November 22, 2013

Oprah and the Elephant in the Room

Why is it that when someone speaks out about “the elephant in the room” they are verbally bashed, ostracized, discredited, or even ignored? This doesn’t just happen in the media; it happens in all circles, economic, cultural, racial,social, political, and even family circles.

Could the reason some groups, organizations, or individuals get so upset when someone points the finger at “the elephant in the room” be because they are “the eight-hundred pound gorilla in the room?” You know who they are?  The eight-hundred pound gorilla in the room” refers to a large unstoppable individual or organization that can exert its will as it desires even if people do their best to ignore. They’re usually intelligent, out-spoken, and may have many followers. They like protégé and power.  Could the gorilla be someone like Rush Limbaugh, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and The Tea Party, your boss, or even a particular individual like a friend or relative?  These GO-RIL-LAS can’t accept change, diversity, or just a difference of opinion. They like power. We find them everywhere. They’re either too far to the right or too far to the left. There’s no compromising with them.  

Oprah Winfrey has a right to her opinion. She just told the truth about the race problems that still exist in the United States, “the elephant in the room.”  We all know there are still traces of racism in America. I don’t think Oprah was being judgmental or prejudice toward racist people. She was stating a fact. There are still people living who are so deeply rooted in prejudice ideas and ways that they can never and will never change. They are not going to do anything but go to their graves with their preformed opinions based on irrational feelings, stereotypes and beliefs.

In my opinion, racism is still not going to end when these individuals pass on.  Racism is a burning fire.  Fires spread quickly and can be destructive to anything in its path.  The sparks and embers from fire can be just as harmful as the fire itself because it ignites more fires. Racist people are bred from generation to generation, and they can be from any nationality.  They can influence the beliefs and opinions of many people throughout their lifetime. Oprah’s right; those embers of racism are deep-seated in many families, organizations, and areas in the United States and world. Prejudice and racism will be around as long as man is living and breathing. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cNFAYMv4Zs

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/racism

http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/caleb/racism.html

http://racerelations.about.com/od/understandingrac1/a/callingsomeoneracist.htm

November 17, 2013

Continued

“I’VE DODGED THE BULLET TWICE”

Let’s fast forward about two and a half years. I retired and moved out of the state of Missouri. I am living in Georgia now and love it. I love the weather in Georgia, and its simple way of living. I’m more relaxed, and I’m changing my life style. Exercise and diet have become extremely important. My priorities did change, and I’m putting myself first.

In July, it was time for my yearly wellness check with the gynecologist. I like this term, annual wellness check. Wellness is the state of being in good health. How do we do that? Put God first! Start your day by thanking Him. Change those bad habits. Exercise and a diet change are top priorities. Lastly, we should eliminate stress, keep those doctor appointments, and enjoy life.

I knew this annual wellness check was going to be a breeze because I had not had any complications. So, I knew everything was going to be routine. Nevertheless, once you’ve heard malignant that fear is always on your mind. We all know cancer may begin growing somewhere else in the body. This is another reason, checkups are vital.

 I was looking forward to meeting my new doctor. This was the first time I had a female gynecologist. No problem, first times for many things, plus females are usually very thorough. No offense to my male readers. I got there early because new doctors need all your back history. Of course, I wanted to make sure she knew every little thing about me.

All was going well until the doctor said, “Ms. Lee, you have polyps on your cervix.” She said something to the nurse about a colposcopy. She explained colposcopy.

“Colposcopy is a simple, 10- to 15-minute procedure that is painless and performed in a gynecologist's office. You are positioned on the examination table like you are for a Pap smear, and an acetic acid (such as common table vinegar) is placed on the cervix.

Your physician will use a colposcope -- a large, electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from the vagina -- to view your cervix. A bright light on the end of the colposcope lets the gynecologist clearly see the cervix.”

The colposcope allowed she and two nurses to view the polyps.  At this point, you would think I would have been concerned about three women peering down my vagina looking at my polyps. I want you to know I didn’t think of that until I was home and relaxed.  I was more concerned about the unknown, polyps. I’ve heard the term before, but I really wasn’t intelligently familiar with the polyps. 

I was leaving in a couple of weeks to take two of my grandchildren back to St. Louis. They had spent the summer with me. My concern was … how soon do I need to get this done? My doctor explained polyps. She told me they are benign growths or tumors that often appear on the cervix. She told me they could vary in size and may cause some bleeding. She asked if I had had any bleeding, and of course I had not.  The doctor also told me they can be removed in the office. She said we would set another appointment to have them removed. First, she would perform an ultrasound. Then the removal is a simple procedure. She gave me pamphlets to take home to read, “Disorders of the Cervix”, “Ovarian Cysts”, and “Uterine Fibroids”.  This was great! Educators love pamphlets! It gave me a start for … yes, my GOOGLE searches.

The appointment was purposely set for September. I went to St. Louis enjoyed myself and returned to Georgia. I did read my pamphlet and did some investigating on the internet. I was concerned, but I was calm which is unusual for me.  Anyone who knows me knows that I’m afraid of just about everything. LOL

I kept hearing, “Do not be afraid.” I looked up the verse…

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

I arrived at the doctor’s office for my second appointment and knew that when I left I would be “polyp free”. The ultrasound went well. No problems there; I’ve had a few of those in my lifetime. Great…let’s wait for the results and get these polyps out of me!

Back to the examining room I went. The nurses were preparing me for the removal of the polyps. The doctor entered and said the ultrasound went well, but she was concerned about the size of my uterus lining. She stated that it was too thick for a woman of my age. Don’t make me angry. What did she mean a woman of my age? She stated that I may have fibroids in the uterus lining. Here we go!  Immediately, she grabbed for a visual of fibroids. Great, I love visuals! You can remove the teacher from the classroom, but you cannot remove teacher qualities from the teacher. LOL

I knew from my pamphlets that fibroids are most common in women ages 30-40, but as everything they can occur at any age.  They are most common in African American women. It is not clear what causes them. They may be within the inside layer of the uterine wall, outside the uterus attached by a stem, within the outside layer of the uterine wall, or within the uterine wall. Her model showed all of this. She explained her statement of her being concerned about the size of my uterus lining. Menopause causes a decrease in estrogen, and fibroids shrink when a woman enters menopause.

Then BANG! She laid it on me! I am also going to take a sample of your uterus for a BIOPSY! There’s that “B” word again! My eyes bucked and immediately started to tear.  I’m one of those people who need to think and regroup. She said you may feel a pinch and there may be some mild cramping. She said that if there are fibroids present, most of the time they do not cause problems, but it’s best to know right away.

I agreed and told myself not to be afraid because God has me. Well, I didn’t have time to get my mind and body in tune. The second she started to remove the polyps; I started to shake and hyperventilate. My doctor could not do the procedure; and here we go again…outpatient surgery it will be. We scheduled the surgery for October.

That was incredible! What just happened? I left my religion outside the door! Did I really believe 1 Corinthians 10:13 and John 14:27? Fear took over. Just that quick I resorted to old behaviors. Fear is a learned response. What I needed to do at that time was regroup.

I started to prepare myself for the outpatient surgery. Yes, I did. I read more about fibroids. You see; fear is in your mind. I needed to program my head to keep telling my heart positive things. I replaced the negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Little by little I started feeling stronger. The negative voice started to diminish. Worst case scenario…if some complications are found, “HE WILL SHOW YOU A WAY OUT…”

You know the end to this story. The outpatient surgery went well and the result of the biopsy again was benign. Look at my God! Yes, I dodged that bullet twice, but that wasn’t what was important here. I learned something from these experiences and that is the relationship between fear and faith. Fear can cancel out faith. We know about fear and the complications that come with fears that we are having. Those complications I’m speaking of could be an illness, worry, or stress. But faith… faith is blind.  I learned that each day and sometimes each minute of the day I must choose faith over fear.  This is difficult at times because the immediate problem can be overpowering. Each time I replace fear with faith and focus on “The Word”, I am building that relationship with God and opening that door to receive all the miracles due to me.  Step out on faith because God can surely change you; change those around you, and even those difficult circumstances around you.

 

 

November 15, 2013

I’ve dodged the bullet twice

I can’t stress enough the importance of staying abreast of all your doctor appointments. Many of us say that we are too busy to make it to the doctor. We are feeling fine so why go. Men are especially guilty of this. We must go because some diseases are not detectable until it is too late. We go to the doctor to help prevent the unthinkable.

December 2009 was a frightening time for me. I had been having a number of health issues. It was the first day of Christmas vacation. I was looking so forward to the holiday season and two weeks of pure rest and relaxation. I welcomed that vacation. I woke that morning and went to the restroom. The commode was full of blood. The water looked like tomato juice. At that moment, I was terrified! I had already gone through menopause and couldn’t think of any other logical reason to have a toilet full of blood. This could not be good. I’m not talking about a little blood; I’m talking about a substantial amount of blood enough to be extremely alarmed! I was trying to think of all the possibilities I could conceive. Is it coming from my bladder? My kidneys?  Is it related to my diabetes? Jesus, is it CANCER? A visual of my emotional state would have been The Scream by the artist Edvard Munch. I told myself, “Try to stay calm, but you must get to the emergency room.”

My cousin was upstairs.  I called her and off to the hospital we went. At the hospital, I was advised to see my primary care doctor, as well as, an urologist. Of course, I visited the primary care doctor first, and he insisted on me getting to the urologist.

My first visit to the urologist was not pleasant. I was already fretful just from the mere fact that there was unexplained blood present in my urine. I was trying to be positive and keep the “C” word out of my mind because this could be something else, an infection of some kind, but it was all around me. My cousin and my best friend were both having bouts with cancer. Two of the closest people in my life were dealing with cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It wasn’t easy. They’re just like sisters.  When they hurt; I would hurt. If I could do anything, I would take this affliction away from both of them. Even today, I pray for them every day that they continue to be strong and fight. I’m proud of both of them.

I had to give a urine specimen. Then I was taken to the examining room only to wait. While I was waiting, the nurse rushed into the examining room.  She was retrieving some long instruments. It may have been a ureter scope; I don’t know.  She didn’t come in once, but twice. The second time she took something else off the table stating that they needed it in another examining room. Well, my mind is going in circles about now. Are they organized? Are they qualified?   Plain and simple…do these jokers know what they are doing? The doctor, an older, more experienced healthcare provided entered, introduced himself, and stated, “There’s still blood in your urine, and I’m going to have to look in your bladder.”

 I said, “No, doctor. That can’t happen right now because I’m too worked up just sitting here watching your staff and waiting on you.”

“Am I going to have to put you out and do this?”

“I’m afraid so.” 

The outpatient surgery was scheduled in January. This was a blessing for me. When the doctor viewed my bladder he removed a mass and sent it for a biopsy. There’s that “B” word! That dreadful “B” word – biopsy! Jesus!  It is almost always followed by the big “C” word, “cancer”. I had to wear a catheter for a week. Now, you wait! Is it benign or malignant? I told you before; I am a Google sister! Now, I am trying to get all the information possible because I have questions. All the fears started creeping into your mind again. Could I have cancer? What kind of treatments would I have to take? What will happen if I don’t get treatment? Will I need chemo-therapy?  I am scheduled to retire in May? What would that do to my retirement? Will I have to go out on disability? Will I be able to cope with a serious illness? Let alone afford it. What about my sons and family? I can’t be a burden to anyone. Lord, Jesus, I am definitely not ready to check out of here!

This took place during January 2011. My cousin and I moved into another house. Two day after our move my cousin was going into the hospital for reconstructive surgery. I had gone back to work with my catheter. I was so uncomfortable wearing it to work, but we do what we have to. A bad snow storm was on its way to St. Louis. I knew schools were going to be closed. I was scheduled to have the catheter removed the day after the storm was going to hit. I didn’t want to have to drive in the bad weather. So, I left work early to go to the doctor’s office to ask him to remove the catheter a day early. It was a gray, dull, and dreary day. I was cold and ready to be in my warm and comfortable bed. The anticipation of the biopsy results was consuming my every existence. I needed to know.

The doctor entered the examining room in the same jovial manner as he had done the first time I met him. He greeted me and said it was a good idea to come have the catheter removed before the snowstorm. He asked me if I had ever smoked. I said not since 1993. Then it felt as if he laid a ton of bricks on me. He said the biopsy was malignant, and that it was bladder cancer. This was a paralyzing moment for me. All those fears I had were starting to manifest. Please, Lord, not now! I believe the doctor saw the expression on my face because my eyes started tearing and my mouth fell open. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. All I could think of was, “Lord, how strong do you think I am.”

I believe the doctor recognized my panic stricken face. The nurse passed me a Kleenex and the doctor said,” I got all of it all, though.” I couldn’t respond back. He stated that he removed the mass in question during the outpatient surgery. I inquired about treatment, and he didn’t think chemo would be necessary. He told me I will have to have my bladder looked at every three months for a year. He explained the procedure and told me it would be done in the office, not outpatient surgery.  That was even more unreal. No chemo or medicine of any kind. I left the doctor’s office that day feeling like the sun was beaming down on JUST me. When I got to the car I did scream. “Thank you, Jesus”, and cried all the way home.

The snowstorm did fall. Schools in St. Louis and St. Louis County were closed. I didn’t dare tell my cousin what had transpired when I talked to her on the phone. No need to upset her, she was already in the hospital dealing with her serious health issues. She will find out when she gets home. I was blessed because I kept my grandson through the snow storm, and he kept my mind occupied. I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I stopped the “why me cry” some years back. “Why not me?” My life is no different and no better than anyone else’s life. We all have difficult times.

My grandson and I were snowed in for a few days. We unpacked boxes and played the Play Station and the Wii. I looked at my grandson and realized it is not death that I’m afraid of. It’s leaving those I love here on Earth. I want to see my grandchildren grow up, experience all the happy occasions in their lives, and even help them through the difficult times that I know they will encounter. We all experience them in our lifetimes. I want to enjoy my retirement years, enjoy extended family, and spend time with love one and friends. I realized that it was perfectly ok to put myself first. You are the only person that has any control or say so about your health. Those things that I thought were so important before dropped on my list of priorities. I would definitely be rearranging my goals and priorities.

Most of all, I thanked God because I could not deal with another health issue at that time. I apologized to God for not trusting Him more. I prayed for a deeper relationship with God. I always remembered the first part of the Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 10:13. I didn’t remember nor take to heart the last part of the verse. God will show you a way out. None of us are immune from diseases or life’s hardship, but through faith we can whither the storm. God will show you how to cope with whatever comes your way. January 2010 had an emotional impact on my life, and I thanked Him for allowing me to dodge that bullet!

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT  New Living Translation

"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”

To Be Continued on the Next Blog Entry

 

October 30, 2013

Don’t go for the okey doke!

Do you remember when VCR’s came out in the 60’s? Do you remember your parents and grandparents trying to operate these devices? Just the concept of them really baffled some in that generation. Go back a minute and think about all those wonderful technological devices/gadgets: not just VCR’s, but 8 tracks, cassette tapes, and CB’s [citizen band radios]. Oh my God, everybody’s dad and uncle had a handle and were able to communicate with truckers and radio hobbyists in, by George, other states!  What was the world coming to?  What about CD’s? There were no more albums! There are still some of us talking about an artist having a new “album”. LOL There are no  albums! They’re CD’s colleagues, CD’s! LOL We are beginning to sound like our parents.

More and more of us are realizing the benefits to becoming familiar with the world of technology. For senior citizens, technology broadens our world. It promotes brain fitness, as well as, physical fitness. It keeps us connected to family and friends no matter where they are in the world! Today, we have DVD’s, tablets, IPods, video games, computers, internet,  wireless internet, Skype, GPS, monitoring, home assistance devices, hearing aids, cell phones, and Smartphones. Yes, Lord, Smartphones. Now, smartphones are...just too (doggone) SMART! There are android phones, android smartphones, android tablets and other mobile devices. Really, I don’t know about you but, I don’t know enough about them to intelligently explain the mechanics and differences between these devices. Let’s not talk about trouble shooting problems. All I know is that I love them! It’s a massive amount of information at my fingertips. I am a huge promoter of technology! The more I learn, the more I want to know.

Nevertheless, if it hasn’t been addressed yet, somebody should create a reality show with seniors and smartphones because we are neophytes at the game. To make them work, we must talk to them, type on a keyboard that are smaller than a credit card, or run our fingers across the face of the phone. Don’t touch it too hard. All kinds of things may happen! My thumbs are constantly aching! They’re throbbing with pain… why?  I HAVE RA! Do I stop? No!  I love it! I can talk to more than one person at a time. Multi-task, LOL. I sit up at night and Google myself silly.  Then, I have to put heat on my neck. I still think it’s wonderful. I don’t have to get up and go to a what? A JOB! So, I can relax in the morning.

We are funny though. We can’t work the darn things unless we have a child around to tell us what to do. The other evening, I got a text from my son saying that he texted me on Circle. Circle? What is Circle? Well, I have been tutored by my eleven year old grandson. He taught me how to go to the “Play Store”, find the apps I want, and bang…download. Well, this time, the app site was already on the text in blue. All I had to do was…TOUCH…it. Since I have an android-that’s connected to the internet-well, you know the rest. I TOUCH IT!! I connected to Circle and …WA-LAH! There was his message. “Mom, I texted you on Circle. Love you.”  What? That’s what he said? All that just to text back on Circle, “I love you, more.” I do that when I’m texting on my phone regularly. Why did I fall for the okey doke?

People started texting me saying, “Ok, I’ll check into it tomorrow.” “I have it, but never use it.” “Who is this?” “Do I know you?” Well, now I’m bewildered! I didn’t text any of those people. I texted back my apologies, and yes, went to bed with sore, aching thumbs. I took an arthritis pain reliever and went to sleep. What I didn’t know was… that my phone was texting all night. Cyberspace isn’t as busy during the early morning hours. My phone or whatever I “TOUCHED” to download Circle texted my contacts and Facebook friends. I woke up the next morning and had all kinds of texts, “I’ll check it out in the morning.” “OK” “What are you doing up?” LOL One of my brothers texted and said, “What is this?” Then, my phone rang. He left the message, “Call me as soon as you get this message.” You know I didn’t want to call him. He probably got his text about three am also. If I was twelve, I would have known I was in trouble. LOL I did call. I wouldn’t dare ask what time his text came in. LOL He informed me of something called “phishing”.

“This is the act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate   enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs the user to visit a website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers that the legitimate organization already has. The website, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.”

Well….none of that happened, but it’s always safe to KNOW. I called T Mobile to check on this social network, Circle. They told me it was just that and informed me that there was no activity indicating phishing on my account. Thank you, Jesus!

Unfortunately, my colleagues, I have spent two days texting, apologizing, and talking to people on the phone that I have not talked to in ages.  I probably texted you, and if I did… here I am apologizing again. I have learned my lesson. Hopefully, you’ve learned something from my experience. If you don’t know about the app, don’t open it. If you don’t know the person the email is from, don’t open it. If you have any doubts check it out. Keep yourself a ten year old child to consult with!!!!

Going to give my thumbs and fingers some rest now. Must Google tonight!

 

October 22, 2013

Kitten’s Salsa

We are coming into the holiday season. That means family gatherings and food, food, food! I told you I would share some recipes with you. I’m going to try and keep them healthy because that’s what I’m about these days. Trying to make that 35 year trek!

I am blessed to have many longtime friends. Those are friends that I have had for over 50 years. The kind of friends you can’t lie to because they know everything about you, and vice versa. Friends you know will be there, if you need them. The recipe I want to share with you today comes from one of those friends. This “young lady”, if I hadn’t known her for over 50 year, I would really think she was Betty Crocker’s sister for real.  Talk about cooking and loving it, that’s Kathy, known to some as, “The Kitten.” No matter what time you call her she’s cooking. Everything she cooks is homemade. If she’s having pizza, it’s homemade pizza, and if the menu says salsa, it’s homemade salsa.

This salsa is full of favor with its fresh vegetables and seasonings. It will be beautiful on your table because the colors are rich, vibrant, autumn colors. (I love autumn colors!) I can guarantee you that this recipe will make you a master chef in your circle of family and friends.

Kitten’s Salsa

Ingredients

Red pepper

Yellow pepper

Green pepper

Orange pepper

Scallions

A package of taco seasoning (mild or hot)

Black olives (chopped)

Shoe peg corn

Black beans

Garlic

Jalapeno peppers (add habanero peppers, if you really want to blow your stack)

A package of Italian seasoning

Olive oil (This is the last step.  Stir the olive oil and Italian seasoning together and pour into your salsa.)  

Warnings:

1)      Do not prepare this recipe on a day when knees, back, and fingers are aching. All vegetables must be diced very small. It will be worth it though!

2)      This recipe will make a very large bowl of salsa. Only you know how much you really need. I suggest you prepare it for company.

3)      If you’re with me on that 35 year trek, remember small portions of everything. The salsa is marvelous, so this is going to take some self-control. The salsa is probably not the villain. It’s going to be those tortilla chips. Be careful; don’t eat two bags of chips! LOL

October 21, 2013

Forty More Years!

Retirement brings about many changes. Many people retire in their 60’s. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to retire at age 57. Well, I won’t lie; I was a couple of months away from 58. So, 58 it is.  That’s still young enough to have many fruitful and most pleasurable retirement years.  I would like 40 more years, Lord, but I thank you now, for 35 more.

Of course, I realize I have to change quite a few habits to make that 35 year journey.  I see some heads are nodding in agreement. Let’s list some changes that might be helpful to all of us.

·        Keep your health insurance current. You need to go to your doctors’ appointments frequently. Don’t miss any because you’re feeling pretty good this month. I’m not talking about just a primary care doctor either. Get yourself a slew of specialists from every field you think you may need. Cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, neurologist, rheumatologist, and psychologist, if you think you need the later. Stay on top of all health issues!

·         Make a commitment to exercise routinely. I'm told this helps to relieve stress. Stick to it! If you fall off the wagon, just start back over the next day. Don’t beat yourself up. If you are anything like me, I’m always trying to crawl back on that wagon. I admit; this is the hardest for me. Never have I been athletic. In grade school, “they” would pick me last to play kickball. "They" know… who "they" are. I haven’t forgotten that you guys! If you like dancing, dance! I’m told that walking is best.

·         Stay busy. Think of all those things you wanted to do while you were working. Take some classes, clean your closets or basement out, travel, read, volunteer work, do some garden work.

·         Change your diet. Go Mediterranean!

“The Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional recommendation inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain . The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products (mostly as cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of meat and meat products.”

This has been most enjoyable for me. I am cooking so many different vegetables and cooking chicken a million ways. I’ve become “Shelly Crocker”. I’m sharing recipes with friends and family and enjoying cooking again. One problem here, you must cut portions. I’m working on that! I’ll share some recipes with you on the blog!

·         Lastly, which is really not last at all, but the first thing to do every morning? That is…thank God every day! Thank Him for good health, thank Him for the rain, thank Him for the sun, and thank Him for your family, Thank Him. Thank Him. Thank Him for getting you to this stage in your life. This was my morning prayer I sent to family and friends this morning.

Good morning, Lord! I thank you for this crisp morning of forty-seven degrees. I may not have everything I want, but you are faithful to provide everything I need. Thank you for being a faithful God, a forgiving God, and a loving God. I ask that you continue to keep a watchful eye on my family and friends. Love always!

October 20, 2013

May 2012 was a gift from God, retirement! I closed up shop and left the state!

I’ve been retired now for just a little over a year. I think it’s the best thing in the world! No early morning wake up, no fighting traffic, no having to leave the house in the dark and in unfavorable weather,  no getting dressed and having to redress because you changed your mind on the outfit, and no hauling! Yes, hauling. I was hauling book bags, briefcase, coats, shoes, etc. If you are in education, you know what I’m talking about. I can give my shoulders and poor little fingers a rest now.

What one needs while they are working is no longer needed in retirement. I don’t need to put on makeup every day. I don’t need the new clothes, shoes, and purses that I thought I needed when I was working. Beauty shop and nails, you can even put that off.  LOL Well, maybe that can be put off for just for a week. Groceries bills are smaller because you are not buying lunch foods or fast meals for evening consumption.

I have settled into retirement and have become quite comfortable. I stay up late and even get to watch some movies. Yes, movies. Not the news before bed. I was always trying to hear the latest schools’ closings. It snows in Missouri you know. Don’t have to worry about that in Georgia! I wake up by eight or eight thirty every morning, watch the news, make coffee and breakfast, read, write, and send my morning prayers out to family and friends, surf the web, play the piano, and make phone calls. Yes, Lord, I thank you!

A couple of days ago, I was searching the web for plane tickets to get to Saint Louis for the holidays.  I get emails from various sites: Travelocity, Cheap O Air, Fare Compare, and Southwest Airlines. Oh yeah, I’m connected! That’s the way to shop. Compare those prices! Soon, I became quite disappointed because in order to get the best deals you must grab those tickets when you see them. I didn’t want to let go of the money yet, but I was worried that waiting may cause me to miss out on the best deal.

All of the sudden, I had a brainstorm! I need to find a part time job in order to save that money and call it my “play poll”. Yeah, I would always have it available for travel, shopping, etc. Great idea! What did I do? Well, Ms. Organizer, here, pulls out her thumb drive and finds her most recent resume and started revising. That wasn’t enough; I started writing a cover letter, too. “I have the motivation and drive to be an asset to any company. I consistently present a high-profile, professional demeanor, complemented by a positive, “can-do” attitude.” The words were flowing. I believed what I was writing, too! “I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on how I could make a substantial contribution to your organization. I look forward to talking with you soon.”  Saving, printing, and revising…man…you would have thought I was an editor for the city’s top newspaper.  Just as I got to the closing, “Sincerely”, my Catholic up-bringing kicked in. “What am I doing? You know you’re lying! You don’t want to work for anybody’s company! What about all the ideas you had when you retired a year ago? Have you forgotten those or just lost your mind!”

Two hours later…I started this blog.

October 16, 2013
Is it me? Nola Reachelle “Cothran” Lee, nicknamed Shelly! Born, August 1, 1954 in St. Louis, MO. I actually grew up in a small town called Kinloch. I graduated from an all-girls high school in 1972, Incarnate Word Academy. I attended college and graduated, married, started my career in education, had two sons, divorced, nurtured children, survived life’s tragedies, loved, experienced heartbreaks, and swaddled myself in many joyous occasions in life. You’ve read through my profile by now.  This is enough to know if you have the “Nola” that you think you know. This is Nola, on the “surface”. Shelly’s Potpourri will introduce you to other facets of me.
At this point, you are probably thinking, “What a narcissist! Why does she think anyone would want to know about her humdrum life?” You haven’t read anything adventurous that I accomplished in my life, for example; sky diving, travel, etc.  So, what’s up?  I confess. Shelly’s Potpourri is really not for you, the reader, it’s for me. I choose to share it with you! I have lived a pretty calculated existence thus far. I have been on autopilot. You know the drill, go to school, get married, get a job, check paper, do the report cards, get the evaluations completed,  take care of the kids, be a good citizen, get the groceries, make sure the kids are in little league sports, get a dog (children need pets), feed the dog, think this and think that. Don’t misunderstand. This is all good! It was rewarding. I met some goals that I’m quite proud of. Were they all my goals? Aaaahhh…..
The purpose for this blog is to cultivate my soul. The teacher in me knows that journaling is powerful. Through journaling, I would like to connect with my inner wisdom, to seek my passions and share those with you, find the crux of my existence, explore my heart, tap my creativity, and lastly find and share my spirit. This is my quest which I pray will lead me to something even more fulfilling as I look forward to the future.

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October 14, 2013 - Columbus Day!
How befitting! Day 1 of blogging. I truly feel like an explorer today venturing  the unfamiliar territory of BLOGGING! I have spent the entire morning setting up an attractive blog which I hope you are going to enjoy. Be patient for I am definitely a novice to "The World of Blog", but determined to embark  upon a journey which I feel will be rewarding, educational, and down right enjoyable. If you have tuned in today, know that Shelly's Potpourri is under construction!