Meds, Bathtubs and Ceiling Fans

I don't think I'm alone in thinking those medication commercials on TV are freaking crazy. You should time how long it takes for them to speed-list all the warnings of the medication they are advertising. The side effects sound worse than the benefit of taking the med. Of course, if you don't mind diarrhea, night sweats, headaches or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to take a drug for erectile dysfunction, you're all set. I especially like the commercials that show people smiling, blue skies, life-is-good-type stuff while listing all the side effects. I guess you are supposed to be so distracted watching the happy naked couple sitting in bathtubs on the hill overlooking the ocean that you don't hear the list of horrible side effects. Yes! If you take this drug you too can get naked, sit in separate bathtubs with no water, smile, hold hands and look at the sunset! Am I the only one who thinks that particular commercial is ridiculous? What would happen if required warnings were listed for every product we buy? What about warnings for cleaning products listed while the happy housewife Swiffers away dust on the ceiling fan? Something like, 'consumers are advised that while using the Swiffer all-in-one cleaning brush, eye protection should be worn along with gloves and a face mask. Children, elderly persons and pets should leave the area while the brush is in use. Consumers are cautioned that the ceiling fan should be turned off during the cleaning process. Occasional loss of fingertips and hair extensions have been reported.' Gee, I'm sure glad I don't have a ceiling fan!

Little Pet Peeve

Okay, when I started this blog I thought I would try to keep it on the positive side. But, alas, I'm already changing course. Last night I had to run an errand. On my way, I passed multiple cars who were driving with their headlights and fog lights on. There was NO FOG! I just find it weird when drivers drive with their fog lights a-blazin' on a clear night. Is this supposed to be cool? Did they just forget to turn them off after the last foggy night? What is the point of this excess illumination? Am I missing something? Shoud I be driving with MY fog lights on? ...Just one of life's little pet peeves.

Cancer...a BAD word

What is it about the word cancer that can immediately strike a blow to your heart? I heard that word today about two different family members. My favorite aunt is battling cancer right now. She's bald, having lost her hair after her first chemo treatment weeks ago. This is the aunt who is everyone's favorite...the fun aunt...the one who we all want to sit next to at family gatherings...the one who took me in when I was an unmanageable teenager and ended up saving my life. I rail against the unseen cancer that is ravaging her body, against the unfairness of it all. The other family member is a favorite sister-in-law, fresh from her diagnosis of melanoma, which hopefully has been caught early enough to be cut from her body and leave no traces behind. We've had too many affected by cancer in our family! A mom, a mom-in-law and an aunt lost their battles against this horrible thing that is cancer. A sister, 4 aunts and a sister-in-law all fighting now or having fought their own battles in the past. Is it any wonder that the idea floats around in my mind not "if" but perhaps "when"? When will it be my turn to hear that hateful word? You hear some use that cliche "forewarned is forearmed" but how do you arm yourself against cancer? Who knows what decisions in your childhood or youth have triggered something that is even now gaining strength inside your body? I think we have to just embrace each day as it comes, treasure each moment as a gift, cherish those we love. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff!

What Did I Learn Today?

I learned that stress can make you cranky. (Okay, I already knew that)
I learned that being understaffed can result in mistakes being made. (Yep, I knew that too.)
I learned that old people can say what they want and we can be amused at their boldness.
I learned that old people can get angry when they don't want to be told what to do. "Sir, you are standing in front of the door preventing it from closing and are smoking in front of the 'No Smoking' sign." "Well, where am I supposed to go to smoke? I should have a place to smoke if I want to...I fought in Vietnam, for Christ's sake."
I learned that one can indeed get tired of football games on T.V.
I learned that I have the most wonderful spouse in the world. (I most definitely knew that one already)
I learned that I don't have to do it all (or even close) and life will still go on.
I learned that honey vanilla chamomile tea is a yummy way to relax and enjoy life going on.
What did you learn today?

Woof Meow

One day last week a coworker brought in their "pound puppy," a beautiful golden retreiver. He is a sweet dog though they will never know why he has a limp and is deaf in one ear. They were wondering if he was mistreated or perhaps fell out of the back of someone's truck. I've decided to pretend that he retired as a stunt dog after the train he was supposed to jump onto picked up too much speed when the director yelled "action." It does make you wonder about some of the dogs at the local animal shelter. What is their story? Did their family give them up once they were no longer cute and cuddly? Did they leave home one day to have an adventure and forget how to get back? I find it so sad that so many people are only willing to have a purebred dog and never give pound puppies a chance. If you have been thinking about adding to your family by getting a pet, consider your local animal shelter or rescue group first.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

We had a great time today. J, A and I went to see a movie then to Red Robin for lunch. After a great shopping expedition we headed to Krispy Kreme for donuts for them to take home to their dad and stepmom. After I got home, T and Vix came over for a quick dinner. What a fun, fun, fun day!

Yahoo!

I'm so excited! I'm taking J & A to the movies tomorrow. Then off to lunch and a little "spoil-them-rotten" shopping. I'm very happy their dad and stepmom are willing to let us see them with everything going on with their mom. Can't wait, can't wait! I'm also going to give them an atlas with some stickers so they can keep track of their Grandpa D whenever he checks in while he's on the road - twofold benefit...they get a geography lesson AND they stay connected to Grandpa D. Life is good!

Favorite Things

What are some of your favorite things? Here are some of mine:

• Laughter
• Family
• Green lights when I'm running late
• Vanilla lattes
• An unexpected bargain
• Efficient restaurant service
• Movies that end happily
• Bronco touchdowns
• Spring flowers
• Privacy
• Ocean air
• Comfortable chairs
• Nachos
• Good manners
• Christmas carols
• Babies
• Honesty
• Hugs
• Animated conversations
• Unpretentiousness