For the past ten days, I've been trying out something entirely new: contact lenses. Why? Well, you see, I hate reading glasses. With a passion. I hate everything about then. I hate that they make me look ugly. I hate that they make me look old. I hate that I can never find them because I put them on and take them off hundreds of times throughout the the course of the day. I hate that they always break. And why do they always break? Because I buy them at the dollar store. Why do I buy them at the dollar store? Because I hate them so much that I refuse to spend more than a dollar on them. Can you feel my frustration? Multiply it by 100 and you might be close.
I think it would be easier for people who have always needed eye correction to adjust to reading glasses. But when you've had perfect vision your whole life and then suddenly (!) when you are about 40 and for some stupid reason you can no longer see close up, it is over-the-top frustrating. Grrrr!!! So I've complained and complained about these dumb reading glasses until finally a friend who happens to be an optometrist politely suggested, "You know, instead of complaining for the next 50 years, you could do something about it. You could try contacts."
And that brings us to now. Ten days ago, I went for an eye checkup and told the doctor my tale of woe. He said we could try single-vision contacts although "they can be tricky." Gee, ya think? So here's the irony. Most people put in contact lenses in order to see better. Yep, after they put them in, they can actually see better than before. It's the exact opposite with me. I can see just fine before I put them in (other than up close, obviously). But once they're in, it's quite a struggle. The whole world is fuzzy. Single vision contacts are just that: single vision. I have a close-up lens in my left eye and a distance lens in my right eye. And I'm supposed to train my brain to essentially ignore the input from one eye or the other, depending on what I'm doing. I'm not allowed to shut one eye; I have to keep them both open all the time.
I think my brain is slow to train. Perhaps it involves the same part of the brain that is used to play games. Or cook. Or do crafts. I don't know. But I'll tell you this much for certain. I've been at this ten days now, and at night, when I finally get to take the things out and my crystal clear world reappears, it's a bit of euphoria. The other challenge is getting the things in my eyes in the first place. Goodness, the they are so tiny and so thin! I can barely see them. Remember, the whole reason I'm doing this is that I can't see up close. So I have to put the things in my eyes without really being able to see them. Lovely! Initially, it was taking me around 40 minutes to get both of them in. Today, it was more like 10, so I guess that part is improving. Still, since I never know for sure how long it will take, I can't really plan. Good thing I don't have to be anywhere in the morning. Gerald provides a great cheering section. "You're doing great. You'll be a pro in no time." Eli just makes fun of me. Of course both Gerald and Eli slip those little buggers into their eyes on the first try each day without any trouble, and they both have much smaller eyes than I do.
So in case you're thinking to yourselves, "Why is she doing this? Can it possibly be worth it?" The answer is unequivocally, yes! I will persevere. I will not give up. I am determined. Because despite all the struggles you just read about, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE not wearing reading glasses. And though my distance vision is still pretty fuzzy, I am able to read things close up fairly well. No more putting on dumb, ugly glasses every time I want to send or receive a text message, or check a food label, or read an email. Nope! No more. And I'm still hoping my brain training will progress. Perhaps one day the world won't appear fuzzy. Until then, if you ever need an example of pure irony, feel welcome to share my story.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Friends are Friends Forever - Part 4 of 4
Jay - Part 4 of 4
I just finished an evening of what I like to call "dinner therapy." It's something I do every 3 or 4 months with my friend Jay. We don't see each other ever in between, but every few months, one of us will text the other and say, "Are you up for some dinner therapy?" And we always are. This time it had been longer than 3 or 4 months, more like six I think. I was really missing her. I wanted to be sure we had one more "session" before I move.
I met Jay back in the Metra Ward. We didn't know each other very well at the start, but then I was looking for someone to ride to Utah with me. This was about five years ago. Jay's sisters live in the valley, and she volunteered to go with me. She even volunteered to drive my van! I hate driving, so this was a huge plus. We essentially talked non-stop for the whole 9-hour trip and again on the nine hours back. And that sealed the deal. We were bonded.
I won't go into detail about the content of our conversation. It's therapy, remember? So there's the issue of confidentiality. Suffice it to say that Jay and I share some common past experiences, and as a result, she understands me in a way that most others do not. It's always so good to talk to her. I think she feels the same. When we know we're getting together, we both look forward to it all day.
I will miss Jay and our "therapy" sessions. She promises to call when she's in Utah, and I hope she does.
I just finished an evening of what I like to call "dinner therapy." It's something I do every 3 or 4 months with my friend Jay. We don't see each other ever in between, but every few months, one of us will text the other and say, "Are you up for some dinner therapy?" And we always are. This time it had been longer than 3 or 4 months, more like six I think. I was really missing her. I wanted to be sure we had one more "session" before I move.
I met Jay back in the Metra Ward. We didn't know each other very well at the start, but then I was looking for someone to ride to Utah with me. This was about five years ago. Jay's sisters live in the valley, and she volunteered to go with me. She even volunteered to drive my van! I hate driving, so this was a huge plus. We essentially talked non-stop for the whole 9-hour trip and again on the nine hours back. And that sealed the deal. We were bonded.
I won't go into detail about the content of our conversation. It's therapy, remember? So there's the issue of confidentiality. Suffice it to say that Jay and I share some common past experiences, and as a result, she understands me in a way that most others do not. It's always so good to talk to her. I think she feels the same. When we know we're getting together, we both look forward to it all day.
I will miss Jay and our "therapy" sessions. She promises to call when she's in Utah, and I hope she does.
Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friends are Friends Forever - Part 3 of 4
Ethan - Part 3 of 4
They say a picture paints a thousand words, and if that is the case, I won't need to add much to this. The photo speaks for itself. This is Seth with his very best friend Ethan. For the past two weeks, we've allowed the boys to stay together 24/7, switching back and forth between Ethan's house and ours. But today was the day they had to say goodbye. Ethan's family leaves on vacation early tomorrow morning, and by the time they get back, we will be gone. It was incredibly sad. Brenda sent me email after Gerald picked up Seth. She said after Seth left, Ethan went down to his room and cried. Seth came home in a similar disposition. I feel so bad for them. I know this move is the right one for our family, but that doesn't make it any easier for an 11-year-old boy to leave his best friend. And poor Ethan; I think it's even harder for the one left behind. We moms would love to promise them that they will get to see each other again soon. But that's a promise we cannot make. We can only promise to try.
Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
Friends are Friends Forever - Part 2 of 4
Lisa - Part 2 of 4
When we moved to Billings in August of 2004, we didn't know a single soul in the state of Montana. This was a little scary, especially for a couple of boys ages 13 and 11. Would they make friends? Would they like their new schools? Would life be okay? Many uncertainties. I am poignantly reminded of this now, as 11-year-old Seth faces those same questions. We arrived in Billings on a Wednesday, and school would start the following week. I was determined to find some connections for Isaiah and Eli before then, so we showed up that very night at what I guessed would be our church. The clerk, Brother Christofferson, was sitting in his office, so I walked in and inquired: "This is our new address. Do you know what ward we're in?" He glanced at his map and told me we would be in the Metra Ward and that the youth were, at that very moment, outside in the park behind the church having a barbecue. What luck!
We headed out to the park, and the first person we met was Lisa. She was the Young Women's president at the time. I liked her right away. She was so fun and so welcoming, and we had much in common. Both of us had five kids, four sons and a daughter. And three of those sons were the same ages: her Sam and our Isaiah, her Jake and our Eli, her Seth and our Seth! Yep, we even liked the same boys' names. Sam and Isaiah became close friends right away. Jake and Eli are still best friends even now, seven years later. And the little guys became "The Seths of Metra Ward."
There is not sufficient room here to include all the ways Lisa has enriched my life. She can do anything crafty. Seriously, everything she touches turns to beautiful. For me, sadly, it's just the opposite. At Relief Society enrichment nights, she and Celeste would take pity on me and do my craft projects. I have several things in my house (well, in my former house) that Lisa and Celeste made. When Luke was due to return from his mission, she and Celeste compiled all the photos he had sent home over the two years and created the most beautiful "Welcome Home" scrapbook for him. This literally took days! And since she has had her job at Horizon Airlines, she has shared "buddy passes" with me several times, allowing me and sometimes my family to fly at drastically reduced rates.
Since the stake boundaries changed nearly three years ago and the Metra Ward no longer exists, I don't get to see Lisa nearly enough. But when we do get together, it's always the same. That's how real friendship is. I will miss her.
When we moved to Billings in August of 2004, we didn't know a single soul in the state of Montana. This was a little scary, especially for a couple of boys ages 13 and 11. Would they make friends? Would they like their new schools? Would life be okay? Many uncertainties. I am poignantly reminded of this now, as 11-year-old Seth faces those same questions. We arrived in Billings on a Wednesday, and school would start the following week. I was determined to find some connections for Isaiah and Eli before then, so we showed up that very night at what I guessed would be our church. The clerk, Brother Christofferson, was sitting in his office, so I walked in and inquired: "This is our new address. Do you know what ward we're in?" He glanced at his map and told me we would be in the Metra Ward and that the youth were, at that very moment, outside in the park behind the church having a barbecue. What luck!
We headed out to the park, and the first person we met was Lisa. She was the Young Women's president at the time. I liked her right away. She was so fun and so welcoming, and we had much in common. Both of us had five kids, four sons and a daughter. And three of those sons were the same ages: her Sam and our Isaiah, her Jake and our Eli, her Seth and our Seth! Yep, we even liked the same boys' names. Sam and Isaiah became close friends right away. Jake and Eli are still best friends even now, seven years later. And the little guys became "The Seths of Metra Ward."
There is not sufficient room here to include all the ways Lisa has enriched my life. She can do anything crafty. Seriously, everything she touches turns to beautiful. For me, sadly, it's just the opposite. At Relief Society enrichment nights, she and Celeste would take pity on me and do my craft projects. I have several things in my house (well, in my former house) that Lisa and Celeste made. When Luke was due to return from his mission, she and Celeste compiled all the photos he had sent home over the two years and created the most beautiful "Welcome Home" scrapbook for him. This literally took days! And since she has had her job at Horizon Airlines, she has shared "buddy passes" with me several times, allowing me and sometimes my family to fly at drastically reduced rates.
Since the stake boundaries changed nearly three years ago and the Metra Ward no longer exists, I don't get to see Lisa nearly enough. But when we do get together, it's always the same. That's how real friendship is. I will miss her.
Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
................to be continued.......................
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friends are Friends Forever - Part 1 of 4
As our move to Utah approaches (15 days and counting), I couldn't be more excited. We've been planning and hoping for so long, and now that it's reality, it can't happen fast enough. Still, there's always the bit of bitter with the wonderful sweet, when we think about the people we will leave behind. As I've mentioned before, my very closest friends have already left. One moved to Texas two years ago and the other to Rexburg last summer. But they are not the only people who've been part of our lives here in Billings. I'm reminded of a tune with lyrics by Michael W. Smith, "Friends are Friends Forever." In this 4-part series, I would like to share some memories of friends whom we will leave behind in Billings.
Trudy - Part 1 of 4
I have been walking for at least 15 years, maybe more. It's more than just exercise for me; it's a way of life. I really can't imagine not walking. It began as a part of my on-going weight management program, but the benefits are so much greater than that. Walking is good for bone strength, cardiovascular health, mood stabilization, Vitamin D accumulation, and more. It's the perfect exercise! Through the years, I've had numerous walking partners come and go, some more dedicated than others. However, never have I had one as fiercely dedicated as Trudy. Most people, it seems, very much like the idea of walking, you know...the healthy lifestyle thing, etc. But unfortunately, when it comes down to actually doing it, well let's just say that often, the spirit is willing, but the flesh, not so much.
This was never the case with Trudy. Seven years ago, she and I began walking the bike trail near our homes. Our regular route is just about four miles round trip. We've walked more than that and less, depending on the day and circumstances, but generally that's about how far we go. The thing with Trudy is that, like me, walking is a priority to her. It's not her highest priority, nor is it mine. We both have families, she has a full time job, and we both have church and other responsibilities. Though not the absolute highest priority for either of us, it's still very high, in fact one of the highest. And that's what makes it work: our unyielding commitment to walking as many days as possible, even if it means sometimes sacrificing other things.
And work it does. I wish I had kept track of the number of miles or hours she and I have walked together. It's lots. And lots. And lots. With the exception of the most bitter cold winter days or when there is ice on the ground (Trudy is slightly accident prone and is terribly afraid of falling), we average five out of seven days a week, year round, and we've been doing this for seven years. I sincerely hope she can find someone else to walk with when I leave. Shulamith says she'll be my new partner. I hope so! I will miss Trudy for sure. Her dedication and commitment these past seven years have been remarkable.
Trudy - Part 1 of 4
I have been walking for at least 15 years, maybe more. It's more than just exercise for me; it's a way of life. I really can't imagine not walking. It began as a part of my on-going weight management program, but the benefits are so much greater than that. Walking is good for bone strength, cardiovascular health, mood stabilization, Vitamin D accumulation, and more. It's the perfect exercise! Through the years, I've had numerous walking partners come and go, some more dedicated than others. However, never have I had one as fiercely dedicated as Trudy. Most people, it seems, very much like the idea of walking, you know...the healthy lifestyle thing, etc. But unfortunately, when it comes down to actually doing it, well let's just say that often, the spirit is willing, but the flesh, not so much.
This was never the case with Trudy. Seven years ago, she and I began walking the bike trail near our homes. Our regular route is just about four miles round trip. We've walked more than that and less, depending on the day and circumstances, but generally that's about how far we go. The thing with Trudy is that, like me, walking is a priority to her. It's not her highest priority, nor is it mine. We both have families, she has a full time job, and we both have church and other responsibilities. Though not the absolute highest priority for either of us, it's still very high, in fact one of the highest. And that's what makes it work: our unyielding commitment to walking as many days as possible, even if it means sometimes sacrificing other things.
And work it does. I wish I had kept track of the number of miles or hours she and I have walked together. It's lots. And lots. And lots. With the exception of the most bitter cold winter days or when there is ice on the ground (Trudy is slightly accident prone and is terribly afraid of falling), we average five out of seven days a week, year round, and we've been doing this for seven years. I sincerely hope she can find someone else to walk with when I leave. Shulamith says she'll be my new partner. I hope so! I will miss Trudy for sure. Her dedication and commitment these past seven years have been remarkable.
"Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say 'never,'
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
...............to be continued..................
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
11 in 11
Because Seth was born in Y2K, it's always easy to remember exactly how old he is. He turned one in 2001, two in 2002, three in 2003. Bright group that you are, you can figure out the rest on your own. Sorry for the sarcasm. I think I've spent too much time lately sitting in McDonald's waiting for people to finish their various activities before driving back to Shepherd. And here I am again, only this time I'm at the McDonald's way out on the West End by the Shiloh 14 movie theatre. Seth is there with three friends watching "Kung Fu Panda II," in celebration of his 11th birthday.
His actual birthday was June 14th, two weeks ago when he and I were in Salt Lake City. Now don't think we didn't celebrate big time. We did. In fact, nearly the entire day was devoted to Seth. Okay, not quite the entire day. We did spend around three hours house hunting, which turned out wonderfully because that's the day we found our house. But the rest of the day was totally Seth. Mathew got up at 8:00 in the morning to take Seth bouldering. This is a fairly new hobby of Matt's. Apparently it's sort of like rock climbing, except you don't go nearly as high, and you don't use ropes. Instead, you take these big crash pads to put down under you, so when you fall, you don't die. Matt loves it, and he bought Seth some used climbing shoes, so he could try it too. I never actually got to see him climb, but apparently he did okay for his first time.
By the time they got back, Shulamith and I were up and ready to go to breakfast at Denny's. The exciting thing there: the kids' menu is for children age 10 and under. Seth was quite proud to order his Grand Slam off the adult menu, and then he got it for free because it was his birthday. Next he opened his gifts. Shulamith and Matt gave him the card game "Killer Bunnies." I don't know much about that except the game takes a sweet, docile creature and turns it into a sadistic, angry murderer. Lovely! We gave Seth a cell phone, which he had no idea was coming. I had told him he couldn't have one until he was 13. Oooh, I love it when I can pull off that level of surprise. That evening, after house hunting, we took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, where he got to sit on a saddle while everyone sang to him. The following day we took him to Lagoon, a rather amazing amusement park with tons of wonderful roller coasters.
So my thought was...this was a pretty good birthday, huh? And Seth was most appreciative for sure, but he still kept talking about the "friend" party that he would have when we returned to Billings. I hoped he might just forget about that, but of course 11-year-olds rarely forget anything (other than taking showers and brushing teeth), and Seth hasn't stopped talking about the "friend" party since we got back. So today is the day. I drove around and picked up three of his friends and took them to the theatre. Because it's "stimulus Tuesday," I was able to get them all $1 popcorns and $1 pops. Everyone seemed happy. I made sure they were seated comfortably in the theatre and then came across the street to McDonald's. After "Hoodwinked II" and "Shrek Forever After," I simply can't handle another kid movie this summer. I will go back just before the movie ends. Then it's yogurt sundaes for dessert, and I'll deliver the boys to their homes.
Happy birthday, Seth! We love you so much. We are delighted you are 11 in 11.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Food Dreams
Have you ever had a food dream? The kind where you dream about some delicious, high-fat, uber-caloric food? This tends to happen to me when I've been on my healthy eating regimen for a while. And it's great. Really great. You see, these dreams are incredibly realistic. When I'm in the middle of one, it seems I'm actually eating the delicious food, whatever it is. I taste every bite. Then, just when I begin to feel bad about all the fat and calories I just ingested, I wake up in a state of total euphoria. I didn't really eat the food! My diet plan isn't ruined. I am not a failure after all. I enjoyed all the pleasure but with none of the fat or calories. Win/win/win/win/win!
So yeah, I had one of those dreams last night. Well, technically early this morning. My marvelous summer sleep schedule allows me the very best sleep of all between about 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. It's no wonder I would dream such a dream right now. After about six weeks of total derailment, my diet and exercise plan was basically in a ditch. An 8 lb. ditch...yep, that's about how much I gained during the six weeks. The stress of selling our home, moving out to Shepherd, and then taking a road trip which included four fabulous days with my two BFFs (read: 4-day eating fest), followed by a week in Salt Lake City basically trashed my healthy lifestyle. When I got back to Montana one week ago, it was on! The challenge was on. I committed to four full weeks (the time before we move) of good healthy eating and at least one hour of exercise daily, more when possible. We don't have paved roads out here, so it's harder, but it's worth a trip into the Heights each day.
Okay, back to the delicious dream. Early this morning, while sound asleep, I indulged in a huge serving of strawberry shortcake. Mmmm. Now this was not the type of shortcake I make, you know, the kind that comes in the little plastic packages in the store. Oh no, this was what Isaiah would call "legit" shortcake, the homemade kind. The kind Jessica would make. Isaiah says Jessica does "legit" cooking. Anyway, it was amazing in every way. But here's what's even more amazing, well weird actually. Aren't dreams so totally bazaar? In this dream, Shulamith was eating her own serving of strawberry shortcake right along with me. We were in Las Vegas (a trip we're planning for later this summer when Matt goes fishing in Alaska), and we were both eating strawberry shortcake. Now anyone who knows Shulamith even casually knows she eats no fruit of any kind. Absolutely none. She would never allow a strawberry to pass by her lips, not in a million years. I'm shocked she lets Matt's lips near hers considering he eats fruit, but I suppose some sacrifices are worth making.
Anyway, we enjoyed the most wonderful shortcake, topped with sweet strawberries smashed and sugared, covered in mounds and mounds of smooth whipped cream (the "legit" kind; I only use Cool Whip), and more sliced strawberries on top. And the whole thing was calorie free! I'm trying to figure out what subliminal messages I could send myself today in order to shape a dream for tonight. Filet Mignon? Chocolate raspberry truffle ice cream? Deep fried elephant ears with cinnamon and sugar? A large order of McDonald's fries? The options are endless!
So go ahead. Have a dream. And think food. This could work for you too.
So yeah, I had one of those dreams last night. Well, technically early this morning. My marvelous summer sleep schedule allows me the very best sleep of all between about 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. It's no wonder I would dream such a dream right now. After about six weeks of total derailment, my diet and exercise plan was basically in a ditch. An 8 lb. ditch...yep, that's about how much I gained during the six weeks. The stress of selling our home, moving out to Shepherd, and then taking a road trip which included four fabulous days with my two BFFs (read: 4-day eating fest), followed by a week in Salt Lake City basically trashed my healthy lifestyle. When I got back to Montana one week ago, it was on! The challenge was on. I committed to four full weeks (the time before we move) of good healthy eating and at least one hour of exercise daily, more when possible. We don't have paved roads out here, so it's harder, but it's worth a trip into the Heights each day.
Okay, back to the delicious dream. Early this morning, while sound asleep, I indulged in a huge serving of strawberry shortcake. Mmmm. Now this was not the type of shortcake I make, you know, the kind that comes in the little plastic packages in the store. Oh no, this was what Isaiah would call "legit" shortcake, the homemade kind. The kind Jessica would make. Isaiah says Jessica does "legit" cooking. Anyway, it was amazing in every way. But here's what's even more amazing, well weird actually. Aren't dreams so totally bazaar? In this dream, Shulamith was eating her own serving of strawberry shortcake right along with me. We were in Las Vegas (a trip we're planning for later this summer when Matt goes fishing in Alaska), and we were both eating strawberry shortcake. Now anyone who knows Shulamith even casually knows she eats no fruit of any kind. Absolutely none. She would never allow a strawberry to pass by her lips, not in a million years. I'm shocked she lets Matt's lips near hers considering he eats fruit, but I suppose some sacrifices are worth making.
Anyway, we enjoyed the most wonderful shortcake, topped with sweet strawberries smashed and sugared, covered in mounds and mounds of smooth whipped cream (the "legit" kind; I only use Cool Whip), and more sliced strawberries on top. And the whole thing was calorie free! I'm trying to figure out what subliminal messages I could send myself today in order to shape a dream for tonight. Filet Mignon? Chocolate raspberry truffle ice cream? Deep fried elephant ears with cinnamon and sugar? A large order of McDonald's fries? The options are endless!
So go ahead. Have a dream. And think food. This could work for you too.
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