Eyebrows and Old Friends

I'm glad it's Friday. I need a weekend. By Monday I'll be ready to get back to my normal life, I think. But I need a couple of days free. I have to work next weekend so I want to really make use of this weekend.

I had lunch with Trish again today, and it was good. She's someone I never see enough of. I

Right after lunch I had an appointment to get my eyebrows waxed. This is not something I do casually. I've done it fewer than six times in my life. Why? Because it HURTS. Ripping hairs out by the roots, en masse, is painful. Who would have guessed? And, as I have had to do everytime I've had it done, I came home and plucked them a bit to even them up. If I ever find someone who's really good at it, maybe I'll get it done more often. OK, probably not - because it hurts.

And, honey, I don't know WHAT those women are thinking when they have the "bikini area" waxed. By the way - Newsflash - it itches like you wouldn't believe when it starts to grow back. Yeah, no one ever tells you that. Well, I'm here to spread the truth. Just say "No!" or expect to go around with your hand buried in your crotch for a few days when you decide you don't want to suffer the waxing all the time. No... I've not waxed - the mere thought of the pain is too much for me. But lets just say that was one of the many things my girlfriend Robin and I learned first hand in college.Experience is a good teacher.

I popped in to see Diana late this afternoon. I have really wanted to have a long conversation with her for quite a few months, but have been unsuccessful in catching her at a time when that can happen. Conversation has an ebb and flow that has to have time to build. There is always too much going on to have any focus. I really, really, really enjoy her and there was a time we had lots of really meaningful conversation, but I can't seem to find a way to make that happen anymore. I guess it's just one of those things.

Tonight I went out to do some errands and went to Walmart to buy another fan. While I was looking at fans, I heard someone scream, "Patsy Terrell!" I looked around and it was Shirley Mackey. It was SOOOOOO good to see her - and a big surprise. I think of her and Rob so often, but I had no idea she was in town. When I was in DC last month I had hoped I might get a chance to see them, but when I saw the schedule it was so packed that I didn't even bother to call because I had no free time.

She very graciously offered me their spare bed anytime I was in the DC area. I told her that was dangerous - I have a travel voucher I need to use. She reiterated that the offer was genuine. Some people are naturally generous.

Tonight when I came home I noticed I have a white calla lily starting to bloom in the front. It was dusk, so too late to take a photo, but I'll try to do that tomorrow. My little tomato is more red and a second one is turning. I picked some oregano and basil to go with my eggplant parmesan tonight. I love having these things right out the back door.

Well, I must sleep. I want to finish reorganizing the kitchen this weekend so I need to get a pretty early start tomorrow.

Art of Gracious Living #30

Click here for show #30 and it will automatically download for you. You can listen to podcasts on your computer. You don't need an iPod or any additional software.

We know that children who are connected through simple things like having dinner with their families, are less likely to do drugs. Yet, the number of families who eat together continues to drop.

We attribute it to our lack of time, but in reality we all still have 24 hours in the day. The trick is how we spend them.

We engage in more group activities, that limit our ability to connect with people one on one. Organized sports for kids have increased 200% in the last 20 years. We're losing something significant in this transition.

I encourage you to consider how you can make real connection with people this coming week.

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Organizing

I spent the workday focused on the newsletter. I did get to have lunch with Teresa, which was fun.

Tonight I've been working on the kitchen more. I have reorganized all the lower cabinets and started on the upper ones tonight. Basically, I've made a huge mess. But, I needed to wipe down all the cabinets and throw out expired items and just get it reorganized.

I'll be doing another Victorian Tea on August 26 so I want everything tidy before I start that. It goes so much quicker if I'm organized to start with. I've been thinking a little about the menu but haven't made the final decisions yet.

I did fix myself some real dinner tonight - eggplant parmesan. The eggplants looked really good at the store the other night so I bought one. I'll be eager when the farmer's market has more to offer - it's a little early in the season yet. But, the eggplant was good and I've got enough left over for tomorrow too. It's one of those things that is rarely good when you order it anywhere - always mushy.

I've been working on more computer things. I just never seem to have time to get them all done. I have also been messing with the PDA. I downloaded some etext books to have with me whenever I'm stuck somewhere with nothing to do. But, there's a bug of some sort in the T5 that won't recognize the internal memory card so I have to figure that out. I have a feeling it's more likely a bug with the software and not a hardware problem. There's probably a work around. I've found the software designed for PDAs in general be rather lacking.

I talked to Greg briefly. He and his girlfriend, Mia, were eating at a cool diner place. We had a bad connection so I didn't get all the details, but it sounds like they were having fun.

Well, I should go on upstairs. I have some things I want to do up there before I go to bed and it's already close to 2 and I need to get up early in the morning. There's never enough time for me to get everything done or sleep... how can that be?

The Wreckers

I'm really enjoying The Wreckers these days... maybe because I can relate to "Leave the Pieces" so well. "Drag out the heartache..." - there's a phrase most women can relate to.

I listened to it from their website more than once last night and was singing it to myself all morning. When I got in the car and started it, I was still singing the song and it was also on the radio - I was suddenly singing in sync with the radio. Freaky.

I think my favorite part is, "you're not sure that you love me but you're not sure enough to let me go." That harkens back to more than one relationship in my life.

Of course, years later I hear how he couldn't understand why I didn't know how much he loved me... of course he loved me... how could I not have known that? I guess because you never told me that. And losing me was the worst mistake of his life. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Seems I just hear the same song, different verse, over and over again. Not sure what the lesson is there for me, but I'm trying to figure it out before I get into another relationship.

Men are always more in love with me in retrospect than they were at the time I was with them. It's very odd, really. I think this must mean I'm very hard to actually be with, but the good times must leave some intense memories that they long for later. Unfortunately, I don't know why I'm hard to be with at the time, or why I make such a good memory, so I can't address it.

___________________

As the song says...

"It's alright. I'll be fine. Don't worry about this heart of mine. Just take your love and hit the road. There's nothing you can do or say. You're gonna break my heart anyway. So just leave the pieces when you go."

Tomatoes and Cucumbers

My big excitement of the day is that I noticed one of my cherry tomatoes is starting to turn red. It has been awhile since I've grown any veggies, so I'm overly interested in them.

I put out a few tomato plants, some herbs - basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, lavendar and parsley, and one cucumber plant. The cucumber plant has grown huge. It has tons of blooms, but no beginnings of cucumbers yet.

I put them into the backyard, beside an old lawn glider that I got from some folks in Kentucky. I love it but haven't decided how to make it function yet. I think it involves some plywood and cushions but I'm not sure. However, at the moment, it's in use by the cucumber plant and I've decided it looks cool so I'm leaving it.




It was a really nice day here today - only in the mid 80s - very unusual for Kansas in July. I took advantage of it to fertilize the lawn. You're not supposed to do it when it's too warm. Well, that's almost impossible here after a certain time. It's been on my list of things to do for awhile so I was happy to get it done.

I have more plants popping up that I put the bulbs in for in the last few weeks. We'll see how this all works long term. I think some of these need to be dug up at the end of the season. I'll have to do a little research on that.

I got to have lunch with Trish today, so that was fun. It's always so good to see her. She is one of my favorite people on the planet - I can't ever get enough of her.

I finally went to bed at 7 this morning and got up about three hours later. I tried to take a nap this afternoon and did lay down between 5 and 6:30 but never really fully got to sleep. Although I'm not feeling sleepy now, hopefully if I go lay down I will sleep.

But, I've gotten tons of things done in the last 24 hours. And I do love to get things done. I have a pile of things to go to Salvation Army, I've worked on webpages - personal and work, and I've done some writing that I need to get out the door. I have also worked on the house. I'm starting to see a tiny glimmer of "my life" but it's going to take awhile yet.

The Garden

I always think summer has officially arrived when I get my first "real" bloom on a plant - meaning it's one that grew from seed just dropped into the ground and not started inside first. And, I didn't just buy the plant already blooming and stick it in for "instant garden."

I noticed on Friday, June 30, that my first morning glory bloom was there, but not open. I got out on Sunday to get a photo of it, and I also discovered a calla lily blooming in the back, which was a surprise. I have planted tons of calla lily bulbs and they're coming up but I hadn't even noticed a bud. This is one of the new colors they released this year.




Other things are starting really fill in too. Greg gave me this shamrock he bought for a photo around St. Patrick's day. I thought it was dead because it dried out while I was gone on a trip. But, I just went ahead and put it in the ground and it has perked up and even grown some. I like the look of lots of things growing into one another.




I also have some "instant garden" plants.




And I adore plants that just come back on their own. I had three coneflowers last year but I think I pulled out the others thinking they were weeds. I was so happy to see this one. I'm hoping to spread more of its seed later this year so I get more of them.




The morning glories have grown up to the roof and are doing well. I love the look of viney things. I will try to take some photos of the overall and share soon.

I'm thinking about putting in a little wildflower garden in back. I want things that just take care of themselves - reseeding each year - and not needing lots of TLC.

Morning Comes

Well, it's 6 a.m. and I haven't been to bed yet. Frankly, I'm not even really tired yet. I've been doing a lot of writing overnight. It's been a very productive time.

I have never been a good sleeper. Neither was my mom, neither are my two brothers. There's something genetic in it all, I'm sure. I can't really say how my dad was, but I know the three of us and mama are not good sleepers.

I don't need as much sleep as other people. Thank goodness. I can't even get everything done I want to do and I rarely sleep even six hours a night.
I've been holed up in my office all night but I can see through the front door that daylight has arrived. I intended to go out for a walk before it got completely daylight but I've waited too long.

Oh well, now the big decision is if I should go to breakfast or go to bed. I think a walk first... then I'll make that choice. Then I really must try to get at least a little bit of sleep. Surely I need some.

Fourth of July

I went this morning to the Women's Civic Center where we were handing out ice water and lemonade to parade goers. This is the second year I've done it and it's really fun. Lots of the board members were there.

When I arrived today Mark said, "I've got a job for you." Generally all I end up doing is chit chatting with people I run into that I know. Today, Mark gave me the job of doing that very thing. As he put it, "because you know so many people." I really don't know any more people than the average person in town, but the perception is that I do. Greg is always teasing me about that so I put this story in just for his benefit.

The Fourth of July parade here is very much a little slice of Americana. I think we had all the typical things from the Shriners on bikes to horses.

It was fun to see people I know in the parade - Chris was driving his car again this year. I think I put a photo of him up last year, too - but I can't recall for sure. He has been very involved with United Way over the years and he's a great guy.

There were the usual things, and also something I'd never seen before - a foam machine. I'm not sure what you're supposed to do with it but they were squirting the parade goers every once in awhile. Again, I don't know what it is or what it's for, but apparently you can rent it. I just don't know what you do with it once you do.




There were lots of politicians out today. Diane McCarville was walking with her dog. Her husband, Joe, is a judge and is running for reelection.




Mark Treaster was in the parade. After he had walked the route he came to the civic center. His wife is on the board of the Arts and Humanities Council, which I'm also on, and this is one of our projects - restoring this building. He and Trish were chatting afterwards, and taking time to wave to folks they knew in the parade.




There were lots of politicians out today, including Frances Garcia, who I've always liked. She was a city council person for many years and is now on the county commission. She is a thoughtful person and genuinely cares about the community.

The democrats also had a float. Kathie has been such a trooper in getting these things done. It looked really nice.




Of course, every parade needs old cars...



and golf carts... it is Hutchinson where we're currently hosting the US Senior Open... we needed a golf cart in the parade



it is a farming community... you need tractors...



and horses... gotta have horses



Of course, not everyone was having a good time. This kid threw a temper tantrum three feet from his mother who didn't seem to notice. Not being a parent, I can never understand how people can ignore the piercing screams of children. He screamed, cried, stomped his feet and eventually threw himself on the ground. There was no impetus that I could determine. His sister eventually picked him up and gave him to the mother who managed to continue to ignore him. It's a skill I guess.

All in all it was a nice parade on a very nice day. It was a bit cooler today and that was a bonus.

Drugs

I have spent a lot of the day at the computer, working on various things. I haven't felt very motivated to do much else. My great plans for getting industrious in the house evaporated as this bladder infection got worse all day.

I finally got the antibiotics at about 4 this afternoon. I started the process at 7:32 this morning. It's a good thing it wasn't a serious medical issue. So, whatever little bug I have had extra hours to reproduce - always good news. But, I'm feeling better after only one dose of medication and I'm taking another one before I go to bed. They say two a day and I'm sure they meant more than five or six hours apart, but I meant I wanted them early in the day when I started calling at 7:32 a.m. So, this is the compromise.

Well, I'm heading up to bed early tonight. We had a nice little rain storm and it cooled things off a bit so it should be pleasant sleeping tonight - aside from the fireworks in the neighborhood.

Close Miss

Well, we've all survived the night and we probably didn't even know we were in danger. Asteroid 2004 XP14 passed closest to Earth last night - shortly after midnight Eastern Time - and is now moving further from our orbit.

I'm always amused that some people actually worry about things. If it had hit it would have created a crater about 20-30 miles in diameter. Yes, that's a big crater. But, compared to the size of the Earth, it's a tiny speck. The likelihood it's going to hit in any particular place is miniscule. I'm not up to doing the math on the probability of that, but lets just say it's minimal and leave it at that.

So, see, you have even more to be thankful for today and you didn't even know about it.

But, hey, mark your calendars for April of 2029, when Asteroid 99942 Apophis is expected to be visible in Asia and North Africa. It's huge - about 1000 feet wide - and will pass within 20,000 miles of Earth. In orbit terms that's like your next door neighbor's deck. Ones that big only come that close to Earth about once every 1,500 years. But, Apophis will likely be making another trip in about 2036.

So, depending on your approach to life, either chalk it up to oddities or start laying in the canned goods.

Bright Monday Morning

I love the early morning hours. I woke up about 5:15 and got up about 30 minutes later. Here before 7 I've already accomplished quite a few things, including waking up Sondra. She's ordinarily an early riser, but was sleeping in until about 6:15 when I woke her up. I never imagined she would still be asleep then. Oops. She had called yesterday asking if I wanted to go have breakfast so I was calling to see if she wanted to this morning. But, she had a full agenda today and was distressed she was still asleep. I may just head out to Dutch Kitchen in a few minutes.

I'm waiting on the Doctor's office to open so I can go visit their lab tech and get some nice little pills for this bladder infection. Thank goodness for over the counter stuff that helps the symptoms, but it won't do a thing for the real problem. I need some antibiotics for that.

I'm laughing at myself a bit this morning that I always go to the computer as soon as I come downstairs and check email. I rarely have anything in the morning. Of course not. I went to bed about 1 and am checking email about 6 - not very many people are going to written epistles in those hours. But, every day I check it first thing. I'm either very optimistic or very foolish. Lets just go with the former, shall we?

Sunday

I have been working in the house today - doing exciting things like organizing kitchen cabinets. Yes, I know, my life is thrilling - try not to be too jealous.

I need to get on my knees with a bucket of soapy water and a brush and scrub the floor in there. I can only think of about four million things I'd rather do.

I've also got a little bladder infection. So, I guess I'll get to go visit the doctor's lab and the pharmacy tomorrow. Thank goodness for over the counter medication. At least I'm not miserable from it. I'm not sure how I got this - not the usual way one gets them. I guess this is just a little surprise. Oh well... nothing major... some antibiotics will take care of it... just an inconvenience.

I have also taken some time today to work on some computer things. I have a ton of things I need to do yet, but at least I got started. I have trouble focusing on one thing at a time, so things tend to drag on for a long time. I have thought about trying medication for the ADD but I just don't like messing with brain chemistry unless it's absolutely necessary. And in my case I don't think it is as I'm able to function without it. But there are times when I need to focus that I think it would be nice to be able to do it more effectively. But, I manage to get things done anyway.

Gotta Love Saturdays

I had brunch with Trish today and it was wonderful. We went to the Dutch Kitchen and were there for nearly four hours.

Trish has a lot going on in her life at the moment and it was good to talk with her about it.

Before and since I've been busy trying to work on my life. That seems to be the refrain of my life. I did laundry last night before I went to bed so when I got up this morning I could hang it out right away. At the moment I've got clothes on the line, in the dryer and in the washer.

I've also been trying to work on some computer things. I have so many projects that need to be done for my podcasts, reviews, webpages, etc. etc. etc. etc. There always seems to be a long list of things I could spend my time with.

But I think my next project is a long bubble bath for me. I need to contemplate some things and the tub is always where I go for that. I'm also eager to read more of Freakonomics, the book I'm currently engrossed in. I also have some writing I need to do so maybe I'll sketch some of that out. Like I said... always plenty to do...

Art of Gracious Living #29

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I have had some incredible experiences because I shared someone else's passion for something. A recent example was riding behind Union Pacific's Steam Engine 844 to do a story. (Read the June 2 entry to see the full story on 844.) I would not have sought it out on my own but because I knew someone who was passionate about it I was able to share that.

What we are passionate about can also affect others. My friend, Matthew, has some rocks in his fish tank that are a momento of a trip we took.

I encourage you to discover what those around you are passionate about.

This photo courtesy of The Lope at http://www.thelope.com.

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Art of Gracious Living #28

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At a conference recently I was reminded how the language we use affects us and those around us. We were talking about Mental Health issues. Someone mentioned that one of the first things people do in any social movement is change the language. She cited the civil rights movement as a case in point.

This really struck me as an important consideration for our daily lives. When we change our language, we change our lives.

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Wichita Trip

I went to Wichita today. I needed to get my phone checked out. Of course, it "passed" the inspection. My guess is the second it's out of warranty it will fail the test. My next thing is to call customer service. I'll pass. That just results in me spending a lot of time on the phone and being really annoyed when I'm done and nothing has been taken care of.

I did some shopping and running around. My big purchase of the day is this toe ring for $4.99. Frankly, that's kind of expensive for a toe ring, but I really liked it so I now own it.

I had a few more things I needed to do but it was so freaking miserable walking around in parking lots that I decided to come home after a half dozen stops. It was over 100 today and I felt every degree of it.

At lunch I was reading Freakonomics, the book I'm currently engrossed in. It's really fascinating. The server asked what I was reading and we got into a great discussion about the book, which he had read. I brought half my food home and I noticed just a few minutes ago when I put it in the fridge that he wrote his phone number on the top while he was boxing it up. I guess that's less of a risk than saying something to me. But, for heaven's sake, he just finished his first year of college. He can't be but 19 or 20.

He was cute in that "I'm kinda nerdy, but very smart" way. And goodness knows, smart is always sexy. But I think someone less than half my age is, indeed, too young - even for a summer diversion. Pity.

Life Stuff Continued

I've had a productive day today. I got up early and did some planting before it got hot, and started working on the house. I got quite a bit done, but my house is still a mess. It's going to take far more than one day of work to get it anywhere near organized. But I did make some progress.

Greg and I had made plans to go to Roy's for lunch. I went on Saturday but he hadn't been for awhile. It's good stuff. I like to make it out there at least once a week.

We are so fortunate to have it right in town. Of course, it ruins other barbecue. I have finally learned to not order barbecue unless it's a place that is really known for its barbecue. And then I'm generally disappointed anyway. As I'm fond of telling Ann, "If I can't have Roy's, I'll do without." There is another barbecue place in town, and they stay open later, but they're a pale imitation of what real barbecue is. Maybe if you don't have Roy's you don't know the difference, but I do.

I was also able to get the car in for an oil change and to get the lock switch replaced. It was driving me nuts having to lean across to lock and unlock the doors. I ordered the part and picked it up yesterday but they put it in for me. I took them some baked goodies I had, too. I'll have to remember that's a good place to take things when I'm in the mood to bake. Now that I have no coworkers I don't have anywhere to take stuff.

Susan had called for dinner last night but I didn't get the message until later so I emailed her telling her that. She emailed back and asked about lunch so I invited her to join Greg and me. It was a really fun time.

Peggy called inviting me to go with her and Gary to Wichita to see Al Gore's movie tonight, but it was Creative Sisterhood group tonight so I couldn't go. I'll have to call and get a report.

It was good I was hosting Creative Sisterhood because it encouraged me work on the house a bit more than I might have otherwise. It's just so overwhelming it's hard to get motivated. But, like everything, it gets done a tiny bit at a time. I made brownies and they were yummy, if I do say so myself. I love that recipe - so quick and easy.

Tomorrow I have some errands for work and then I need to run over to Wichita to get my phone checked out. I've been losing lots of calls and it's going to digital roam all the time and generally just acting wonky. I haven't had it a year yet so want to get it checked out before the warranty is up. I no longer have much faith in cell phone technology lasting - I never even bothered to input all the numbers I had stored in my last phone, or set up all the speed dial. I guess I've come to accept I won't have any cell phone for an extended period of time. I'm not very hard on them, but their longevity is minimal it seems.

Life Stuff

I have spent the last couple of days catching my breath. Monday I had a ton of things I had to do related to the tour, but yesterday I took it easy. Today I felt like getting some things done around the house. It's still completely trashed, but I did accomplish a few things. Creative Sisterhood is tomorrow and my goal is that we'll all be able to sit comfortably - not something that's really possible right now.

Tonight after it cooled off I went out and dug some more flower bed area and planted more calla lillies. I adore them so I'm hoping they do well. I discovered a few more that are peeking through from when I planted them some weeks ago. I didn't plant these as deeply. I'm not sure exactly how all this gardening stuff works, but I know the gladiolus I planted as deep as they said to have not popped up and the others are about two feet tall. So, seems to me planting them a bit more shallow is a better idea. Maybe time will tell me that was a big mistake. We'll see.

My tomato plants are doing great. I have lots of green ones, but nothing anywhere near red yet. The pepper plant still looks very sickly. I put in an oregano plant today. The herbs are perking up a bit. The basil is doing great. I've got some olive oil with fresh basil in it in the fridge right now. I'm planning to have it over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes in the next day or two.

Tomorrow I have some work to do, and then I'm going to work on my life more. In fact, I think I may set the alarm for a very early hour and try to get outside while it's still cool and do some things.

Working on the tour so many hours every day I just let my life fall apart. I need to devote some time and attention to it. For some reason, it seems even harder to get things done when it's such a mess. But, I guess I will. I have to.

Rush Limbaugh's drug problems

Well, doggone it, Rush Limbaugh is once again in trouble regarding drugs. This time it was by customs officials who found Viagra that was not his prescription in his bags. He was detained for about three hours in West Palm Beach, returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.

His people say it was in his doctor's name for privacy concerns. I guess in Florida it's legal to have a prescription in a third party's name, as long as everyone is aware it's being done. So, as long as the doctor confirms this, Limbaugh isn't in any trouble regarding his recent deal with prosecutors on doctor shopping charges to feed his painkiller addiction. Of course, the privacy thing is out the window.

All of this aside, I have some questions.

1. Isn't Rush single at the moment? Didn't he and his wife file for divorce a year or two ago? So the spokesman for the conservative Christian-right is busy fornicating and that's OK? Apparently he even joked on his show about the fun he had on vacation and said he wished he could share with listeners. I'm very confused. I thought sex outside of marriage was wrong. I remember that very clearly from Sunday School. I thought that violated the very things conservatives stood for. What kind of family values is it to be going about banging women you're not married to? I don't recall what the Bible says about painkiller addiction, but I'm pretty clear about the no sex outside of marriage part.

2. When did all the men in America become impotent? I come from a long line of men who were fathering children into their 70s and 80s, long before we had things like Viagra. You know, I've had sex more than a few times in my life and impotence has never once been a problem. Never once. What's the deal? Admittedly, I would never choose someone like Rush - no question about that. Maybe it's a personality thing. I only sleep with liberals - they don't have impotence problems. Oh, gosh, that's a brilliant marketing position for the democratic party. And, you know, come to think of it, who made Erectile Dysfunction a household phrase? A big time republican, that's who. I swear... I'm onto something here...

Overheard Conversation

Those of you who are regular readers know I periodically post a snippet of overheard conversation.

Female: "So how did you two ever get together in the first place?"
Male: "Well, let me just start by saying I was drunk the night we met."
Female: "Well, that explains a lot."
Male: "I was still drunk the next day. The next thing I knew we were dating. Then she was pregnant and we were getting married."

Well, now, there's a love story to tell the grandkids.

This was followed by a long discussion about how he has tried to get out of the relationship repeatedly and has been unable to. So, on July 6 he is planning to move to South Carolina. He will go to work, quit, and take off from there. His wife and daughter will not know he has left until he just doesn't come home from work.

There are better ways to live a life.

Plastic Surgery for... every body part

A friend of mine is planning to have some plastic surgery soon. It will not be her first time to have a "procedure." I support her decision to do this, but for the life of me I cannot imagine doing it. She will need four weeks to recover from this "minor" surgery, because it is on her face. I'm sorry, anything that requires you to be at home for a month afterwards is NOT minor.

Oddly enough, I flipped over to VH1 tonight after Craig Ferguson's show and they're doing a show about plastic surgery. Parents are giving their children plastic surgery as high school graduation presents. Are you nuts? There's a great way to instill self esteem in your child. Yes, honey, you're right - you are hideous - here's a check so you can go let someone slice you open and rearrange your boobs, nose, tummy, ears and various other parts in hopes that someone will eventually look twice at you. It seems like it wasn't so many years ago that parents would have been horrified to hear their child needed to undergo surgery and now they're encouraging it?

People are having toes shortened, breasts enlarged and labia minora reduced. Yes, that's right - between your legs. I guess we've moved far beyond nose jobs. This ain't your grandma's plastic surgery anymore. Well, maybe it is, but you probably don't want to know about it if it is.

I didn't even know there was such a surgery. I didn't know there was a problem that would make people want a surgery. Not that thousands have seen it, and maybe they were all as out of the loop as I am, but no one has ever mentioned having a problem with the anatomy between my legs. Who stops in the midst of such a moment and says, "oh, gosh, ummm, I just can't... it's too... well... I just can't." Of course, no one ever mentioned that my toes are too long either. Women say they want a Playboy look between their legs. People, Playboy isn't real. News flash - there is this thing called "PhotoShop."

And your toes? What can possibly be wrong with your toes? They're TOES for heaven's sake. Women do this so they can wear stylish shoes. What? People, buy different shoes. It doesn't involve pain, blood transfusions, or chopping off body parts.

I'm starting to feel like I'm living in the dark ages that at age 44 I haven't had any plastic surgery done. By this age I should have at least a half dozen procedures under my belt. Lets see, if I had started at 17 when I graduated high school... Oh gosh, I'd be much further along than a half dozen by now. I'm way behind.

Of course there are things I'd like to look different on me. But I cannot imagine the pain or the cost of the surgery it would take, much less the risk. Has everyone forgotten that surgery is a big deal? Not something one seeks generally?

I know if you plan to have children with someone, you better see a school photo of them to see what genetics you're really getting. On second thought, you better look at a baby photo since children sometimes have their first plastic surgery at a young age to pin back their ears. At least with that I can understand the reason for it. But your toes? Your labia? This must be for people who have run out of other body parts to alter.

I've been asked a couple of times if I've had lip injections. No. Hell, no. What person in their right mind lets someone stick a needle in their LIPS? I just happen to have full lips - although not the fish lips people get with injections. Injection - what an ugly word.

Sometimes I feel very out of touch with the world, and this is one of those times.

Korean Baptist Church in Wichita Kansas

The Korean Baptist Church in Wichita was vandalized earlier this month. It looks like it was a hate crime. It isn't the first time the church has been vandalized, but this time they set fires in various places, as well as doing damage by throwing rice on the floors and just creating general mayhem. It was about $30,000 in damage. They are doing a CrimeStoppers piece on it.

I keep thinking surely we are past the point of hating people. I realize I have nothing on which to base this except common sense, but it seems that should be enough at some point. What's wrong with common sense? Seems like we could run our world so much better if we all used a little bit - like it's stupid to burn churches, for example.

In the vein of church teachings, one thing that seems to be common in numerous religions is the Golden Rule, not that it's called that in all faiths. But the concept is a standard - do until others as you would have them do unto you. So simple and yet so powerful.

Of course, the church members interviewed say they are praying for the people who did this and they forgive them. It's the Christian thing to do.

I didn't even know there was a Korean Baptist Church in Wichita - or anywhere - until I learned about the vandalism. But I'm now very offended on their behalf.

Garden Tour Big Success

The Garden Tour was a big success and it's done for this year. I am thrilled with the response we had. Tomorrow I have a lot of detail things to take care of for it, but I will also take some time just to rest and think.

As is always the case, there are people who are unhappy with things - always. I'm not sure why that is, but it must just be human nature. Fortunately, I don't have any of those people in my world by choice, so my contact with them is limited. And I'm blessed that none of them are on my board. I just could not deal with that kind of negative nit-picking all the time.

Peggy and Gary were a huge help, as they always are with any project. They are both such positive, fun people to be around. I don't know what I would do without them.

We did well today, and that's a relief. These events take a considerable amount of energy and this one was a real bear to get done due to circumstances beyond our control. But it all worked out.

Dick Westphal did a piece of jewelry for us to raffle off. He is such a gifted designer. And very generous with not only us, but other non profits in town.

One of the home owners today was playing music in her backyard, in addition to sharing her garden. I'm continually amazed at people's generousity.

I didn't get to all the homes as I was filling in at one of the locations. But it seemed like everyone was having a good time.

We had a fabulous day for it - sunshine, breeze, and it wasn't terribly hot. I think it only got up to the mid 80s today. Some years it has been over 100 the day of the garden tour so this was a pleasant change.

We had eight people this year who said they would do it next year so maybe this fall I will try to line that up.

I'm going to take some time now to work on my life. It desperately needs some attention.

Art of Gracious Living #27

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This week we welcomed a new addition into my family as my great neice had her first child. As we celebrated the birth of Mia Isabella, it occured to me that we should all celebrate our lives every day.

We have ample reason each day to be thankful and appreciative of our own unique place in the world.

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Art of Gracious Living #26

Click here for show #26 and it will automatically download for you. You can listen to podcasts on your computer. You don't need an iPod or any additional software.

The momentos we gather give us an indication of what we value.

As I thought about the "things" I treasure, they all relate to a connection with another person or a memory of an event. Those knick knacks are indications of relationships, and that's what makes them special.

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Unexpected Ellinwood Trip

Mark called this afternoon and was in the area. His friends, Carl and Chris, were doing another trip exploring Kansas. They went to Hays yesterday and worked their way back toward Kanopolis where they were camping. Mark joined them today and they had been visiting various places, using Marci's book, of course. (The Kansas Guidebook)

I was working on garden tour things but Mark wanted to know if I could get away and meet them in Ellinwood for dinner. It's about an hour from me. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see them. It was great to visit.

On the way back I stopped at a little picnic area between Chase and Lyons. It's a beautiful spot. I've noticed it many times but never stopped. Frankly, it was an amazing experience.


When I first went in there was a deer grazing at the edge of the woods. I parked and took a journal over to a picnic table to write for awhile. At one point I looked up and saw the deer was a hundred or so feet away from me, completely unaware of my presence.



I wrote for quite a while and walked around the park. It was getting dark when I left. I also had my first sighting of lightning bugs in this park. I adore lightning bugs.

It was a beautiful drive - very sunny day with clear blue skies.

Gardens and Fresh Food

I've had two full days of garden tour work. Things are so hectic leading up to the event. It happens Sunday and I am looking forward to Monday and not having this hanging over my head. I'm hoping it goes well.

I had hoped to get a couple more things done today but I ran out of time. It was almost 5 when I got to the bank, and I had to do a couple of personal errands too.

The golfers start arriving on Monday for the US Senior Open in Hutchinson. Although my house is not anywhere near the Prairie Dunes golf course, I want to get my lawn mowed so it looks nice just in case the TV crews do some sweeping views down the streets. You never know and I do live on one of the main east/west streets. I had to have my lawn mower repaired, so I wanted to go pay for it today so my handyman can pick it up later to mow the lawn on Monday.

I called Sondra after that because I was so ready to have some fun and do something not related to the tour. I asked her to go have dinner but she invited me over and whipped up dinner instead. Sondra is amazing. I love it that she is so welcoming, but I don't want to put her out either. She made some great tuna salad. I went to the store for some chips and we had a wonderful dinner. It was delicious and she just always has great stuff on hand.

At my house you're likely to find some basics, but Sondra always has amazing food in the house, ready to be enjoyed. Sondra is a great cook and a generous hostess. She's always happy to see you. We made plans to go to Roys tomorrow for lunch. Hopefully that will work out.

In my own little garden, my tomato plants have gone wild in the last couple of days. I didn't go out there last night but when I went out tonight about 9 they look like they've grown about six inches in the last 48 hours. The tomatoes, basil and cucumbers are doing great. The bell pepper plant is the same size as when I put them in and looks like it could keel over at any moment. I guess I should just pull it out and throw it away.

Well, I have a few more things to do for the tour, so I need to get back to that. It's almost 1 a.m. and I've been going since 6 this morning. Just a couple more things and I can get some rest.

Bush sings U2

http://www.break.com/index/sundaybush.html

See Bush sing U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday. This tells me some people have waaaaaay too much time on their hands.

Blogs as Non-Hiring Tools

I saw a news story that more and more potential employers are reading people's blogs before they hire them. They're generally talking about 20 somethings who write blogs about their drug use and other illegal activities, sometimes sprinkling in some info on the orgy they went to last night and other choice tidbits.

The story said about 20% of potential employers now are checking out blogs and using that information in hiring practices. I must say that I know far more about people's personal lives than I ever wanted to by reading random blogs. I don't write about my private life here because it's - well - what's the word - oh yeah, private. I save those things for the pen and paper journals.

Obviously, what you put on the WORLD WIDE Web is out there for publication. And I don't think it's such a bad idea for people to check out blogs to get a sense of who someone is. It should give you a sense of if that person will blend into your workplace or not. But, by the same token, people do have a right to have a life beyond their work.

Workplaces are just renting your mind for X number of hours a week. That does not give them the right to control your entire existence. However, if you're engaging in a lot of drug use or other illegal activity, or hosting a lot of orgies, it might be best to not write about it on the WORLD WIDE web - at least not under your own name. Just a thought. But, as always, your mileage may vary.

The Day

I spent the day working on the garden tour program. It's printing now. I'll give it another good look in the morning before going to print the multiple copies needed. It's my last chance to catch any errors. It seems something always slips by but hopefully it won't be anything major.

Tonight was supposed to be our board meeting but we had so many people out of town that we weren't going to have a quorum so we cancelled. This is probably why so many boards don't meet during the summer.

I've been looking ahead on my calendar and realizing that I'm getting very booked up for the rest of the summer. I have something practically every weekend until September. I need some time to focus on my life.

That is number one on my agenda come Monday - focusing on my life. I've been so busy with garden tour stuff 24/7 the last few weeks that my life has really gotten out of control.

One thing accomplished today was the dishwasher drain repaired. The other day I dumped a pile of clothes out of my suitcase into the kitchen floor so I'd have to deal with them the next day. The next morning when I started to put them in the washer I realized they were wet. Yikes!

A little investigation discovered the drain line going from the dishwasher into the garbage disposal had torn apart from the pull of gravity. I called Lowes since they did the install and I have to say they were *very* responsive, after I called once and got the run around. I called back to the salesman who sold it to me and I actually got good service.

Anyway, the plumber came out today and fixed it. It worked out great since I was here working on the garden tour booklet. He was a really pleasant guy - I liked him - and made note of his cell phone number for future reference. Always good to have a plan that you hope you never need to use - like a plumber's cell phone number.

This evening Greg and I went to see Cars. He had already seen it but I wanted to see it and I needed a break from the booklet - my eyeballs were starting to not comprehend it anymore. It's a great flick.

I'm not really a movie person but there are some words and phrases that get me to head to a theatre. "Pixar" is one of those words. I'm still in love with Buzz Lightyear and Woody, not to mention the Alien Guys. For years I've been saying, "oooooooh" and "The Claw is my Master" just like my stuffed alien guy does. Yes, that's right, I have the toys. I play with the toys. And I'm not embarrassed for anyone to know it.

We met a number of the people credited in the movie on our trip last summer. I guess they're all getting their 15 minutes of fame. I'm thinking a Route 66 trip is probably going to be a more crowded experience with the movie out than it was before.

Last summer when we were at the Rock Cafe in Stroud, OK I loved the cartoon John Lasseter had drawn in the bathroom of Buzz and Woody. The bathroom walls are covered with graffiti - it's encouraged - but that one really stood out. It's dated 6-6-2001, when they were doing research along the road.




The movie is just great, as you always expect from Pixar. I am continually amazed when a corporation can maintain creativity. It seems impossible to have a corporate culture that is also creative, but Pixar has managed it. And as if the movie is not sufficient, don't miss the credits where you'll see their creativity even more.