Rule #12

On our refrigerator, there's a list of "12 Rules to Live By," which I typed, printed, and laminated back in the early days of my marriage to Ron. We were having trouble with the boys' attitudes, etc. and these are pretty much common sense type things like If you open it, close it... if you break it ... fix it (or find someone who can)... After hanging on the fridge for 2-1/2 years, no one probably notices it or reads it anymore. Many times it's covered up by some other important paper - such as a current report card, or doctor appointment slip.

But today, I noticed it again peeking out from behind Aaron's report card and the winter break weightlifting schedule. I noticed it because Rule number 12 is ...12. "If it will brighten someone's day...say it." The boys are with their mom this week, but Aaron stopped by to pick up some more protein powder. When he walked in he said, "Hi... you look tired." (oh, gee - just what you want to hear even if it is true)...but then he asked, "How was the wedding yesterday?" ... "How have you been doing?" ... "Did you have a fun weekend?" I answered his questions, "Yes." "I am tired, we were gone all day yesterday with church, shopping, and the wedding." "We had a good weekend." How about you? He told me about his date (they went to Chipotle's and got a free meal because the beans weren't ready and they had to wait a long time.) He and his friend are going on a double date today - they are each dating girls on the soccer team. You know, just normal conversation ... but there was a time, back when I first posted rules 1-12, that we wouldn't have had that conversation. He wouldn't have asked how my day was, or told me about his ... but ah, what a difference it's made because back when I posted that list of rules to live by ... I lived by them too. I made it a point to ask them about something good that happened in their day ... and it's paying great dividends now. I still look tired, but it what he said (and asked) brightened my day today!

Maybe I was a blessing ...

I have worked as a church secretary for 18-1/2 years. Naturally, I have received many phone calls from people looking for help. Help with food, with rent money, with money for travel, money for gas, etc. Many of the ones calling for help say they are members of a "Church of Christ" in Arkansas, or Texas, or some other state in the mid-west. After a while, you can't help but become a little skeptical - especially when they say they are a member of a Church of Christ and yet ask to speak to the pastor. I'm sure many of the people have legitimate needs, and maybe some of them are church people, but a lot are not.



So, when I received a call yesterday from a young man who said he was getting out of prison the next day, but didn't have any clothes and asked if we had clothes ... I wasn't sure. He said he was a member of the church in Arkansas. Did I know of Harding (yes, a Church of Christ University)...in Searcy? (yes) ... Anyway, I told him we didn't have a clothes closet ministry - but I could give him the number of an organization, 'The Blessing Center,' which provides clothes, and food, etc. He wanted to know if there was a C of C in Colton... Yes, but they are a very small congregation, and I'm not sure what provisions they have but I would give him the number. We chatted a bit more ... he said he was embarrassed about his being in jail, that he had a plane ticket home ... just needed clothes. I wished him good luck and ended the call...

A few minutes later, the phone rang again. It was the same young man. He said, "I just called to thank you. I called The Blessing Center and they are delivering clothes to me when I get out tomorrow." I thanked him for calling, told him I was glad they had been able to help and wished him well. I hung up the phone - glad that I had taken the time to talk to him, glad he was able to get help, and that I was a part of it... you just never know. It is Christmas time, you know...

Did I tell him I loved him?...

October 23, 2009 - Yesterday Ron had a TIA (a mini-stroke), he was taken by ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center. He's OK, but driving home from the hospital last night, all I could think was, "Did I tell him I loved him?" We tell each other we love each other every time we talk on the phone during the day, at bedtime, when he tells me good-bye in the morning - but at this moment of crisis, I couldn't remember if I had told him or not and it bugged me. Funny the things we think about to avoid thinking what we don't want to think.

• I remembered saying, 'yes' when he asked me if I still loved him when I came home after he called to tell me he thought he'd had a stroke.
  
• I remembered telling him I loved him while in the ER...


• but as I said good-bye, before driving home - had I been so tired, so hungry, that I'd forgotten to say "I love you...forever."


• Fortunately, it wasn't a 'last' good-bye and when I called him before going to bed, I did tell him I loved him... and always will.

One Sentence for Today...

He hugged me good-bye ...

(A one-sentence journal entry, but a paragraph to explain it.) Matthew has a field trip today to see UCLA and Oregon State play football. It's extremely rare for us all to have breakfast together, but this morning we did before time for him to leave. As he put his dishes in the sink, he turned and said, "nice talking to you at breakfast." ... "Yes, it was. We don't get to do that much." Then as he headed out the door, he said good-bye, then came back and gave me a hug. A big moment from my 13-year-old stepson.

I finally remembered my camera

The game wasn't close, but it was exciting anyway, because Aaron (#50) played every play except for the kickoffs. And having fresh batteries in the camera, I was anxious to get pictures of him playing. It's just a simple point and shoot digital, but I got some pretty good shots, and footage. Aaron (and all of us have enjoyed this particular video most of all). It was a proud moment - makes all those practices worth it. Redlands wins 27-6

Normal Day . . .with a bonus

Ode to a Normal Day: Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

Being a creature of habit, I love normal days. Where routines and schedules are met without a lot of drama and minimal changes. Today is a normal day ... but a normal day with a bonus! That bonus has me smiling from ear to ear. It 's a post on facebook from my step-daughter, Sarah, who commented on my 'status' on Monday when I had so many 'mom errands' including taking Matthew to the doctor. The post read: 'best stepmom ever! :) You can see why I'm smiling. It's something to remember, to hang onto when the chaotic days happen, when there's too much drama, too many changes to the routine ... I can remember that the days of chaos have their place, too and in the meantime, even though I would still rather be scrapbooking ... I have an important job to do - stepmom to three teens ...

Welcome to my world!...

Well, in the more tales from the blender category... It was one of those mornings where I just woke up feeling overwhelmed. After 'cooking' dinner 3 times last night, (yes, 3 times) and doing dishes after each - the last time at 9:00 p.m. Is it any wonder I left the crock pot plugged in?

My heart's canvas ...

What a beautiful word picture that phrase is...my heart's canvas.

With so much going on and so many daily obligations I am finding less and less time to do the things that bring me joy. Things, that for many years I've taken for granted. Like my 'quiet time' in the mornings. Ever since 1980, I've started my day with quiet time - it's when I read my Bible, update my journal, sometimes flip through the pages of completed scrapbooks, pray, and sometimes - just stop and think...

But all of a sudden in the last 2 weeks, my morning quiet time routine has been interrupted. My oldest stepson decided to flip-flop his morning routine. Instead of showering first (while I was enjoying my quiet time), all of a sudden now he's having breakfast first. And just like that - instead of a quiet house while I'm sitting in my favorite spot on the couch - there's all this clanging and banging going on right around the corner in the kitchen. Not knowing exactly what else to do, I took my coffee, my Bible, and my journal upstairs to my bedroom. But there's no place to sit in the bedroom, except on the bed - and that's not a good spot for me. I've tried it for a week now and it's just not working. I've informed my husband that I need a comfy 'quiet time' chair in the bedroom - but unfortunately, I (we) can't afford that right now...

But my mind and heart are suffering right now from this 'interruption.'
Other activities which bring me joy, which I have taken for granted and have been interrupted recently is group exercise. Again, since the 1980's I've always attended some kind of group exercise class - that has been interrupted by the football season. Oh, I still walk ... but the lack of group exercise has got me feeling stressed out, and definitely less in shape. I'm determined to get back to it ... but it's very frustrating to me now.
I need to return to the routines and activities which bring me joy ...
This blog brings me pleasure and joy, too. It's another way, besides scrapbooking, to record my life's journey. And I'm amazed at some of the things I've written. Many feelings and moments which would have been forgotten, if not recorded here. This blog has become my heart's canvas ...

Hello, 57! . . .

Today is my birthday. Yes, number 57. I received so many birthday wishes on facebook, and many cards in the mail. Ron and I celebrated Sunday with dinner at Cheesecake Factory, and a trip to the jewelry store And today he bar-b-qued hamburgers (one of my all time favorite meals) in between football practices, and your normal work day Thursday. What a blessing it is to have so many friends and a family to celebrate with...

A Good Step-Mom...

Today ... I am a good stepmom. My 19-year-old stepdaughter and I were walking back from the bathroom at Matthew's football game, and she says, "I need to tell you something Matthew said." ... Ok... She continued, "We were talking the other day and he said that you're a really good stepmom. Aaron and I agreed. You are a really good stepmom. She went on to say that when their dad was single (and he tried to make homemade chicken soup one day), the three of them (Sarah, Aaron, and Matthew) started praying for someone to come into their lives... and then, there I was at the spa... I didn't know what to say, so I said "Thank you. I just really love you guys." It surprised me that they were talking about me I guess... All I did was love them, and listen to them, and I guess that was enough... I'm sure there may still be days ahead when it will be tough, but today, I am a good stepmom.

A Fish Story...

Last Sunday we went 'fishing' at Lake Perris. It was supposed to be one of those family bonding times, and it was - but it didn't work exactly like we thought it would. We thought we would take Bon Jovi, our dog, with us...not realizing dogs are not allowed on the beach. What?...bummer! Our options were few, either we all had to go home - no family bonding at all, or I could volunteer to stay up at the picnic area with Bon Jovi, while Ron and the boys fished - which, of course, is what I did. Fortunately, I brought a book, so I enjoyed reading while Bon Jovi explored the limited space allowed by his leash. There were lots of other people there - swimming, boating, fishing, bar-b-quing, picnicking... total family fun. I took this picture from where I was, and zoomed in about as far as I could. I love how it turned out. Some new editing skills in photoshop (adding a little grunge look, and text) and I've got a great story picture. Our catch of the day? ... In 'n Out Burgers on the way home. (No fish - that's why it's called Fishing, not catching!)

So, I was getting the oil in my car changed...

...waiting in the waiting room. There were a couple of other people waiting there, too. I was using the time to catch up on some journaling, the other lady (who appeared to be in her 70's) was working on a craft project using plastic canvas and yarn. I finished my journaling and watched her pull the needle with yarn up one hole and down the other - remembering the many years I did sewing crafts (though never with plastic canvas). The other person asked the question I was getting ready to ask, "What are you making?" It was a little booklet cover to hold 2 decks of playing cards, a note pad, and a pen or pencil. Very clever... she added that she had picked the craft back up again to fill the time in the evenings since her husband died in December. "How long were you married?", I asked. "32 years," was the reply "it was a second marriage." The number rang a bell with me (I had been married 32 years the first time around), now I'm married again and shooting for 50 - though I'd be very happy with 25... or 32. She talked about her husband, and all the paper work to take care of, the clutter to clean out, etc. now that he was gone. And I felt an extra soft spot begin to grow in my heart for my husband... knowing how terribly I would miss him should he die before me. I was given a new perspective. I had been a little annoyed with the hubby when I first got to the dealership to get the oil changed, because I had noticed about 20 packages of books to mail on the back seat of my car! My husband assuming I would mail them. I thought, he could have at least asked... I had already decided I wouldn't mail them, I had too many other things I had to take care of - his kids, the dog, the car, plus work, and dinner. You know the drill. But after watching the lady's face as she talked about her husband and their life, well I decided to mail the packages after all.

Whatever...

The word on her T-shirt was whatever... at first I thought, great - attitude on a t-shirt. For awhile now, 'whatever' has been an 'attitude word,' meaning whatever it is you're talking about, is just not important to me, or worthy of my attention, or you know ... whatever! I don't like it. Although I admit I've heard it come out of my mouth a couple of times, meaning just that - whatever you're talking about, I'm not interested in dealing with. But I have tried really hard to not use that word, with that attitude, tone, and meaning ... because I don't like it when it's said to me.
But then, I noticed there was something else printed on her t-shirt ... Philippians 4:8... Oh, now that changes everything ...

"whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

yea, whatever!

One Sentence Journaling...

What I love ... surprise dinner dates with my hubby, the way Bon Jovi (the dog) looks up at me while setting in my lap as we're driving, the sense of accomplishment when a scrapbook page is done and you just love it...hearing my grandkids voices on the phone...and seeing the word 'approved' when you use your debit card!

One Sentence Journal...

Did I mention how much I love color on the walls? ...

More on July 4th...

Well, it was another holiday that didn't feel like a holiday. (I'm getting a little worried, because none of the holidays celebrated in this house have felt like holidays, and many of them have barely been celebrated, if celebrated at all!). So, here it is July 4th. Because the kids are flying in from South Carolina this afternoon, we don't make any plans for the evening fireworks - not knowing exactly what they will want to do or how tired they will be. We take them to Spaghetti Factory for an early dinner. Then, we drop them off at their mom's ... we go back home. I decide since there's less traffic in downtown Redlands, I'll go take pictures of some places downtown for my "Our Town" photo wall. I guess those will serve as my 4th of July pictures this year, cuz I don't have any others! When I get back from my photo shoot, we take the dog for a walk to the community field - a few fireworks are beginning around the neighborhood. At 9:00 p.m., when the show is starting at the University, we try watching from our bedroom, but too many trees block our view. So, we end up watching Stars Wars: The Return of the Jedi... and that was the 4th of July around here. (I better start planning for Labor Day now!)

Happy 4th of July!...

As I prayed myself to sleep last night, the last thing I remember praying about was our country - thinking about the 4th of July Bar-b-ques, parades, fireworks ... thinking that's not all we should be thinking about as we celebrate the 4th of July. We need to remember why we have a '4th of July,' and never take our freedoms for granted. I think I have in the past, but I don't want to be guilty of thinking that way anymore. We still need to take a stand to keep our freedom and to take the responsibility of our freedoms - both personal and national, seriously. And above all else pray for our country, for those who are in leadership positions, for those who serve in the military ... for us as citizens. Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!

One Sentence Journal...

How romantic... Candlelight, bubble bath, and rose petals. Ah-h-h...

One Sentence Journaling...

It's July 2, and I'm still scrapbooking the layouts for my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary, which is what I was working on June 22! (I haven't gotten very far...)

I (still) choose you...

Yesterday, July 1, was my 2nd wedding anniversary (or 14th, if you're counting in doggie years - which we are because I want a 50th wedding anniversary! I'll still shoot for a 'real time' 50th, but I would be 104 ... so, you can see why we're counting in doggie years). Anyway, after a nice dinner out, exchanging cards and gifts, we read our wedding vows ... I think they actually meant more this time than two years ago at our wedding. Who really pays attention to what you're saying (and promising) during your wedding - you're too caught up in the moment, and everything that's going on, and everything that's coming ...

Part of our vows read:

You are vowing today to love each other for as long as you both live. This
love is more than a feeling, it is a decision. One of your playful sayings when
the other one does something in a different way than you would, is ... “I love
you anyway.” And that’s exactly it - when Ron has a bad day at work, and comes
home tired and grumpy, Deiga will love him anyway. When Deiga is stressed and
maybe not as perky as usual, Ron will love her anyway...It’s a commitment and
loyalty to each other that goes way beyond the warm, fuzzy feelings we call
love. This kind of love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13 ... The
Message version reads this way:


Love never gives up. Love cares more
for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't
strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always
"me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of
others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of
truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best,
Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

I think we both realized we haven't always done what we promised we would... and I know I made a commitment to myself that I would be more aware of living up to our vows on a daily basis. I, Deiga, choose you Ron to be my husband...

One Sentence Journal...

Like I need something else to do. Browsing my favorite blogs today, I found a link to "The Happiness Project." Well, you've got to check that, right? So, I did. I didn't have time to read the whole story about the project, but one 'happiness tool' caught my eye - the one sentence journal. I had already been thinking about changing my journaling habits, to be less venting and more capturing thoughts. Whatever is making me happy, or aware at that moment, on that day. I know I've already written a paragraph, but here's my one sentence journal entry today.

This morning before going to work, I gave Bon Jovi (the dog) a bath. Afterwards, he's just all frisky - running all over the place like a crazy dog. (Ok, that's 2 sentences, but it's OK)

Today...June 22,2009

Outside my window...city crews trimming trees.

I am thinking...about how to schedule my afternoon errands, and wishing I didn't have to do them.

I am thankful for... summer days I can spend at home, scrapbooking, reading, relaxing....

From the kitchen...brownies are baking in the oven, and they smell so good.

I am wearing...white jean shorts, navy blue sleeveless top and sandals.

I am creating...layouts for my in-law's 50th anniversary party in 2008.

Reflection...

Wow, I haven't posted to my blog in a long time. Too busy on facebook I guess! Anyway, this is a 'dear Eric' post I guess. When Eric was around 2 years old, I babysat him on Fridays. I brought him to work with me, he would play in the office most of the time. But around mid-morning we would go out to the grassy hill area and he would run around, sometimes play with his wagon, or whatever we brought that day - just a few minutes to get fresh air, get the wiggles out, etc. We would almost always walk up to the fence around the church property to see if there was any water in the drainage canal - usually there was, and even though it's a flood control canal in the middle of the city - there's still something peaceful and mesmerizing about flowing water...


That was 8 years ago. Now days, I still take a mid-morning break, only this time it's with Bon Jovi, my dog. We don't usually walk up the hill, but today I did ... and instantly, in a flash, I was standing there with two-year old Eric, hearing him say, "Look at the water, ma-Deiga." And I have to admit tears filled my eyes, and I could hardly bear the memory. I still have a plastic cell phone in my desk drawer that he played with back then, too ... and each time I open my desk drawer, the memories return. They never actually leave. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about Rick, and Eric, and Garrett ... and the time that is being lost. Time we'll never get back ... I know so little about them now, and they don't remember too much about me either by now, I guess.


But I remembered today...

Comfort Food...

Last night we had pork chops for dinner - one of the guys' favorite comfort foods. While I was frying the pork chops in a cast iron skillet, a 'gang' of au gratin potatoes were baking in the oven, and green beans were simmering on the stove top. Aaron came home about that time. When he walked in, he said "It smells awesome in here! What's for dinner, Deiga?" "Pork Chops," I said. "With a 'gang' of those great potatoes like last time." "Yep," I answered. "Awesome," was the reply. A few minutes later, Ron walked in the door..."Chicken or pork chops?" "Pork Chops." "Smells good!" But the highest compliment came while we were eating when Aaron said, "These pork chops are as good as grandma's!" Oh, my that's quite a compliment...and I knew, at least for today, I was queen of the kitchen! Pretty good for someone who still doesn't really like to cook, but is learning what pleases these guys. Plus, my hubby thinks I look sexy in my apron! You gotta love that one...

Happy Meeting Day!

Five years ago today, I met Ron Bennett (aka Spa Man), at the jacuzzi/spa in the apartment complex where we were both living at the time. I certainly hadn't gone looking for love that night, I was really seeking relief from a sore back. Ironically, earlier that day, I had discovered love letters from my ex-husband, written just a few years before he left - and love was the last thing on my mind. But that night in the Spa ... God rushed in and brought us together.

Funny, in the 8 months I had lived in the complex I had never seen Ron before - even though he had been in a wheelchair and then on crutches just a few months earlier following surgery for a ruptured achilles. Then as things go, after that first meeting I saw him everywhere! A few months later we had our first date and three years after that we got married. Soon we'll celebrate our second wedding anniversary ... how quickly time passes, and life changes... I'm no longer lonely, no longer bored, and happier than I have been in many, many years. Happy Meeting Day, Spa-Man! I love you with all of my heart...

Something to think about...

I discovered this 'anonymous' poem today... it made me think. A Builder or a Wrecker - which will I be?

Builders

I saw them tearing a building down, A gang of men in a busy town.

With a yo heave ho and a lusty yell, They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.

I asked the foreman if these men were As skilled as those he would hire if he were to build.

He laughed and said, "Oh, no indeed, Common labor is all I need.

For they can wreck in a day or two, What builders have taken years to do."

So I asked myself, as I went my way, Which of these roles am I to play?

Am I the builder, who works with care, Measuring life by the rule and square;

Or am I the wrecker who walks the town, Content in the role of tearing down?

Little Moments...

Most days it's not unusual for me to feel a little overwhelmed by my responsibilities as a stepmom. It's not necessarily hard, it's just overwhelming... because it's different. Very different from mothering your own children. It's not the act of mothering that's overwhelming (that comes very natural to me), it's the fact that you're 'mothering or parenting' on top of someone else's mothering/parenting - and sometimes it seems like it all gets muddied up in the process. (if that makes any sense!)



I sometimes feel guilty that I feel overwhelmed, because I have been blessed with a great relationship with my stepkids, which in a weird sort of way is why I feel overwhelmed - because you see, sometimes I 'forget' they are not my own, and so when they respond, or don't respond, as the case may be in the way I'm expecting them to - it takes me by surprise, and I have to remind myself, "oh, right, they haven't been trained or disciplined since birth to ... " But, I have to say that in another weird sort of way - it makes those 'little moments' much more precious. I love it when they happen, and I love it when I notice them happening. For instance, a few days ago Matthew called me just to tell me he knew what he wanted for his birthday. That seems like a small thing, but it's the kind of thing my kids would do. So the fact that Matthew would call me just to tell me made me feel more like a 'mom.' And last night, I was standing at the sink rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, and Aaron was wiping off the table and telling me about something that happened at school ... again just the way my kids did when they were in high school... and I thought, "wow, I'm honored he shares his stories with me." (Do his 'real' parents know what they are missing?...) Little moments, they make everything else worth it...

Thursday Night Market Night

I don't think I actually blogged about it, but we moved to Redlands last July! I've lived in the communities close to Redlands for years ... San Bernardino, Highland, Grand Terrace, and Loma Linda. I have worked in Redlands for over 17 years, so I've been 'in the neighborhood.' But it's funny how many people have asked, "So, how do you like living in Redlands?" I thought it an odd question, I've never really thought about it. Honestly, I don't feel any different living in Redlands - except now I can't escape the downtown traffic! I have to go right through it to get from the kids' mom's house to our house.

Ron and I have been feeling 'in a rut' recently, feeling we need to do something other than just eat dinner and then watch TV everynight. So, since he was off yesterday for Lincoln's birthday, we could have dinner earlier and have more time to do something. Why not go to Market Night? It seemed like a very 'Redlands Thing' to do. Every Thursday night, they block off downtown and the town folk stroll up and down State Street checking out the offerings from local vendors... there are pony rides for little kids (in fact, my oldest grandson - Bevan had his first pony ride at Market Night 11 years ago!)... there are a couple of other kid rides ... there's lots of food to choose from... fresh flowers, fruits, and veggies... and some of the businesses which line the street stay open late on Thursdays. We asked Aaron if he wanted to go with us... Uh, no. Not with my parents! (I think we would crimp his style with the ladies!) But he said, 'you love-birds have fun!' (That was sweet...) And we did have fun. We spent most of our time in the Redlands Galleria, a consignment antique store filled with all kinds of treasures. The best part was strolling hand-in-hand with my hubby. Sometimes talking, sometimes listening to the sounds around us... it didn't' cost a thing, but the shared time together without the distraction of television, computer, or kids was priceless... Hurray for Market Night!

Project 365

Scrapbookers across the country are involved in Project 365 this year, taking (and scrapbooking) a picture a day to give a realistic snapshot of a year in their life. The project was designed by Becky Higgins, one of my favorite scrapbooking people at Creating Keepsakes. She even designed a complete Project 365 kit. Me? I was a day late in finding out about the project and kit (it completely sold out in 4 hours!). Since I missed it this year, I'm putting my own kit together for next year - 2010! At first, I wasn't sure how I would go about doing that. Even checked ebay for the sold-out kits - they are available, but for hundreds of dollars (much higher than the original $35 kit!). Looks like I'm back to creating my own kit. But, bless Becky Higgins' heart, she posted a sampling of the journaling cards, 'week of' cards, as well as the project title on her blog. I've downloaded the files and have started printing the cards to be ready for next year. I'll need 52 'week of' cards, and 365 journaling cards (one for each day, you know) ... what makes the project doable from my point of view is the page protectors designed for the kit, which hold 6 4x6 photos - so, facing pages would have 12 slots (1 'week of' card; 7 daily photos; the remaining pockets hold the journaling cards for each picture. I could find the album, I have the downloaded sample cards to print, I have an photo-a-day idea list, but the page protectors....Then I logged on to Scrapbook.com, and viola' they had these page protectors coming soon. I was so excited. I signed up for email notification. In yesterday's in-box, there was an email stating the page protectors were back in stock, but with the popularity of Project 365 this year, they anticipated selling out quickly. Not wanting to miss out on this 'second chance,' I placed my order immediately. Whew! ... I'm excited about doing this project next year, and actually glad I have a year to plan ahead - taking a picture a day is pretty aggressive, even for me. I generally take more than 365 photos in a year, but I don't take one everyday! Fortunately, I do journal everyday. I have started my own list of pictures which will help 'tell my story.' I'll keep you posted...

"Free" Tickets ...

Oh, my - what a rainy day it was yesterday! The perfect day to stay in and scrapbook (which I did some, mostly working on the Valentine Day cards for the grandkids). But, I also had to go redeem our Stater Bros. grocery receipts for two 'free' tickets to the Nascar race at Fontana in two weeks. For every $75 you spent on groceries (in a single visit), you got one free ticket. (Not the expensive good seats like I bought in 2006, but tickets to the race nonetheless). Anyway, you had to pick the tickets up at the auto speedway office in Fontana. I called ahead to make sure they still had some before taking off in the pouring down rain... It was really coming down when I left and I thought I had to be crazy to do this, but ... thankfully, when I got to Fontana (about 20 miles away), there was a break in the weather and though it was very cold and windy, there were blue skies overhead. Good thing, too, because I had to stand in line outside for an hour! It was so cold, and the wind just cut right through you - but I had gloves and a hood on my jacket, so it wasn't too bad. The time in line went by pretty quickly because there's this camaraderie with Nascar fans - it's like one big family. Everyone was talking about their favorite driver, and what it was like the last time they were at the track, and who won the pole for the first race next weekend. It was actually fun. The guy behind me had enough receipts to take his three grandchildren. The funny thing is, he said he bought extra laundry soap - $20 bottles of Tide not the less expensive Stater Bros. brand he usually buys, and extra dog food to spend enough to get the receipts for the 'free' tickets. The thing is the tickets are the $55 tickets - he could have just spent the $55 on the ticket and skipped the extra laundry detergent and dog food! (But, people hear the word 'free' and don't really count the cost of 'free.' Too funny!) I told him we have two teenage boys at home, not a problem to spend $150 on groceries, for us it's a matter of can we spend that much today? You had to purchase the tickets between February 4 and February 10, I think. Anyway, I got our tickets and parking pass. So, boogity, boogity, boogity boys - we're going to the races!

A Day in History...

Today Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States. Whatever your political view, or how you feel about the new President, it is a historical moment - one of those 'hinge points' in the history of our nation. Even though I didn't vote for him, still I respect the office - and shoot, I respect anyone who wants to be President! Seems like a tough and lonely job to me! So, President Obama - I will pray for you, your family, and our country over the next four years ...