Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!

Remember Gomer Pile's lilting, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!"

I am a fan of rendering...good surprises. Some go to complete strangers and I get to see the happy face. When gladiolas bloom, I hand them out on a regular basis. As the nurse who gives the yearly TB test to hospital employees and volunteers said, "Glads again this year? My lucky day!!"

I am not a die hard coupon shopper, but I do go through the circulars to see if there are any good ones. There are some regular ones that are $2 or $3 on baby products, and I place them in the supermarket right by the item. What parent with a baby wouldn't love to get a couple of dollars back? But today, I had to get a few things and from the Sunday paper I had a $6 coupon off Prevacid, and a $10 one to use on the larger bottle. It was great fun to slide those two coupons right in front of the two products. I would have loved to see the surprise smiles!!!

I mailed a small ' chocolate and peeps goodie treat bag' to my nieces, nephew, and son to their work address 'cause I remember getting one through interschool mail, and it sure was a welcome surprise!!

Give it some thought, and make a good surprise happen to someone you know [like the office treat] or to someone you don't know [like the $10 Prevacid coupon]. My intentions are not for recognition, but rather to hear how people share an idea and 'pay it forward.'

Here's a different kind of surprise that could go in the record books. One of the volunteers who shares the reception desk at one day surgery with me was pursuing the cause of pain in her arm/hand. Word was passed along by the director of volunteers that she had been diagnosed with cancer and that she had a brain tumor the size of a lemon. It was to be removed immediately, and the doctors thought it was not the primary source. Very, very sad news. Yesterday, the director called her house to ask her husband if she could have visitors. Gert answered the phone, the operation was very successful, AND...it was the primary source. She will do some radiation therapy to be on the safe side. Today I ran into her at the doctor's office, and she looks great.

Now that was a surprise deserving of...'the dance of joy'. Sharing someone else's good surprises can be beneficial to your health!!!

Good surprises...you just have to share them!

I don't get it.

The elected officials of all parties and all states are doing a fine job...just kidding!!!

I generally avoid discussions about religion and politics. In an effort to clarify exactly what my motivation is for this post...it is this:
'What the heck I am missing?'
And so, I am going to jump into the arena. It is because it has become basically unavoidable. Even short snippets of the news manage to further the great divide: that would be people who are willing to give this administration [mainly...President Obama] a chance to turn things around...and those who oppose any, many, and future attempts to change things [like the health care reform].
I keep hearing about how much the federal deficit will increase because of the health care reform which will help millions of Americans of all ages. There are rallies that while we are selling out our children's futures, the deficit is reaching...a gazillion dollars...
Here's my question:
Why is it that I don't hear the same ranting about the gazillion dollars that has gone to and continues to be spent on the wars [initiated by the former administration] and how they have already sent the deficit into orbit?
When the current deficit activity is tossed around the media, isn't it added to the deficit that was already there reflecting the spending of previous administrators? I am not understanding why that is not as talked about...Am I missing something?
Please take notice of the fact that I did not add emotional comment to the topics of the war or the health care reform. My question is about the deficit: Why are the current changes that will cost money... getting the flack for a future federal deficit... that was already in amounts which are unimaginable... from the past?

Now seriously...NOT!

I think that I'd like to go out and play. My inner child surfaced today when I had breakfast with a friend who kid sits for a two year old. It was such fun to watch him play with the toys in the kiddie corner of the restaurant. When it was time to go, he pulled on his yellow rubber boots. As we each walked to our car, Diane said to him, "Let's find a puddle because today you have your boots on!!"

And that he did. There's something about watching a two year old standing in a puddle that adds some good perspective to life. It's kind of like my dog, Gracie's aura...she is always ready for a good time. She has that "Let's Go" sparkle in her eyes at all times.

I think I'm ready for some playtime.

One never knows...do one?

I have no idea where the phrase in my title originated, but it is one that my mom and I say quite often. Whoever starts it, the other will finish it, followed by smiles from both of us!!

Anyway... if this statement was ever 100% right on, it would be 'hands up!' to describe the yearly competition known as March Madness...The NCAA basketball tournament. There are millions who watch it for the basketball.

There are at least that many who are in it for 'The Brackets', the chance to predict the most correct 'number of outcomes' as these 64 teams vie to be the # 1 college team in the country...and this year is already the craziest year that I can remember in a long, long time. You just never know! So routinely 'Unpredictable! [ Isn't that an oxymoron?] In any given match up, either team has the potential to advance. This year the #1 team in the nation [Kansas] was eliminated in the second round! Unbelievable! A 'boatload of brackets' bit the dust because it was thought that Kansas would win the title...and they're out!! It is as joyous for the winning team as it is heartbreaking for the losing team. And exciting to watch all of it, or the last two minutes of every game!. It has the power to hold its many viewers as a 'captive audience'.

It is the highly anticipated span of time and emotion that occurs every March that defies the odds...hence...The Madness! In the end, you can sum it up in Flo's favorite phrase :

One never knows...[ Did you say, "Do one?]

Could Ya Keep It To Yourself?

I am so disgusted with the media's need to give offensive details. The second I hear the beginning of a story where details of animal cruelty are about to be described in detail, I can't change the channel fast enough. If I can't make that happen, I have to put my hands over both ears and talk OVER the sound with "La la la la " until I can make it go away. I don't forget the descriptions and images of cruelty that are spoken and shown. And I think it gives disturbed people new ideas.
And the outrageous people stories: like Octomom, the balloon boy's drama, or the deranged man who kidnapped a young girl and kept her in his backyard for 18 years producing two children. Disturbing to say the least.

I do not want to hear any more celebrity 'stuff' about Lindsey, Paris, Brittany, Charlie Sheen, John Edwards, or Tiger Woods to name a few. Furthermore, what is wrong with those who come forward with photos, interviews, and video tapes that should remain unseen as well as unheard. Have they no shame?

Why did we need to hear the results of Michael Jackson's autopsy including details of every marking, etc. that should have remained private.

It was bad enough during the election, but now I am on overload with the commercials about the impending health care reform which is soon to be addressed. No matter what happens with the vote, there will be outrage. Oppositional forces cannot see past the nose on their faces enough to consider those who have no health insurance. And no, I don't need to hear reasons from the folks who disagree. I think our Founding Fathers are spinning in their graves with the way government [all sides] are behaving.

There is often a sense of entitlement displayed by people that amazes me. All chiefs and no Indians. Like 'my way or the highway' ...or 'I'm more important than you are." ya know...it is sheer chance/fate where we come into this world...we don't get to pick our parents/relatives, location [continent] rich, poor...40% of the people on the planet do not have clean water and/ or indoor plumbing!

And then there's Hollywood, movies, TV drama, video games and even cartoons that are so violent that I really believe that we, as a society, are so desensitized, that it has affected how we act or react or are not phased by meanness, death, outrageous 15 minutes of fame stories, etc.

Holy Smokes, Bullwinkle!

I think I'm in quite a crabby mood.

And I think I can hear the chocolate chip cookies calling my name.

Shamrock shakes...here we come!

"I like being from Ireland, but I have never been a fan of their dancing...OR their singing, either."

That's Flo's opinion. We are watching 'Ellen' on TV, and there is a group of Irish step dancers. But I am really watching her. Cross-legged in her green pants, green socks, 'Irish Grandma' sweatshirt, and shamrock earrings.

The absolute best part of her outfit is the latest addition to her wardrobe...a soft green polka-dotted bra!! Purchased weeks ago along with some other things that needed to be replaced, I just could not resist it- it is literally quite an uplifting source of merriment!!!

It is a beautiful day, and the day seemed perfect to get out and take a small road trip.

"Mom, how about we 'bust out'a' here' and go get a Shamrock shake at Mickey Dee's. We'll go for a ride and you won't even get out of the car. And we can even bring 'Amazing Grace' so that she can stick her head out of the window in perfect poodle fashion[ green bandanna, and all]."

Off we went with a quick detour to Meals on Wheels so that all of Flo's well wishers could get to see her. It was a good reunion!

Next...the drive-thru order:

"I'd like to order three shakes."

"Mom?" ...Chocolate!

Nic?...Vanilla!

Me?...Well, some one's got to get the shamrock shake! "

I felt like I had to step up to the plate...for the team's sake!

MMM MMM good, and we're not talking about Campbell's Soup, either!

Goin' Green!!

The bank has credited my account the amount of money that the ATM machine wouldn't let loose!! I am shocked! I do not have a very good opinion of BANKS, and I truly thought that I would have to fight with them...only to lose the battle. This time, it went my way with no hassle at all. Hip-Hip-Hooray!!

Happy St Patrick's Day to all! Whether you are Irish or not, it's a great day to celebrate GREEN!
Green...It is so uplifting to see the ground have a green hue instead of brown, or even worse...white.[as in snow-covered!] Our porch and indoor bulbs are budding, and one of the Christmas cacti is about to bloom. Maybe it is an Easter cactus.

And...GREEN . . is the color of my eyes! And that's the way...uh huh, uh huh, I like it!

How Do You Spell...Adrenalin?

Unbelievable..

followed by something even more unbelievable.

and then the most unbelievable of all!!!

Are you ready?

To truly appreciate this true story to the fullest, it must be said that my body is not typically flexible [ especially my fingers] due to some major effects of my arthritis. Those who know me will totally understand.
My brother is visiting for the weekend. I kept my regular volunteering schedule because I figured that he and Flo [our mom] could spend some quality time together...and besides, Flo's magnificent caretaker was there to attend to Mom's needs.

I had to stop at the bank on the way home and access the ATM machine.
ATM card in hand, I drove alongside the ATM machine, and began to follow the prompts. PIN number...enter...withdrawal...checking...amount...

Do you want a receipt? Yes...

The audible sound of money cascading into place was followed by 'Please take your cash'.

The little doors popped open, and I reached for the cash.

I pulled on the cash, and out it came...but not all of it. Half of it hadn't cleared the ledge and was sitting there about a quarter of an inch below the opening.

What?? AHHH!! Hey!!!

Now...my hands are not what you would call flat. Imagine the itsy -bitsy spider trying to climb into a very narrow space. The closest I could get was to the corner edge of the cash, and I managed to grasp one $20 out leaving a whole lot more. I opened my car door in an effort to get closer to it as I tried to remove the rest of my cash withdrawal.

SNAP!! The little doors snapped shut ON MY FINGERS THAT WERE STILL IN THERE!!!

Oh ...my...OMG!!

The screen now read: Do you want another transaction?

Well, hell yeah! But first I would like to finish the first one!!!

Thinking that the car behind me was going to get a couple of hundred dollars more than he asked for, [my couple of hundred dollars left sitting on the shelf], it seemed logical to request another transaction to see if the rest of my cash was still there.

Yes...withdrawal...checking...$20...thump.

Those finger slapping little doors opened again to reveal one lonely twenty dollar bill.

At this point, there is smoke firing out of my ears because I couldn't believe it and I had no idea what to do or who to call.

I circled around and drove into the drive- thru lane that had a live person there awaiting her next customer. Two buttons: Service and Call

I pushed the call button, and the teller's calm voice says, "Can I help you?"

So I began my tale of woe about the ATM machine swallowing up half of my cash withdrawal and then clamping down on my finger.

"What can I do?"

And here is the 'even more unbelievable thing':

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. But we have nothing to do with the ATM machine at all. You will have to call the 1-800 number on the back of your card and explain it to them."

"Are you serious?" I asked incredulously!!!

"Yes I am."

Now I circled back into the parking lot, yanked my cell phone out of my pocket, and punched in the 1-800 number on the back.

Not only is there an automatic voice selection of 'Press one for this' and 'press two' for that, but everything...and I mean every single word ...was in Spanish!!

Thinking that I will get to press something for English, and after about six sentences that I did not have a clue about, I looked on the back of the card. In my hysterical state, I had dialed the Spanish help line. That was not progress. The only thing I know in Spanish is: Donde el banyo? This translates to: Where is the bathroom?

There was a different 1-800 # for English. I started all over again only to have to endure a voice tell me:

"Okay. Let me ask a few questions to help forward your call. Are you calling about a paper transaction, press one or you may speak the words 'paper transaction'. Summoning all of my self control to suppress what I really wanted to say, I pushed a 4 and answered the prompt:

"In a few words, what is your call in reference to?"

"The ATM machine ate half of my withdrawal!!!"

"One moment please while I connect you to a customer service representative."

"This is Bryan. Can I please have your social security or account number, your name, address, birth date, and favorite flavor of ice cream [kidding about the ice cream!}? Okay, how can I help you?"

I went through the whole saga again thinking to myself that there was no way in hell that this was going to be resolved by Bryan.

And here is the most unbelievable part:

First, Bryan apologized for the machine malfunction, as well as the injury that it had inflicted on my finger. [Badddd machine!] Then he said that most likely the machine would....self-correct...at the end of the day...and it would credit my account with the amount that it had in excess.

I ask, "How on earth does the ATM machine know whose account should be credited and adjusted to the actual amount really received?"

"Technology. Amazing isn't it? Tomorrow morning, call the bank to make sure that your account has been adjusted and if it has not, call us back and we will take care of it. "

Now, I know that I am not in Kansas anymore!!

Can you believe it? I am speechless and stuttering!

If this whole situation [that would be my very last and final ATM experience] isn't resolved, and the ATM machine's video of my encounter as it snapped shut on my finger while swallowing more than half of my withdrawal...appears on 'You Tube', you will understand what really happened. And would you please contribute to the fund to bail me out of jail after I let that ATM machine know how I really feel about being treated like that...such an injustice!

I'll keep you posted...in case my bail needs to be posted!!

Random thoughts

Spring is in the air and the birds are singing. It is brighter out, lighter longer, and of course...warmer! Our container bulbs are growing up, up, up! And the 3 year old barren blueberries wintering on the front porch are sporting new leaves. Maybe this is their year to drop their 'booberry ' status!!
Speaking of boo...
Sarah Palin drives me crazy, yet what really amazes me are the people who think she is presidential material...and yes, I do think she will enter the race. I find it scary.

Joy Behar makes me laugh out loud when she is on The View. I don't find her own show at night on HNL that she hosts to be as funny. Maybe it is the quick-witted playing off of the other ladies on The View that brings out her humor. I realize that sometimes they all talk at once, but I find the show amusing and fascinating. And it would definitely not be the same without Joy!

March Madness College Basketball is about to begin! 64 teams...cut in half to 32...then the sweet 16...and then there are 8... trimmed to the final 4...and lastly, the championship game between the two teams who make it to the end. Good luck everyone, and "Go Syracuse!!"

Oscar gift baskets are valued at $91,000 worth of free stuff...It includes a $45,000 safari among other trips and goodies. Most actors donate theirs to charity so that they don't have to pay taxes on it. They still do get the value of the basket as a tax write off. Multiply that by the number of actors who get one...[winner or not ]...they all get them.
I have absolutely no self control when it comes to rice crispy treats or chocolate chip cookies. I'm sure they exist in heaven. For me 'mum', it's rice pudding with whipped cream. Flo never, ever tires of it. [Turtles, either!]

And there you have it. Nothing earth shattering. But today...that's all I got!!

Dreams...the kind you are not conscious for!

It is a known fact that everyone dreams, and also that many people do not remember them. I have been known to have some pretty unique dreams. Many times I can figure out what prompted the idea, and other times...holy cow...what was that all about?

Take last night, for example. I'm thinking the connecting element was probably the fact that I had left my porch door unlocked so that a friend could to pick up some paperwork that I had proofread for her. And from that...

There was someone outside the door, who then quickly entered the house. She wanted to hide out for a bit because the paparazzi was always following her every move. Who was it? Jennifer Aniston!!! I was very surprised that she chose my house, and since she needed a rest, we [spouse and I...huh?] prepared the spare room for her. Stupid stuff like not being able to find a matching set of sheets, and the sight of the TV on its side was annoying. Really...far out.

Some past dreams vie for the 'far out awards' and have been known to cause laughter in varying degrees. It is a common dream to arrive somewhere without your clothes. Case in point was my anguished dream of standing in the front of my classroom and covering up my unclothed body by standing behind an opened-up Samsonite blue suitcase!! {I owned one.}

Another took place in June when there was a substitute teacher in one of the 5th grades. My dream: The two of us were out on the playground with recess, and we raised one hand so that the kids would line up in front of their homeroom teacher to go inside. I was very surprised [and embarrassed] by the sub's behavior because she was dressed in shorts and smoking a cigarette. And who do you suppose came walking across the field to where we were assembling the kids?? The superintendent of schools [!] who told us that smoking was only allowed in the faculty room. [not true, by the way...there was no smoking in the building, and I didn't smoke anyway!!] So we go into the building and walk through the hallway to find the faculty room and there is no door there.

I said, "Well it just can't disappear. It would be like losing one of the fifty states!"

Then we see it, go inside, and there is a mural on the wall of...The Last Supper!!

Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? Freud would have a field day analyzing some of my adventures.

School was often a regular theme: I [dreamt] that while trying to call in sick from a clinic in Mexico [was in the Soc St curriculum] I could NOT get a phone connection to go through. Another dream had me getting stopped by the police, and was written a ticket for a disorganized pocketbook!

On the serious side, in May of 1967, my brother unexpectedly died in a naval accident. When I graduated from high school the next month, I experienced the most vivid dream that he was there in the back of the church. Certainly, I was the only one who could see him.

Dreams fascinate me. They are intriguing, funny, bizarre, scary... What if we have a whole different life as we sleep.

I would be interested in your thoughts. And for Pete's sake, I can't be the only one who has had some pretty strange dreams!!