"Sharon," I said recently over a sandwich lunch.
"I need your advise. RAH and I have been very good friends with A & T for about 7 or 8 years. We have gone on trips together, used to eat out about once a week together, been to each other's homes often, etc."
"And, then one day, T was VERY cold to me, no longer sent her fun emails, was distant and cold when we saw each other publicly. I can't figure out what I did. Should I say anything to her?"
Then Sharon told me HER similar story.
"We were best friends with a couple in our ward. We did what you are describing; went places together, ate together, played games together, had so much fun. I thought we were best friends. And, then one day, she wouldn't talk to me any more. She would avoid me at church. I couldn't figure out what I had done.
"So, I bought a little gift, went to her home, apologized profusely, asked her forgiveness, saying I didn't know what I had done, but was so sorry.
"She listened, sat stoically, but said nothing; no acceptance of my apology...absolutely NOTHING. I left wondering what had just happened!
"I saw her with her husband recently in the grocery store...I went over, was just as friendly as can be. She didn't say a word.
"But here's the deal, Loni," Sharon said. "I tried; I still don't know what I did wrong, but now, it's HER problem, not mine. I'm sorry about the loss of a really great friendship, but the drama isn't worth it. So, if I were you, I'd just let it lie. At this point, if she wants your friendship, she knows where to find you!"
I'm still shaking my head over women and our drama....
Come on, ladies, we are not back in the 10th grade any more. We are adults - we can figure this stuff out.
WHY TAKE OFFENSE WHEN NO OFFENSE WAS INTENDED?
If I did something wrong, I'm incredibly sorry.
Tell me about it, let me apologize and then let's get on with our friendship. Why would you let something I did unintentionally RUIN a lot of years of being good friends?
Ah, Life - it's complicated.
12.14.2013
12.13.2013
It Comes in Threes...
..so they say.
So, here were our three, plus a fourth that RAH reminded me of...within 2 months time.
1. The washing machine went out. We had to buy a new one. The broken one had been bought in 2002 when we had moved into a brand new home in Rexburg, Idaho. 11 years seems way too short for a washing machine to work; they used to work for 25 years. Not so any more...the salesman said they last from 3-5 years....incredible, so we forked over $400 for the least expensive machine we could find. It's basic; no frills....just a simple washing machine.
2. The water in our shower froze; it has been one of the coldest winters on record; cold, cold, cold; unrelenting cold that didn't get above freezing. So, in sprite of running the water, that one line froze. We will be putting extra insulation in our attic so it hopefully won't happen again. Allen COULD possibly fix it. But, we will hire someone and it will cost us $250.00
3. The battery in our car went dead....totally would not keep a charge; draining problem, the mechanic said. The car is about 18 months old! It SHOULD NOT have battery problems at all.
Cost to us $110.00
and as a bonus; our kitchen sink faucet broke...we limped along for awhile, but finally gave in and had to buy a new one. $250.00
Okay, so stop the madness!
Time now to quit shelling out on home/car repairs and try to get back in the saving mode.
Yes, it's time for the three good things to kick in now.
So, here were our three, plus a fourth that RAH reminded me of...within 2 months time.
1. The washing machine went out. We had to buy a new one. The broken one had been bought in 2002 when we had moved into a brand new home in Rexburg, Idaho. 11 years seems way too short for a washing machine to work; they used to work for 25 years. Not so any more...the salesman said they last from 3-5 years....incredible, so we forked over $400 for the least expensive machine we could find. It's basic; no frills....just a simple washing machine.
2. The water in our shower froze; it has been one of the coldest winters on record; cold, cold, cold; unrelenting cold that didn't get above freezing. So, in sprite of running the water, that one line froze. We will be putting extra insulation in our attic so it hopefully won't happen again. Allen COULD possibly fix it. But, we will hire someone and it will cost us $250.00
3. The battery in our car went dead....totally would not keep a charge; draining problem, the mechanic said. The car is about 18 months old! It SHOULD NOT have battery problems at all.
Cost to us $110.00
and as a bonus; our kitchen sink faucet broke...we limped along for awhile, but finally gave in and had to buy a new one. $250.00
Okay, so stop the madness!
Time now to quit shelling out on home/car repairs and try to get back in the saving mode.
Yes, it's time for the three good things to kick in now.
12.10.2013
Letter #2 - From the Files of the Perfect Family's Christmas Letters
Well, it's definitely that time of year when we sit down and tell about our family: I'll try to be brief as we have just had such an amazing year....
Our oldest son, Richard the thirteenth, recently got a job with Peabody, Peabody, Peabody, Peabody, and Peabody. On only his 2nd day there, he was made executive vice-president of Executive VIce-Presidents. (We do not feel that this- in any way - was brought about because he married the 3rd Mr. Peabody's daughter.) He has his OWN EXECUTIVE WASH ROOM, his own parking place right by the building, and his own corner office. My goodness; we ARE proud.
His lovely daughter, our oldest grandchild, Princess Tiara, just won the Toddlers in Tiara contest for southern California. She twirled, danced, sang, played the violin, piano, showed a soccer video of her making her team's only point, and recited the Treaty of Versailles in French, Russian, and Hungarian. We just couldn't be more proud.
His son, Richard the fourteenth, age 2, can recite the Pledge of Allegiance - frontwards and backwards - knows his colors, letters, timetables up to 11, and can sing the Gettysburg Address in both English and French. He also takes violin, wrestling, piano, tuba, and scuba diving lessons. We are so proud. My goodness, kids these days are just getting better and better; it's so hard to keep up with all they can do! I get exhausted just being at their lovely, well-ordered, perfectly manicured home, which his lovely and well-adjusted wife, Elizabeth runs so efficiently.
Our 2nd son, David Alexander Mathew Mark-John - a senior in high school, received the highest score possible on his ACT and SAT tests. He is getting scholarship offers from all over the globe. Our mailman said that we will just have to get another bigger box to hold all his offers! Now, isn't that funny? But, David AMM-J, as we affectionately call him, has decided to go to Cambridge and pursue a doctorate; he sees no reason to associate with lowly Freshmen in any setting. We feel such a sense of pride at his remarkable achievements, especially since he is only 15!
And, our youngest child and only daughter, Emma Sophia Isabella Clare Olivia - (as you recall, we just couldn't decide which name to pick; she seemed to fit ALL of them!) is a junior. She is having quite a struggle balancing her head cheerleading duties with being forward on the basketball team, president of the Honor Society, President of the Junior Class, President of the Helping Others Who Are Not as Cool as We Are Society, all this while getting straight A's. In addition to all that, she serves at the local food kitchen once a year, "To remind myself what I could have been, if it weren't for my good looks, personality, and charm." Additionally she plays piano, soccer, runs track, plays the viola, flute, clarinet, and dances each Christmas in the Nutcracker. My goodness, she's a busy one, that girl!
As for Richard the twelfth and myself, we are keeping very busy. But, we decided to scale back on Christmas this year. We are only putting up 25 trees in our 12000 square foot home, instead of the usual 30. Richard the twelfth felt we should donate some money to charity, so that is what we are doing. We are giving a huge donation to our local country club, of which he is the president. Both our golf scores continue to be low and our income high. We toured 28 countries and took 37 cruises this past year, but it's difficult for Richard the 12 to be away from his work so often, so we are cutting back next year. My father and mother are still living with us in the 5000 square foot guest house with their own maid, butler, and chauffeur. Isn't it great to help those we love when they need it ? We feel so fortunate to be able to help them out; after all, they raised ME! SO, now it's my turn to help them.
We do feel blessed at this time of year and want to wish you all a very Happy Holiday.
(I no longer say Merry Christmas, as my husband does not want to offend anyone in his business ventures, which are quite extensive.)
So, from all of us to all of you...
Richard 12
Me-Mary Katherine
Richard 13 and his lovely wife;
Elizabeth with their children:
Princess Tiara
Richard 14
David Alexander Mathew Mark-John
and finally
Emma Sophia Isabella Clare Olivia
Happy Holidays to you all!
Our oldest son, Richard the thirteenth, recently got a job with Peabody, Peabody, Peabody, Peabody, and Peabody. On only his 2nd day there, he was made executive vice-president of Executive VIce-Presidents. (We do not feel that this- in any way - was brought about because he married the 3rd Mr. Peabody's daughter.) He has his OWN EXECUTIVE WASH ROOM, his own parking place right by the building, and his own corner office. My goodness; we ARE proud.
His lovely daughter, our oldest grandchild, Princess Tiara, just won the Toddlers in Tiara contest for southern California. She twirled, danced, sang, played the violin, piano, showed a soccer video of her making her team's only point, and recited the Treaty of Versailles in French, Russian, and Hungarian. We just couldn't be more proud.
His son, Richard the fourteenth, age 2, can recite the Pledge of Allegiance - frontwards and backwards - knows his colors, letters, timetables up to 11, and can sing the Gettysburg Address in both English and French. He also takes violin, wrestling, piano, tuba, and scuba diving lessons. We are so proud. My goodness, kids these days are just getting better and better; it's so hard to keep up with all they can do! I get exhausted just being at their lovely, well-ordered, perfectly manicured home, which his lovely and well-adjusted wife, Elizabeth runs so efficiently.
Our 2nd son, David Alexander Mathew Mark-John - a senior in high school, received the highest score possible on his ACT and SAT tests. He is getting scholarship offers from all over the globe. Our mailman said that we will just have to get another bigger box to hold all his offers! Now, isn't that funny? But, David AMM-J, as we affectionately call him, has decided to go to Cambridge and pursue a doctorate; he sees no reason to associate with lowly Freshmen in any setting. We feel such a sense of pride at his remarkable achievements, especially since he is only 15!
And, our youngest child and only daughter, Emma Sophia Isabella Clare Olivia - (as you recall, we just couldn't decide which name to pick; she seemed to fit ALL of them!) is a junior. She is having quite a struggle balancing her head cheerleading duties with being forward on the basketball team, president of the Honor Society, President of the Junior Class, President of the Helping Others Who Are Not as Cool as We Are Society, all this while getting straight A's. In addition to all that, she serves at the local food kitchen once a year, "To remind myself what I could have been, if it weren't for my good looks, personality, and charm." Additionally she plays piano, soccer, runs track, plays the viola, flute, clarinet, and dances each Christmas in the Nutcracker. My goodness, she's a busy one, that girl!
As for Richard the twelfth and myself, we are keeping very busy. But, we decided to scale back on Christmas this year. We are only putting up 25 trees in our 12000 square foot home, instead of the usual 30. Richard the twelfth felt we should donate some money to charity, so that is what we are doing. We are giving a huge donation to our local country club, of which he is the president. Both our golf scores continue to be low and our income high. We toured 28 countries and took 37 cruises this past year, but it's difficult for Richard the 12 to be away from his work so often, so we are cutting back next year. My father and mother are still living with us in the 5000 square foot guest house with their own maid, butler, and chauffeur. Isn't it great to help those we love when they need it ? We feel so fortunate to be able to help them out; after all, they raised ME! SO, now it's my turn to help them.
We do feel blessed at this time of year and want to wish you all a very Happy Holiday.
(I no longer say Merry Christmas, as my husband does not want to offend anyone in his business ventures, which are quite extensive.)
So, from all of us to all of you...
Richard 12
Me-Mary Katherine
Richard 13 and his lovely wife;
Elizabeth with their children:
Princess Tiara
Richard 14
David Alexander Mathew Mark-John
and finally
Emma Sophia Isabella Clare Olivia
Happy Holidays to you all!
12.09.2013
My Christmas Letter - in Response to All the Perfect Families Out There
Dear Loved Ones,
It hasn't been our best year, but I'm sure things will start looking up for us as soon as Johnny Ray gets out of prison. We are hoping he can remember where he stashed the cash he took from the gas station. That will help our financial situation a great deal.
Our 2nd son, Bobby Ray has been out of work now for nigh on to 27 years, but he's still hoping to get his job back as manager of the feed lot, although it went out of business shortly after he lost his job....not that the two are connected in any way at all.
Carly Ray had her 3rd baby; we are all so excited for her. She has her trailer fixed up quite nicely. It's small, as those mini travel trailers are, but hey, it's home. Hopefully, she will be able to get some furniture this year, as she is getting tired of sitting on the floor each day. But, her 92 inch television set keeps them all happy and occupied quite nicely. Go, Alabama!
We are so proud of Carly Ray's oldest son, Thunder Ray; he joined the track team. Man, he's on fire. He came in 10th of 9 runners. We're not even sure how he did that, but isn't that great! Not everyone can do that!
Her daughter, Little Carly Ray, is doing very well in art; she drew a picture of her mother's boyfriend picking his nose. Little Carly Ray said the teacher was speechless when he saw it. We couldn't be prouder. However, Little Carly Ray is struggling in other subjects in school, though. She just can't seem to get those times tables learned. She's hoping by the end of this year - her junior year - she'll have the 2's down. Here's to education.
Buddy Ray and I are plugging right along nicely. He is still nursing his black eye that he got when he ran into the dang door; I guess in the dark he just didn't notice it was closed! Man, how could he not see the door? It's been there for nigh unto 2 days now since we've been doing that remodel work in the bathroom. He must of been in a REAL hurry!
As for me, Lida Ray, I'm still struggling with:
sciatica,
hypertension,
nerves,
OCD, COD, DOC, and ODC
Restless Leg Syndrome,
Dry Eye Syndrome,
Very close veins,
High blood pressure,
High cholesterol,
High anxiety,
High hopes,
and the list goes on, but, hey, who's complaining at this wonderful season of the year?
We have much to be grateful for; our guns have bullets, we have meat on the table - which now only has three legs, thanks to our dog, Ray Ray - stupid dog thought the meat was for him!
But, we are doing well...and our family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas.
(We'd love to see you, but - Please don't come by during the holidays as we are still trying to get our home organized and put back together from the flood we had in 1989 when Johnny Ray tried to hide his first-ever robbery money down the toilet.)
May you always have a RAY of sunshine in your home...I know we do! HA! HA!
Lida Ray, Buddy Ray, Johnny Ray, Bobby Ray, Carly Ray and her 3 little Rays, and of course, the 4-legged Ray - Ray Ray.
It hasn't been our best year, but I'm sure things will start looking up for us as soon as Johnny Ray gets out of prison. We are hoping he can remember where he stashed the cash he took from the gas station. That will help our financial situation a great deal.
Our 2nd son, Bobby Ray has been out of work now for nigh on to 27 years, but he's still hoping to get his job back as manager of the feed lot, although it went out of business shortly after he lost his job....not that the two are connected in any way at all.
Carly Ray had her 3rd baby; we are all so excited for her. She has her trailer fixed up quite nicely. It's small, as those mini travel trailers are, but hey, it's home. Hopefully, she will be able to get some furniture this year, as she is getting tired of sitting on the floor each day. But, her 92 inch television set keeps them all happy and occupied quite nicely. Go, Alabama!
We are so proud of Carly Ray's oldest son, Thunder Ray; he joined the track team. Man, he's on fire. He came in 10th of 9 runners. We're not even sure how he did that, but isn't that great! Not everyone can do that!
Her daughter, Little Carly Ray, is doing very well in art; she drew a picture of her mother's boyfriend picking his nose. Little Carly Ray said the teacher was speechless when he saw it. We couldn't be prouder. However, Little Carly Ray is struggling in other subjects in school, though. She just can't seem to get those times tables learned. She's hoping by the end of this year - her junior year - she'll have the 2's down. Here's to education.
Buddy Ray and I are plugging right along nicely. He is still nursing his black eye that he got when he ran into the dang door; I guess in the dark he just didn't notice it was closed! Man, how could he not see the door? It's been there for nigh unto 2 days now since we've been doing that remodel work in the bathroom. He must of been in a REAL hurry!
As for me, Lida Ray, I'm still struggling with:
sciatica,
hypertension,
nerves,
OCD, COD, DOC, and ODC
Restless Leg Syndrome,
Dry Eye Syndrome,
Very close veins,
High blood pressure,
High cholesterol,
High anxiety,
High hopes,
and the list goes on, but, hey, who's complaining at this wonderful season of the year?
We have much to be grateful for; our guns have bullets, we have meat on the table - which now only has three legs, thanks to our dog, Ray Ray - stupid dog thought the meat was for him!
But, we are doing well...and our family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas.
(We'd love to see you, but - Please don't come by during the holidays as we are still trying to get our home organized and put back together from the flood we had in 1989 when Johnny Ray tried to hide his first-ever robbery money down the toilet.)
May you always have a RAY of sunshine in your home...I know we do! HA! HA!
Lida Ray, Buddy Ray, Johnny Ray, Bobby Ray, Carly Ray and her 3 little Rays, and of course, the 4-legged Ray - Ray Ray.
12.08.2013
Well...This is RARE!
...a snow day from church in Southern Utah.
But, why, you might ask...
Well, few people have snow shovels to shovel driveways and walkways.
Which means it is very treacherous to walk.
The county has no snow plows or salt to manage the roads.
Which means it is very dangerous to drive.
And, many people are not familiar with HOW to drive on icy roads...which they are...very icy...
Few people have snow tires as who would ever need them?
These are necessary items in Rexburg, Idaho; but rare in St. George:
snow shovels,
sleds,
snow tires,
snow plows,
boots,
warm woolen mittens,
snow pants,
salt for roads,
Well, you get the picture;
WE ARE JUST NOT PREPARED!
So, I'll just hunker down with a cup of Postum or hot chocolate...stay warm and write Christmas cards, thank you very much.
But, why, you might ask...
Well, few people have snow shovels to shovel driveways and walkways.
Which means it is very treacherous to walk.
The county has no snow plows or salt to manage the roads.
Which means it is very dangerous to drive.
And, many people are not familiar with HOW to drive on icy roads...which they are...very icy...
Few people have snow tires as who would ever need them?
These are necessary items in Rexburg, Idaho; but rare in St. George:
snow shovels,
sleds,
snow tires,
snow plows,
boots,
warm woolen mittens,
snow pants,
salt for roads,
Well, you get the picture;
WE ARE JUST NOT PREPARED!
 |
| One neighbor said it had snowed 10 inches; I don't know if that is totally accurate, but I do know that it snowed ALL day yesterday; HEY, what's going on - I moved to get away from this stuff??!?!?!?!??! |
12.07.2013
When Did the Music Change?
Early morning gym routine...
biking, weights, walking, ellipsis - any combo of these or any one of these....
And, while doing the above, listening to a book on tape or reading.
But, today, there was a time when I didn't have the head set on, so I was FORCED to listen to the music being piped over their LOUD, LOUD, LOUD speakers.
And this is the truth; it sounded just like a person screaming for
in a 911 call!
If you had played them side-by-side, you would not have known the difference...
plea for help, screaming banshee music.
It made me so sad for my grandchildren and the music they are exposed to and listen to. In our home growing up, we listened to a variety of music; so our children like folk, pop, a little country.
But, their children are listening to and loving what is being played today; and it is NOT music; it is loud screaming; swearing; bad-mouthing parents, teachers, old people, the establishment, America, religion, God; well, you get the idea.
And, I was so incredibly sad.
I love music. I love to sing along at the top of my lungs, I love to hum a tune, to be enthralled by GOOD music.
And, it just makes me wonder;
WHEN DID IT ALL CHANGE!?!?!??!?!?!?
biking, weights, walking, ellipsis - any combo of these or any one of these....
And, while doing the above, listening to a book on tape or reading.
But, today, there was a time when I didn't have the head set on, so I was FORCED to listen to the music being piped over their LOUD, LOUD, LOUD speakers.
And this is the truth; it sounded just like a person screaming for
HELP!
in a 911 call!
If you had played them side-by-side, you would not have known the difference...
plea for help, screaming banshee music.
It made me so sad for my grandchildren and the music they are exposed to and listen to. In our home growing up, we listened to a variety of music; so our children like folk, pop, a little country.
But, their children are listening to and loving what is being played today; and it is NOT music; it is loud screaming; swearing; bad-mouthing parents, teachers, old people, the establishment, America, religion, God; well, you get the idea.
And, I was so incredibly sad.
I love music. I love to sing along at the top of my lungs, I love to hum a tune, to be enthralled by GOOD music.
And, it just makes me wonder;
WHEN DID IT ALL CHANGE!?!?!??!?!?!?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Weekend with the BROTHERS.
Not a lot of pictures. But, A LOT of love. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. It was simply AMAZING!
