It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is on this evening in the first of the many seasonal 'Charlie Brown and friends' stories. But it's more than the seasonal cartoon broadcast. It's childhood returning for a spell. There's just something about it. I grew up with Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Pigpen, Peppermint Patti, and the rest of the gang. And I didn't realize that there were no adults in the cartoons until someone pointed it out. Then, as a parent myself, it was a special occasion to pass along to my son. We would have Jer's friends stay overnight and line them up on the couch in their PJ's and watch The Charlie Brown Special. I think it deserves to be right up there with 'As American as apple pie.'

You're a good man, Charlie Brown!!

And here we go!! Time to get the 'snowfood'! in the house!

The forecast is for snow tomorrow. I generally like the first snow; the aesthetic change from swirling, dancing leaves to flying white flakes.

Beyond that, it is cold, costly, and hazardous to health and driving. My words of wisdom for the season:

• Be sure that your windshield wiper fluid is full, and your gas tank doesn't go below half of a tank.
• Always, always, always clear the snow off of all the windows. Keep the scraper handy.
• Keep a blanket in the car.
• When driving, keep a little more distance from the other cars. And if you don't have to drive in it, stay home.
• Stock up on whatever 'snowfood' that you enjoy ... and enjoy!

Sometimes you don't get a do-over.

Front page of our local newspaper this morning told of the death of a 20 year old [former student] at 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. He was passing a car, and lost control, and hit a car head-on.

I want everyone to slow down...rethink the necessity to hurry.

It's one of the key messages that I stress in the driving classes that I teach. Just because you can [drive 65 mph, or pass the car in front of you] doesn't mean you have to do it.

Say a prayer for the family.

No need to leave a comment...just take an extra 2 minutes to get where you are going.

The material things we take for granted...

One of my favorite inventions is Tivo! In random order are a couple of reasons:

• the simplicity of recording a show


• the ability to pause a live show


• likewise to be able to rewind [a live show] and see something again


• the joy of zooming through the commercials.


• I would miss it if it wasn't working!

Then I started thinking about how many other in-house appliances/devices that I would be unhappy about if suddenly I had to find a different way to accomplish the designated task. Think about it! Computer, TV,VCR/DVD, phone, microwave, stove, washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, air conditioner, coffeemaker, vacuum cleaner, radio/CD player...etc.

What would you miss most and least of all!

Quite the 'AHA' Moment!!

My son...my sun...

There is the forever 'snapshot in my mind' of the very first time I saw him.

And many important times in our lives together.

And now there is another milestone!

My son used to watch Sports Center in the morning as he ate his breakfast before school. In high school, he decided to apply to colleges for a degree in broadcast journalism. He has pursued this dream admirably, even when starting out was quite an uphill battle . It was a difficult field to break into, and he worked whenever he could for a chance to learn all aspects of broadcasting. And currently he is a co-host of a radio sports talk show and doing a mighty fine job. [I listen often, and I'm obviously his biggest fan...most of the time!] A college hockey team has employed him to do some radio and TV reporting of their '08-'09 season.

Tonight, as I found the station, and listened for the opening of the broadcast, I saw him standing in the arena in a suit and tie...with headphones on...holding a microphone...as he welcomed everyone to the game. I cannot exactly put into words what this new 'snapshot in time' was like for me.

Hip Hip Hooray!!

I finished the antibiotics on Sunday, and so as of Monday I am back on my regular meds. What a difference that makes! I think, generally, that you don't really think about different body parts until they are screaming[in pain], or they are not permitting you to accomplish everyday regular tasks. My knees and shoulders are no longer the focal point of my existence. Wahoo!
I still have to finish up researching[ dr. appts] what happened in reference to the pneumonia. Last night I had to wear that little finger oxygen monitor just for a night to see how much oxygen I get as I sleep. It registers both oxygen level [supposed to be 92% or higher], and it also registered heart rate. While I was still awake, my oxygen levels were great, and during the night I looked at it a couple of times, and all was well. The heart rate...last night I dreamt that I had been kidnapped, and didn't know where I was. I wonder how that affected everything!!
I am prepared for the news that my breathing is great, but 'Holy Cow'...your heart rate was all over the place!!
So, if you are not experiencing any difficulties with your body systems/ aches, pains, etc...acknowledge that wonderful state of being, and be glad. TTFN

Okay...the next three interview questions.

Here are three more!

4. We're sending you on an all expense paid trip and you could go anywhere on the planet.

Where would you go?

5. Now, believe it or not, a genie flies into the room and is going to grant you 3 wishes. You cannot wish for money or for more wishes. And one wish must be for someone else. Stop... and think for a moment. What would be your response?

6. What product do you like so much that you would volunteer to do a commercial for it?

Alrighty then...what say you?

Would you like to be interviewed?

In my teaching bag of tricks, there were many ways to use some unexpected minutes [10 minutes]. Sometimes I'd read the chapter book that we were into, and other times I would get out my deck of cards [each card had a kid's name on it], choose a card and ask that person, "Would you like to be interviewed?"
They could accept or pass. Most readily accepted...they knew the process. When asked questions by me and their classmates, they had to be truthful, and they always had the option to 'pass'. It was understood that ridiculous or embarassing questions were not allowed. It was a great way to get to know the kids, and they loved it. Here's the drill:
They got to go sit in the rocking chair and I would always begin with, "Tell us your entire name.
Do you like your name?
Any brothers or sisters...how many...what kind? [I meant are they brothers or sisters, but occasionally they'd give other details like 'really cool' or 'very annoying'!] "
The kids would ask questions like...
What's your favorite color?
What's your favorite game...holiday...number...sport...TV show...etc.
But interspersed amidst their questions, I had a prepared list[20] of specific ones. I'm going to give you 3 of them, and you must be truthful, but remember that you always have the option to pass.

1. If you had the opportunity to have lunch with anyone [living or from history], who would it be and what would you ask them?
2. It's your lucky day. When you come to the dinner table, all of your favorites are on the table!

What's the main dish, vegetable, drink, dessert?
3. Tell us three things you do well. It can be a skill, or it can be as easy as 'I get up in the morning in a good mood...I have a good memory.

So go for it. Answer the ones that interest you. It should be fun!!

It's a Beautiful Day!

I usually do the 'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood' greeting [Fred Rogers], and then as I was typing it in, I remembered that back in the 70's/80's there was a band,'It's a Beautiful Day." I have their CD and saw them in concert- and like them a lot.
I was out mailing the autumn leaves to Arizona, and picking up the book from the library that I had reserved. 'The Secret Life of Bees' was a book that I read 4 years ago and I loved it, and now it is a movie. I actually got it out for a friend, but I might have to brush up on the story before Stacy picks it up. I stopped at the farmer's market and got some tomatoes, Indian corn and pumpkins.
As I was driving through the main street of town, I saw that Nationwide [my insurance co.] was having a rally. I was mailed info about it, and filed it somewhere thinking that I wouldn't go. There were balloons and a hay wagon filled with pumpkins. They had complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, cider, and muffins and donuts. You could spin the wheel for free t shirts, stress balls, key rings, etc. I got something that you put your coffee/tea in and you don't burn your hands. I also put my name in the raffle for a 22 in. LCD flatscreen TV. I'd like to be optomistic, but I am generally not the luckiest person . I would be shocked !
But the best part [ aside from the great big free pumpkin, hot chocolate, and muffin] was that they were doing a promotion to have your car's VIN number etched onto each window of your car, and as a result get a discount on your insurance. On Saturday, my mom's caretaker is there from 9-11 while I run errands. It was 10 o'clock, and I figured it was not in the cards for today. But when I pulled in and asked how much it cost and how long would it take...They said that some places charge $100...but that it was free...and that it would only take 5 minutes! Wahoo! I even had leftover time to get Flo some scratch off lottery tickets and the dog to get a walk before 11 o'clock.!!
All this in 1 hour 45 minutes...and limping, no less. [ I'm hoping to be able to get back on my arthritis meds on Monday since my last antibiotic is Sunday.]
To wrap it up, it was a morning that kind of flowed gracefully and was very productive.
If the lottery tickets produce any surprises, or that 22 in. LCD TV comes my way because Jupiter is orbitting in Mars' eclipse on a Saturday in October where the sun was shining and the moon is still full....whatever! Cross your fingers. Hey, ya never know.

A Boss's Day Tribute

I came across an ad today for Boss's Day, and it brought back some memories of the many, varied, and unusual gifts and tributes that we [as a school faculty] provided to our fearless leader, the principal. Over the years, there were cards and chocolate covered cherries [our ..pal's favorite]. Some occasions involved a breakfast before school where everyone brought in a dish to pass or muffins/doughnuts/cookies and juices, etc. I remember one year we put a plant on his desk, and another time that a tie with a kid oriented theme was our gift. But my favorite Boss's Day occasion involved a surprise practical joke, and it was quite memorable...even to this day it brings a smile when reminising.
The occasion called for something new and different, colorful and extraordinary, acceptable and yet funny...very funny.
There was a florist that had as one of its services where you could send a singing telegram delivered by either a giant gorilla or a big bird...like the Philadelphia Chicken. The staff all chipped in and arranged to have the bird deliver our Happy Boss's Day Greeting at the morning faculty meeting.

 So picture it: the principal has the normal faculty meeting in progress as everyone in the room is anticipating the arrival of our surprise. All of a sudden, this 6 ft. big yellow feathered bird races in the door carrying a handful of helium baloons.
The bird scans the room and squalks out, "Is it someone's birthday?"
And he answers his own question, "No-ooooo!"
"Why am I here? It's Boss's Day and I have these balloons for the person of honor!!
Who would that be?"
The look on Dave's face was priceless, and the laughter that erupted from everyone[except, of course, Dave who was stunned and caught totally off guard] was such wonderful laughter therapy. Now we certainly had a good sport leading us, and so as we brought him some good sport on this Boss's Day, it was definitely a memorable faculty meeting. And one that was enjoyed by all! Happy Boss's Day, Dave! And if I were you, I wouldn't be answering my door today...You may be retired, but we know where you live!!!

My favorite season is autumn!

My favorite season is fall. Not too hot, not too cold.

Colorful trees and mums and pumpkins ...

Sunny days and gentle breezes...flannel shirts.

Freshly picked crisp apples.

Tomorrow I'm going to collect some brightly colored leaves and mail them to a friend in Arizona who always misses the changing of the leaves. She is formerly from NJ and was used to experiencing 4 seasons...

So, an unexpected, colorful surprise of Mother Nature's finest hues...

Guaranteed to bring a smile, too.

TTFN

Time Out

I have kinda put myself in time out. Trying to get Flo back in the real world, and I have had health issues for almost 3 weeks. Not exerting a whole lot of energy. I've been reading other posts, but I haven't felt like writing.
Maybe tomorrow.

How to implement the escape option.

Yesterday I was talking with my brother. His youngest daughter [18] has gone away to college, and in relaying the conversation he had with her, four very familiar words said it all...a saying that started about 15 years ago. Its popularity has become quite widespread.
When my son was a freshman in high school, he and his friends joined the marching band. It was a great experience for them, and I must say the band was quite accomplished. There were many long hours of practice, and competitions to prepare for with diligence and precision.

Since there were Mon., Wed., and Saturday practices, I arranged car pooling with his two-three friends' parents. That way you only had to do the drop off and pick up once a week instead of three times. These were kids who went to elementary and middle school together, and now they were marching along together in fine fashion with a common goal.

So, it's my turn to pick up the 3 riders and drop them off. It's always fun to drive while listening with one ear to the conversation that's going on among the 14 year old boys. Like the time that they got talking about how you could tell if you were in trouble by the sound of their parent's voice. Dave said that when he was called by his entire name[ including the middle name] , he knew it wasn't good. We asked Scott and he said," Oh, that's an easy one. When I hear 'Jesus Christ', I know that I'd better be moving with a purpose!!". Much laughter erupted...oh, those were the good old days!

But sometimes, the conversation would gravitate to a less desirable subject. They'd get talking about the kid who hadn't been picked up yet, and so he could not defend himself. Maybe it's the teacher in me that couldn't allow that kind of stuff to go on. My first line of defense would be to 'clear my throat', and if that didn't work...the evil eye was sent to my son. I can raise my right eyebrow much higher than my left one. This tactic can be quite effective when used as a visual warning!!
Finally when all maneuvers seemed to fail in halting the unkind words being said, I jumped right in the middle of the conversation with, "How about those Mets!!!"
At first, they were a little bit stunned. But as I kept the Mets subject going,[they were all Mets fans...each and every one of them], the 'purposeful' fork in the road was successful. My son was well aware of what had just happened. I think I may have heard his silent,'whatever' [his favorite word at the age of 14]. But it was mission accomplished. And when the situation would arise again, another, 'How 'bout those Mets' was commissioned to help change the subject.
And thus was the birth of the escape hatch. It literally took on a life of its own in my family, with my friends, and in my classroom.

If something unkind is being spoken, if you are feeling that an argument is going absolutely nowhere, if you feel that no matter what you say...nothing will change, and if nothing good is going to come of the situation, just take a deep breath and say,

"How about those METS!!'
At first, there may be mild confusion. But it won't take long before you become very comfortable with it. And not only will people understand it...they will begin to use it.
It's the best, most immediate , stress reducer ever!!!

Pondering my existence in the universe!

I used to say jokingly to people, in everyday exchanges with people, that I was the 'last patient person' on the planet. I have worked on it. In a demanding society, when everything must be done yesterday or at the very least...quickly, it has gotten to be that if you have to wait for anything, it brings out the worst in people. In traffic, in the grocery store, in any kind of line whether for a product or service, department stores, etc. The list is long. In these situations, I choose to be patient, and it pleasantly surprises people. You can watch the change in their stress level, and people get friendlier!
But, over the weekend, I was presented with some new insights about myself in reference to my patience ....as a patient, no less.
A series of events following a week of trying to get healthier landed me in the emergency room. Aside from medical procedures that had to be endured [bloodwork, spinal tap, x-rays,], my spare time was spent watching the many interactions in the ER. It was quite thought provoking. God bless all of the helping/healing souls who work there. They are special people.
I was there from noon 'til 9 PM and they sent me home . I was happy to be home. The next day, the ER doctor called me to come back in for a repeat of a test. I went in at 4:30 and I was admitted to the hospital at 9 PM. Somewhere between 9 PM and 9 AM, as I was contemplating my existence in the universe[!], I realized that patience levels are majorly affected by who's in charge of the situation. And also that there is an element of power/lack of power that plays into how fast you can deplete your store of patience. And even that depletion process can happen with a variety of speeds[ slow/fast] and amidst many different emotional avenues. Heavy, huh!!
That being said, I have closed my eyes, clicked my heels and repeated to myself...There's no place like home.