Holidays

There are several things that are good about being a blogger, and one of them is being in control of the first photos that are posted. Holidays are a great time to select photos of unsuspecting family members, and this year was no exception.  Unfortunately, this Thanksgiving was not quite what had been anticipated. 

First, there were two "senior citizens" that were supposed to be in attendance.  The first one made it through Thanksgiving Eve, but on Turkey Day called and requested transport to the local hospital.  That did not start the celebration in a positive manner.  

After a few hours in the local establishment, she enjoyed a trip to the "big city" where she was kept over night and given one heart stint the next day.

As for the rest of the clan, it was business as usual - LOTS OF FOOD!  Enough food, in fact, for two full meals (two days in a row) with a gathering of 15 or 20 (more or less - I didn't keep count) each time.  There were still left overs and turkey sandwiches to be had at will.

More interesting is the change (or lack there of) in the group that gathered.  Certainly, there was one less "senior" and the other ate and left (crowds are no longer her thing - and besides by the second evening she was no longer certain what month or holiday it was).  But we ate, drank, visited, and even played cards. 

Then BLACK FRIDAY arrived.  The shoppers headed north, some went to the hospital to check on the patient, the non-shoppers stayed local and picked up a few "deals" and one brave soul (the "non-uncle") became the best adult ever to spend the day with three youngsters.  When they returned Friday night about 9 PM one sleepy little girl was in the "non-uncle's" arms and semi-asleep.  It had been a great day all around.

The one thing the "crowd" didn't do much of was reminisce   Thanksgivings past and other memories were not mentioned. Therefore, this blogger felt compelled to post a couple "memories" for those who attended this year's festivities.  Can you spot the difference?

Holidays are to be cherished - in this modern era they account for the one or two times a year we gather with our families.  It is a sad commentary on our current living arrangements when we are scattered and too busy to stop and spend time.  After all, life is really a fleeting time span and the older we get the faster it seems to pass (I remember the "old folks" when I was young saying stuff like this and now it seems to be true). 

There is another holiday just around the corner.  Another gathering time to be celebrated.  In this person's opinion, the gatherings are the only positive aspect of shortened daylight, end of the year crunches, and the "buying" season. 

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!" ~Albert Einstein

Absent

Perfect week to have been out of the plant.  I left for Florida on Monday - early afternoon flight from Campaign with a connection in Chicago.   Made it to the hotel about 9:30 PM Monday night.

Tuesday I found my way to the Clearwater facility and the training room.  My Black Berry didn't work in the room (lead-lined or some such thing), and my computer would not connect to the plant system.  It was afternoon before I learned the the "feds" were in the plant.  US EPA was holding an "unplanned" inspection at the plant. 

By Tuesday evening a series of calls would have one believe that the sky was falling.  Doom and gloom, finger pointing by people at the corporate office whom I have never met, and so forth.  By Wednesday evening all was looking up and by Thursday the "bigger brother" (aka NRC) was in the picture.  Life is good - I was not there for the insanity!

If we have faith, we are protected - in this life and the next.  I am so glad I was protected this past week. 

"Faith is putting all your eggs in God's basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch." ~Ramona C. Carroll

Stress?

What an interesting phenomena "stress" is - raises blood pressure, causes us to become "out of sorts," and generally makes us miserable.  Why do we allow stress into our otherwise harmonious lives?  How do we conquer this malady?

Blood pressure of 177/110.  What a "wake up" call that was.  Wednesday at work was not a good day.  Weekend blood pressure:  117/74 (average of 6 measurements over two days).

Difference - away from the whiners, the people making knee-jerk decisions and not communicating for a "buy in," and not listening to the voice of reason (in other words - people with personal agendas talking over folks wanting a slow down in decison making).  Weekend with kitties, outside walks with neighbors, and recreating my calming environment.

We may not have the ability to remove stress from our lives (and quite honestly, some stress is a good thing - otherwise we are not energized to solve problems and "think outside the box"), but we should have all the tools for coping.  Yoga, breathing deeply, and going to our "happy place."

Today's stressor - high winds.  Plane to catch at 2:20.  Heading to Florida for work.  Good news - get to see my "old friend" (who isn't really "old" - just experienced) and will be able to compare notes, see the "green flash" over the Gulf of Mexico, and eat some fresh sea food. I am looking forward to lower stress.

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." ~Alan Alda