On Aging

Ya gotta love getting older!

You know, I've come to terms with the whole age thing. After all, I've had 56 years to come to grips with it. I'm OK with graying hair...I just color mine. I'm OK with a few wrinkles...I use coconut oil every morning and every night and it works pretty darn well. I'm EVEN OK with hot flashes...after 14 years of "flashing fun" I've finally gotten mine under control... BUT, what I do have a hard time with are the aches and pains that come along with getting...ugh...OLDER!!

Don't get me wrong, I don't think 56 is THAT old. After all, aren't 50's the new 30's (or something ridiculous like that?) I'm thankful that I've had the great years I've had and even the not-so-great years I've been able to endure. I just really still think of myself in my 30's but lately, my body is reminding me that I am, in fact, smack dab in the middle of my "golden years"...

I had foot surgery this past Monday morning. The surgery went very well (so I'm told) and the prognosis is great. All I asked the doctor was if I would be able to wear fabulous shoes and boots again...that, my friends, is my one great weakness...my one great addiction. Shoes make me happy...but not right now:( my Docs response was "absolutely"...followed up with an under-the-breath "job security for me!" And here's the sick thing...I'm OK with that!

So, since Monday, I've been laid up, unable to bear ANY weight on my foot. Since I HATE painkillers and don't do well on them, I'm a total SPAZZ on my crutches and have had a few wipe-outs adding to my hubs already (very distinguished) graying hair. I haven't eaten much and if it weren't for the sweet generosity of a sweet daughter and a sweet friend, we probably would be starving...guess I fell off the ward radar for meals to be brought in...oh well..

So now I'm off work until the beginning of Feb. I'm in the "healing" phase of this whole ordeal and, to be honest, I'm NOT a good patient! I am going stir crazy, I've been "Netflixed" out of my mind but I can finally read again and have finished off 2 more books in a series of 4.

So this Thankful month, I am SO thankful for skilled doctors, modern medical procedures and the promise of better days ahead.

I Am Thankful...

I am Thankful for:         

• The taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.
• The clothes that fit a little to snug because it means I have enough to eat.
• My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
• A lawn that has to be mowed, windows that have to be washed and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
• The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means that I am capable of walking.
• All the complaining that I hear about our government because it means that we have freedom of speech.
• The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
• The huge piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
• The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm still alive.
• The pain I experience when I stub my toe because it means I still have feeling.

Give Peace a Chance

I don't know about you, but I am SO sick and tired of all the political ugliness that we, as a nation, have had to endure for the past few months. Wednesday cannot come soon enough for me.

Let me just say that I am VERY strong in my political beliefs. I study issues before congress, I listen to debates, I write to my elected officials. I read history books and books by good, honest and wise men who love this great country of ours and who have put their "popularity" on the line in the name of defending Liberty. I volunteer in my community and I strive everyday to live what I believe and I vote my conscience; usually, this is not popular, but, I don't care because I vote with my heart and my mind.

One of the things I love about this country is that we ALL have the right to vote for whom WE choose. Much blood has been spilt on OUR behalf by our great Founders who quite literally pledged their lives, liberty and fortunes on our behalf. I, for one, am eternally grateful for their immense sacrifices and can never fully repay them.

Never in my life have I EVER been as disgusted as I have been with the rhetoric of this election. In my humble opinion, it has been laced with ugliness, cattiness and just plain old hatred. I have seen things posted on Facebook by people whom I once respected, that is hateful and disrespectful. We are so polarized as a nation. How can we ever heal from this? On Wednesday, what is the tone of Facebook going to be? Are the voters of the "Loser" going to cry foul? Are the "winners" going to gloat? I for one am going to move forward and continur to fight the battle for Freedom and Libery. I'm going to love my friends regardless of who becomes our next president.

Our nation is in desperate need of some major healing. Name calling, mud slinging, bullying should NEVER be tolerated and we have allowed, participated and stooped to an all-time low (in my humble opinion). I know people who de-friend people because of political posts. How pathetic!

What's really interesting to me is that the majority of these slams are not even accurate. I grew up in the entertainment industry surrounded by the media and I know how things can be spun.

So, my sweet friends, I do not agree with all of your beliefs and you do not agree with all of mine and THAT'S OK!! I still love you and I still value our friendships. Come what may on Wednesday...but let's get rid of this ugliness and work together to help restore our freedoms and liberties. Let's take care of our brothers and sisters who are struggling, whether it's from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, a broken economy, or just struggling with the challenges of everyday life. Let's reach out and extend the hand of compassion. And most importantly, let's clean up our own backyards and stop with the critisizing, judgments and accusations. All I am saying is "Give Peace A Chance."

Peace, Love and God bless us all...