I can only pray that the Good Lord sees fit one day to move my stepping stones just a wee bit closer together so that my steps don't have to be so long and hard.
As a little girl, my only dream/daydream was to grow up, get married and have a family. And although a little young, that's exactly what I did, I married and we had a family.
Our children grew up, deaths occured, then, after 38 years, divorce. I want to say that all my accomplishments went right down the tubes. But, when I stop and think about it, I can't say that. We raised 3 wonderful children, and almost a 4th together. None of them caused us any severe grief, they were good children, still are. And my husband and I each taught the other one some very important things throughout the years. So, I can't say that nothing was accomplished during my marriage. However, I can say my divorce was a disappointment, and I encountered failure. Just goes to show, no matter how safe you think you are, nobody is 'exempt'.
Since I married so young, I did not have a complete education. I suffer today because of that. I ask myself if I would change this if I could do it over. No, probably not. Because that would alter other courses, and I wouldn't want to do that. However, not having a proper education and not having set goals for myself doesn't leave me many stepping stones to cross the creek. Therefore, I must endure the disappointment that comes from not having that education.
I've had nothing but obstacles since my divorce. Everything from difficulty finding jobs at my age, a major move and culture shock, to breaking my wrist, to falling down a flight of 14 stairs and getting busted up, to cancer. Many times I have whimped out and said "woe is me" and wanted to throw in the towel.
Since I have no shoulder to lean on, and have no one to help me make decisions, I have coped with things to the best of my ability and tried not to struggle which would only make things worse.
Today I suffered yet another disappointment. Actually one of the worst disappointments since my divorce, a very hurtful one. This time it has to do with a friendship. A multitude of things I suppose. Misunderstanding, disagreement, interpretation. All I know is that it hurts.
I have only modest dreams. I try not to ask for the impossible in this world. So once again, I will try to deal with disappointment in a positive way. Pain is inherent in life. Things change. Sometimes expectations just don't materialize.
I can only pray that the Good Lord sees fit one day to move my stepping stones just a wee bit closer together so that my steps don't have to be so long and hard.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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