An Uncomfortable Encounter

While doing our routine grocery shopping this morning, I stopped by the customer service counter and talked with a couple of former co-workers. That’s when I learned my former, immediate supervisor (we’ll call him “Lenny”) was in the store today. He had quit working at the store about one or two years ago now; I happened in on his farewell party one Friday and, uncomfortably, wished him “good luck” with becoming a father and his new life. Well, I had hoped I wouldn’t run into him again today. I decided to tell my former co-workers to “tell him I said ‘Hello’ if I don’t see him today.”

Things were going fine throughout the produce section and the beginning of the bakery section, but I could see Lenny — with his daughter in the cart — talking with the bakers and deli personnel(again all people I know and worked with) and I tried desperately hard to avoid him. We managed to get by undetected and I thought we were in the clear. Not so fast!

As we finished the meat department and I was comparing nutrition facts on hot dogs, I heard Lenny’s unwelcoming voice. “Hey, hey, how’s it going?” Oh, God! I couldn’t escape now. “Okay,” I replied coolly. “How are you?” “GREAT! Great!” Then he turned to his daughter, “Can you say ‘Hi’?” His daughter said “Hi” and then he took off; I really felt uncomfortable around him. I mean what do you say to a former boss that you almost always got into a shouting match with every day you went to work or one that refused to put you back on the schedule after you graduated and could work full-time and even told him you could work again? Yes, Lenny was all these things to me and probably more.

I know I should pray for him after all, isn’t that what Jesus taught us? Pray for those who persecute you and your enemies? Anyway, this was a very uncomfortable encounter and I do wish him all the best even if I never did (and probably never will) get along with Lenny.

God, bless us — everyone (yes, even Lenny)!

Six Years Ago Heaven Gained an Angel

Six years ago this morning, Heaven gained an angel and I lost my daddy! I guess I tried too hard to ignore this fact today, but sadly it caught up with me this evening. I really don’t feel much like reporting on the events of that day 6 years ago, so instead I have another twist.

I guess what I can say today, now that 6 years have passed, is things haven’t really improved all that much. Some things are better, but other things are worse. If Daddy was still here there’s a good chance I never would have left working at the grocery store and I would probably still be able to get less expensive health insurance. I can also guarantee that I might have a dress by now.

A dress? Wait, but you’re a tomboy! Let me explain. Daddy and I had made a deal about one year before he had to go to Oklahoma to have treatments. I had just been told it was almost eminent I would develop diabetes at the current rate I was going. There were a few things that could change that and one of them was lose weight (which involved changing my diet and implementing exercise). Daddy had told me if I’d lose the weight, he would make me my dream dress. I have yet to find an accurate representation of what it would have looked like, but Daddy would have known exactly how to make it as he and I were able to communicate very vividly to one another a lot that most people can never understand. I suppose it has to do with the fact that we are/were both very visual people and artistic. Daddy also said he would teach me how to sew more. As it stood (and still does), I really don’t know much about sewing. I only know what to do when the machine is fully loaded with thread, the patterns are cut, and I do not need to do button holes. I’m sure I could do it if I just had the time to put into it.

I’m also sure that if Daddy was still here, I would know how to swim. Don’t get me wrong, I know how to tread water and keep myself afloat (more or less). I just don’t know how to swim any length of a pool; I attribute this to not being confident in myself enough to continue swimming lessons and very afraid of drowning. Daddy had me swimming (with some light support from him holding me under my torso) about half the length of a public swimming pool (I made it to the 6 foot marker before getting too tired and had him pull me back to the shallow end).

Lastly, I would have kept animating short movies in my spare time to entertain everyone. I also never would have let my bedroom fall into such a horrible disarray (as is now).

I’m sure he would have told me how proud of me he is that I called emergency/rescue services when he fell, that I graduated so close to honors from the animation program, and that I finally have lost about 40 lbs. since graduating with my first college/university degree.

Anyway, I’m grateful I had Daddy for 25 years!

God, bless us — everyone!

It Came Down Quickly

It came down quickly. It was our old, dead tree in our backyard. It was our Green Giant Arborvitae tree and it had turned all brown thanks to the sweltering hot summer we had last year. It was a beautiful tree when it was alive, but if we hadn’t had it taken down it would have fallen on some power lines and possibly crashed into our gazebo and exterior garage and that would not have been pretty. If it had fallen the other way it might have taken out other power lines and crashed into our neighbor’s duplex. Again not pretty!

I’m grateful no one was hurt and it was taken care of in less than an hour. These people were very professional and I really enjoyed the fact that all of them spoke English! Only two things made me a bit upset. One, their main truck leaked oil on our driveway. Two, the gate was closed in a rough manner that our hinges were misaligned now. No worries, though, as we can fix both those problems. The first problem can be fixed by using some degreaser on the driveway and washing it away with water (or rain); the second problem can be solved simply by hammering the hinges back into place and getting a new latch (which won’t cost much).

All in all, things went smoothly today. Also today was my doctor’s appointment with my endocrinologist. That too was a smooth and quick visit. I have good news and not so good news. Bad news is my cholesterol and triglycerides are still on the extremely high side. The good news is I’ve lost about 11 pounds since February and I do not need to take one medication any more (at least for now and let’s keep it that way); she also said my hemoglobin a1c is now 5.6 and that’s the lowest it’s been EVER (roughly 111 mg/dl)!

Things are going down quickly (except for that stupid cholesterol and triglycerides count. Oh well, we’ll do better!

Last thing to take note of: I uploaded the photo I was talking about in yesterday’s entry if you read it (if not read it and it will be well worth it). Also my signs were right: I managed today to file, together with the lady on the phone, my taxes for the company that I was griping about yesterday.

Well, I’d best get some sleep. Good night!

God, bless us — everyone!

Daddy’s Happy Birthday Cookie Cake

Happy birthday, Daddy! You would have turned 66 years young today! Miss you very much. After today I know you gave me the birthday treat instead.

I had such a horrible morning: I received a letter saying I failed to file income taxes with the State,  I got into an argument with Steven (over the unfilled taxes), and never went for a morning walk like I planned. Then arriving at work, I found the ice cream rim covers waiting for me and all the groceries waiting to be put away in the back of the store.

While on my way to work I prayed,

If everything is going to be okay, give me a sign. Something unusual. Something I wouldn’t expect. Something I can’t say is just a mere consequence. Daddy, if you’re listening, please show me everything will be okay.

I became really worried at work. Most of my shift went by and things just got worse. I was told I’d be by myself for an hour (my last hour at work at that), I dropped a kiddie cup full of chocolate ice cream into the frozen vanilla yogurt, a miniature sandwich cookie fell on the floor, and when I tried to refill the chocolate syrup it squirted everywhere (on the counter, in the sink, and all over my hands)!

However, at one point I baked some cookie cakes for some orders and had completely forgotten about my prayer. When the cakes came out and I placed some on the decorating table and looked down at one. “I think I found my sign!” I called to my co-worker. “My cake is smiling at me!” And lo, there it was a small smirk in my cookie cake. Daddy was smiling at me. His famous smirk was in the cake! “I’ve to get a picture of this!” I said and ran to my locker to get my android phone to capture the moment.

Daddy’s birthday cookie smiling at me

Daddy got his birthday cookie and I got my sign. Everything will be okay! (And now I see the other smile just above the smirk!)

God, bless us — everyone!

A Simple, Yet Happy Birthday for Steven

Today was Steven‘s 27th birthday and it was fairly simple. We had our usual Sunday breakfast (Pillsbury Grands Biscuits and turkey bacon), went for a walk around the Mall, and then for dinner headed out to Golden Corral Buffet (Steven’s request). I thought it was going to be rather calm, but it wasn’t. We waited in line for about 10 minutes before getting a seat. After that I actually ate A LOT of meat (mostly beef and chicken) at the buffet.

After dinner, Mom and I went to CVS Pharmacy to pick up some things for her and a couple of bags of orange flavored Life Savers as a gift to Steven. Then we arrived home and about an hour later I had to head out for a meeting at the Mall for work.

The meeting was fairly good; we had pizza from Costco, sub sandwiches from Mr. Goodsense, whoopee pies made by a co-worker, and cheesecake from Wal-mart (courtesy of yours truly). I also got my paycheck tonight.

Not much else to report I’m afraid. Well, I’ll try to write more tomorrow (on what would have been Daddy’s 66th birthday).

Well, good night!

God, bless us — everyone!

A Day for the History Books

No one will believe me, but I’m going to give it a try. There is about an inch of snow (and counting) outside!  This is May; there shouldn’t be snow this time of year, but it’s here! God has given us another shot at winter. Not sure why, but it’s here. I joked with Steven this was his early birthday present.

The last time there was snow in May in Kansas City? Try May 3, 1907! Oh my goodness this is crazy! I’m just hoping no ice will form and I’ll be safe for work tomorrow.

Well, this just goes to show that God can make it warm and sunny one day and cold and snowy the next. It’s crazy! I’m not sure I like this, but I’ll take it over sweltering heat any day.

Thanks, God, for the surprise!

God, bless us — everyone!

Happy May Day, White Rabbit!

White Rabbit, happy May Day! Sorry I’ve sort of been MIA as of late, but aside from trying to figure out my mystery rash that comes and goes on my hands (seemingly at random) nothing much is going on in my life right now.

I got some lab work done for my endocrinologist in anticipation of my appointment on May 7. I have been cleaning the yard like mad. We will be getting a tree taken down sometime in the near future as it died last summer due to the drought. I have been completely overhauling the business and looking forward to focusing more on 3D printing. Another co-worker has come and gone again from the cookie/ice cream store. I’ve also been looking for a second job or a better main job. Also this Sunday is Steven‘s birthday and I have no idea what to get him. Lastly, I got a cute haircut that I’ll have to post up here soon (when I’m not sleepy or busy).

Anyway, I should get some sleep as it’s almost midnight here and I’m quite tired. Hopefully, I’ll write more soon. Until then, keep your spirits up and take care of each other as God has you.

God, bless us (even when we are super busy and forget we should pray to You), everyone!

Feed My Lambs!

Huh?!
FEED MY LAMBS.
But, I am not a shepherd.
FEED MY SHEEP.
Lord, I-I-I don’t understand.
FEED MY CHILDREN.

Okay, so that’s just a paraphrase of a conversation I had with the Lord in the adoration chapel a few years ago (if you want a more detailed recount go here). I thought about that instance this past Sunday when the Gospel was proclaimed.

This past Sunday we heard Jesus calling St. Peter to lead the Church and tend to the less fortunate. I recently feel like St. Peter; I’m just going about my daily life (and worrying a bit, too) and the Lord asks me to help Him feed His children — my fellow brothers and sisters — and He will take care of the rest.

So we should all heed the words of Jesus and feed one another however we can.

God, bless us — everyone!

You Are Perfect Just the Way You Are

“I really like all your recipes!” I complimented my maternal grandmother (Grandpa George‘s wife). It was so great to finally tell her. No, I hadn’t really told her in person. I never physically met her (as she passed away when I was about 1 or 2 years old), but a couple of days ago I DID meet her! I had a wonderful, lucid dream in which I met her. She was reading a collection of stories I’ve written over the years ranging from when I was as young as about 10 years to as recent as a year ago (that is actually, in the waking world, a work in progress, but must have been completed in my dream).

My grandma gave me a hug and reassured me that not everyone in my mom’s family could cook and that she really liked ALL of my stories. I “have a knack for writing” as Grandma reminded me. “Do not forget that!” I smiled. As she complimented me other people in my dream started complimenting me on my writing, too.

So I guess the message was loud and clear to me that night. “Don’t compare yourself to others; you are perfect just the way you are!” God made us all perfect just as God is and the Spirit gives each person a talent for some good to benefit others and praise God.

By now I’m sure some of you may have figured out the song for tonight’s entry, but for those whom haven’t, here’s “Just the Way You Are” (originally) by Billy Joel in 1977.

Don’t go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don’t imagine you’re too familiar
And I don’t see you anymore
I wouldn’t leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times
I’ll take you just the way you are

Don’t go trying some new fashion
Don’t change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care

I don’t want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.

I said I love you and that’s forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.

God, bless us — everyone!

White Rabbit STILL Hates April Fools Day

White rabbit! Yes, I still hate April Fools Day. Today I requested off work and it’s probably a good thing, too. There has been so much going on in my personal life and I just needed an extra day or two to sort things out. Also this afternoon someone will be by to pick up a cat cage and other cat stuff we have lying around the house after we gave away one cat and the other two died on us. Anyway, I’m trying to focus on some things that need to get done, but I’m so sleepy and tired I just don’t feel like doing anything. I have a bunch of items ready to sell on eBay, but I have no energy to get up and take pictures of them so I can list them. I have a lot of time to do research on various things (like a new website for the company), but I’m bored with those things and don’t really want to type code (especially since I have a headache). Then there’s modeling on Maya (my 3D animation software), but for once I’m not excited about that either. I wonder if all of this lack of motivation has to do with it getting cold again over here? At any rate, my to do list is shrinking. I’ll be that’s it and, hopefully, when things get warmer again I’ll have more motivation and get back to work. Tomorrow, I do plan to get something done. I’m planning to finally get some replacement tires on my car as I have such a small amount of tread on them. After that, hmm, not sure what I’ll do. I’m sorry, I just lack motivation and enthusiasm today. Blah! I hope things will be better tomorrow (and maybe I’ll actually write something important or entertaining).

God, bless us — everyone!