A Bit More About Boring Me ~~ 2014 Week 29

July 21, 2014 JackieP39 Comments

Hello people! I haven’t been around much lately I know. Did anyone miss me? No? Eh, well.

Let me tell you a bit about what’s been going on with me and why I haven’t been around or writing much this month. First, I hurt my right knee earlier this month. How I did it, I have no idea, but hurt it, I did and it swells up by the end of the day. I get shooting pains in it when it’s not throbbing like a bad toothache. Yeah, fun times. So when I walk too much, my ankles swell up and it just makes for a shitty time.

Then my muse, the fickle witch, left me and went on holidays and I don’t even get a postcard.

Yesterday, I was trying to take something off a shelf and accidentally knocked a can of tomatoes off the shelf and it landed on my forehead. So I ended up with a bruise and a headache to match the knee. Fun times here folks. But, the fun keeps coming!

At 2:30 am, I woke myself up because I was in a cold sweat, shaking like a leaf and couldn’t catch my breath. Well, I know that feeling! It doesn’t happen too often, but my blood sugars dropped too much. Went down to 2, which is dangerously low. I managed to take my glucose test and yeah, it was that low. So I managed to make it to the kitchen for juice and peanut butter. An hour later, I’m back to normal and go back to bed. I just feel tired, drained and cranky. Yes, I said cranky! Like an old lady!

Anyway, that’s why I haven’t been around much. After I finish this, I will disappear once again, maybe go take a nap. I sure need one.

Cee from Cee’s Photography has posted another Share Your World set of questions. I’ll answer them as best I can. Why not go pay her a visit and join us?

Have you ever been in a submarine? If you haven’t, would you want to?

No and no! I’m a bit claustrophobic. So I wouldn’t go in a submarine if I didn’t have to. It gives me the creeps to think I’m in an enclosed space under the water. No thanks.

Are you a listener or talker?

I’ve always been a listener. Sometimes I think truly listening to someone is becoming a lost art. It seems people listen with half an ear, just waiting for an opening to top the story of the other person, or talk about themselves. No one seems to listen! They are too interested in only themselves. Which is a shame. There are a lot of people out there that would feel better if someone just listened to them. I like to listen to people, well people with something to say anyway. Everyone has a story. I’ve never been much of a talker, too shy for that. Unless I know you well. Then I could probably talk you to death LOL.

Do you prefer crunchy peanut butter or smooth peanut butter? Anything with your peanut butter?

Smooth peanut butter. For me it tastes better. Sometimes if I eat peanut butter I will put a little strawberry jam with it, or honey. Yummy. I don’t eat it too often because it raises my blood sugars too much, but as a special treat, it’s the best!

Have you ever been drunk?

Oh yes. But not for years now. I remember the very first time I got drunk. I was 16, but it was a safe environment as my Dad got me drunk! We used to go to a bar that was being run by a cousin. I think it’s still standing too! Oh wow, that was a lot of years ago. It was in Carter, Wisconsin. My mom grew up there and my grandmother used to work as the cook there when I was really young. It’s been around for as long as I remember. I had just turned 16 and my parents, sister and I were up there for the weekend or something. It was about 4 hours north from home. The guy behind the bar asked my dad if I could have a drink. My dad said it was ok, I think it was a rum and coke or something like that. Then it got to be 2 drinks, then 3 drinks and so on. My dad thought it was funny. I remember after about the 6th drink, I had to go to the bathroom and to get there I had to walk around the pool table. I barely made it! My dad thought it was the funniest thing he ever saw! I also remember we went to the summer home afterwards and my dad helped me walk and then kind of poured me in bed, clothes and all! LOL

The next morning he asked me how I felt. He thought I would have one hell of a hangover, but I felt fine. I never got hangovers. I think he was a bit disappointed. Haha! Of course, there were a few more times in my life I got drunk. But I stopped drinking all together years ago, even before a became diabetic. It just wasn’t my thing. I also never got drunk enough that I lost control of what I was doing or blacked out. I hated losing control. Still do.

This is how cool I thought I looked drinking. LOL

Blog challenge · Daily Post Writing Challenge · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction · Stories of my life · writing

WRITING CHALLENGE Honey versus Vinegar

July 17, 2014 JackieP20 Comments

Weekly, Daily Post Writing Challenge: Honey versus Vinegar

Small moments of kindness peek through our everyday lives, from your neighbors’ “Good morning!” to a surprise “I’ll take care of that for you” at the office. This week, we want you to explore what that kindness means to you, and share it with others.

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She had white hair, a round wrinkled face, kind blue eyes and a big toothless grin. I was a skinny, shy kid with white hair, an angled face and inquisitive gray eyes and a big gap toothed smile.

We were best friends.

Her name was Minnie, I was told to call her Aunt Minnie. She lived two doors down from where my family lived. We had just moved into the house that week when I met her for the first time. I was about 6 or seven, she could have been anywhere from 60 to 90. I know she was old when I first met her. She always wore dresses, silk stockings that she would sometimes roll down to her calves. Clunky, serviceable black shoes with think rubber soles. She wore glasses to read, otherwise they lay against a sagging bosom from a silver chain around her neck.

When she hugged me tight she smelled of dusty lavender, face powder and that morning’s breakfast.

She was married to a man who was a quiet soul. He would sit in the living room and read the newspaper as Aunt Minnie taught me the ‘proper’ way to take care of the house. She was the one who taught a shy little girl how to sweep floors, dust, and iron clothes. As we worked side by side, she would tell me about her only child. A daughter she would tell me, just like me. A cherished child that drowned when she was 12, many years ago. Aunt Minnie never got over the death. She never had any more children.

Aunt Minnie said she had me now, that’s all she needed.

This kindly old lady befriended a small skinny child who needed a friend so much. She must have seen something in me one day that I didn’t know about. I was living a nightmare I couldn’t tell anyone about. I was living a hell of sexual abuse, also my mother and I didn’t get along. So I clung to kind Aunt Minnie as much as she clung to me.

I would help her with her chores, while she taught me so much. She taught me more than she ever knew. She taught me to have pride in what work I did. To have pride in myself. She taught a quiet, introverted book nerd that it was all right to make mistakes. She was patient, kind and never scolded if I did something wrong. She taught me that even if there was many years difference in our ages, two lonely people could be best friends. She taught me to trust again. Hesitantly, but trust her I did.

Aunt Minnie also taught me that it’s the kindness in yourself towards others that will fill a void, a need. Not nastiness, not jealousy, not hatred. Kindness was something that brought us together, a young child and an older, wiser woman who had so much love in her to share. A child who soaked that kindness up so many, many years ago and now that I am older, is trying to give some of that kindness to others that might need it now.

Thank you Aunt Minnie for being kindness personified.

Blog challenge · Blogging · Cee's Share Your World · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction

Sharing a Bit of Me with You ~~ 2014 Week 28

July 15, 2014 JackieP31 Comments

Another week is here and half gone. And another edition of Share Your World, courtesy of Cee is here. Come join in! It’s a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Have you ever been a participant in a parade? What did you do?

No, I’m not one to draw attention to myself. I haven’t even seen that many parades, except for on TV. My mom always had to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade every year.

If you were handed free opera tickets, would you go or sell them? Why?

Oh, I would take them and go. Even though I don’t understand the languages usually, I love the singing, music and drama that goes with opera.

Why did you start your blog?

To write. That’s the short version. I love to write, always have. I had so many stories locked up inside and I needed to get them out. That first post was the scariest thing to do though. To hit that publish button and let it out into the world. I never really expected to get followers or people who liked what I wrote. But getting that first one, then another, then another. It was so exciting! I’ve ‘met’ so many wonderful, talented, big-hearted people on WP, that I just fell in love with the community. It’s been a wonderful ride so far, so I plan on doing this for a long time to come. (If my muse ever comes back from holiday LOL)

What is your favorite tradition? (family tradition, church tradition, whatever)

I pretty much broke away from any family traditions, many years ago. I don’t go to church so never had any of those. I have made some traditions of my own, so I guess they would be my personal traditions. My favorite one? Well, it used to be a tradition of mine to buy a new Santa decoration every year. It didn’t have to be much, a small ornament, a little nick knack, some years I even painted a new one for my collection. I’ve gotten away from it the past few years, but that was always my favorite. I love the ‘idea’ of Christmas and Santa. I love all the different renditions of Santa around the world. I think it’s fascinating that one fictional (as far as we know) character is beloved worldwide. Now if we could just spread some of that love throughout the year, it would make a much nicer world.

Blog challenge · Cee's Challenges · Cee's Share Your World · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction · postaday · Stories of my life

Share Your World – 2014 Week 27

July 9, 2014 JackieP37 Comments

I’m a bit late in posting for Cee’s Share your world this week. In fact, I haven’t posted much lately. But, I have an excuse, not that I need one. I have hurt my right knee and it is very painful so I have not had much concentration lately. Also, I think my muse went on holiday. Yeah, poor, poor pitiful me. Enough whining though!

Here is Cee’s four questions and my answers for this week. If you would like to join us, to get to know your fellow bloggers better, go on over to Cee’s photography blog and join on in! Thanks!

If you were the architect of one existing building, which building would you select?

The very impressive Regatta Hotel Jakarta.

The Regatta Hotel Jakarta was designed by Atelier Enam, based on the nautical theme, where the centerpiece is an aerodynamically shaped hotel bound to be one of the most striking landscape features overlooking the Java Sea. The ‘Regatta’ name comes from the symbols of tall ships, which are the 10 apartment towers sailing around the ‘lighthouse’ which is represented by the hotel. All these 10 apartment towers are named after some important port cities of the world, and each of them, are orientated towards the cardinal direction of their corresponding city.

Isn’t it fabulous? I would love to see inside!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

My favorite quote is one I made myself many years ago when I was living in an impossible relationship. It’s helped me many times stay strong and focused.

“Don’t Let the Situation Control You. YOU Control the Situation.”

What color do you feel most comfortable wearing?

When I was younger all I wore was dark colors. Blacks, browns, grays, dark greens. Pretty much matched what I felt. Now that I’m older. I wear bright colors. Reds, oranges, purples, bright blues, bright greens. About the only colors I don’t wear are pink and yellow. Pink because, well, I’m just not much of a pink girl. Yellows because they make me look like death warmed over. Not a good look on anyone, unless you’re a zombie. BRAINSSssssssSSSS!

What is something you learned in the last week?

I learned a new word this week. One I had never heard before. I was reading a friends blog and he had this word for a writing prompt. The word was Mamihlapinatapei. Have you ever heard of it? Not many have I think. The definition given was this; “The wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start.”

I thought it was a pretty cool word. Don’t ask me to pronounce it though.

So how is YOUR week going?

Blogging · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction · postaday · Stories of my life

Happy Birthday to my Sister

July 7, 2014 JackieP18 Comments

Today is my older sister’s birthday. She is 2 years older than I am. Her and I used to be really close, but we have drifted apart through the years. Since my dad died years ago things have not been the same between us.

Family dynamics sometimes can be strange. They ebb and flow like the ocean waves. At least in my family they do. I know that part of the problem is that I’ve lived so far away most of my adult life. I”m the only sibling out of four to do so. My younger brother did for a while, but even he eventually went home. My problem I think is that ‘home’ has never really been home to me. Sometimes I get the urge to go back, but it passes. It usually only comes around the holidays anyway, which happens to many. I also know it would be a bad idea.

My sister is a wonderful person, she really is. She’s very caring and nurturing. She loves kids and she’s very patient. Her name is Jill, well, that’s what everyone calls her. It’s her middle name. She wasn’t able to get pregnant, which she always wanted to do once she got married. But she did the next best thing. First she was a foster parent, with my brother-in-law. They made great foster parents and I lost count on how many children she took in. She specialized in children that were at risk at home from parents that couldn’t handle the kids for whatever reason, be it drugs or mental or emotional problems. Most were babies when she received them. Some had special needs themselves.

I lost track on how many kids she fostered through the years. I do know she is still in touch with a few of them. Three of the children she fostered her and my BIL ended up adopting. Three boys from different backgrounds, but all needing a good set of parents. Which they got from my sister and her husband.

Now when she should be enjoying peace and quiet she is taking care of my younger brothers twin girls. He and his then wife weren’t in any position to care for them, so my sister with my mom’s help took them in and raised them. Now they do have a relationship with my brother, but they still live with my sister and consider her ‘mom’.

I don’t even have a picture of my sister. Another long story there for another time. She’s a wonderful friend to her friends, a great mother to her kids, an amazing wife to her husband. She’s my sister and I’m proud of her.

So Happy Birthday Jill! Hope it’s a great one for you and I hope that husband of yours treats you well on this special day.

I love you sister.

Blog challenge · Cee's Challenges · Cee's Share Your World · Humor · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction · postaday

Share Your World – 2014 Week 26

July 2, 2014 JackieP19 Comments

Another week is upon us, the first week of July all ready! Where does time go? Cee from Cee’s Photography once again asks 4 questions over at Share Your World. Why not join us? It’s lots of fun.

So let’s see what Cee asks this week.

Is your refrigerator, organized or a mess inside?

It is a complete and utter mess. I do try to keep it organized but it’s a no go. But then, it’s only a refrigerator.

If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?

For writing. Writing things that people can identify with and love. I do other things like paint. But my hope has always been to write good stories.

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?

Publish a book. I could name other things. But publish a book that people want to read has been my dream since I was a little girl. It’s been the longest held dream I’ve kept hold of.

Where do you eat breakfast?

I don’t eat breakfast. I was never for eating first thing when I got up. I’m still that way. So I wait for lunch. If I could I would eat only once a day like I used to when I was young. That’s the only way I could keep my weight down. But after becoming a diabetic 7 years ago, that was no longer an option. My doctor wanted me to eat 3 times a day. I told him that for me that wasn’t a good idea. He insisted. I did it for 3 months and gained 30 lbs. I then quit eating breakfast. And even with exercise, I have yet to lose that damn weight. Now my doctor listens to me more. Oh, and I only had a piece of toast for breakfast with my coffee. The dietician said have a piece of toast with a little peanut butter for breakfast. Yeah, that worked well. (Said sarcastically). When you are only 5 ft tall gaining 5 lbs is like gaining 20.