So I'm reading the morning paper when this casual headline, "Vet gets whopper of a send-off" catches my eye. But just because he up and died on January 20 of this year, David Klime Jr., 88 of York County had no right to steal one of my most cherished last wishes.
In the article it states that Klime "lived by his own rules." Big deal, I not only live by my own rules but insist that everybody around me embrace them as well. This guy loved the Burger King whopper, ate one every chance he got and considered the lettuce to be his daily allowance of vegetable intake.
Taco Bell's chili bean burrito is my idea of gourmet cuisine. And besides, I'm getting everything Klime gets without all the bun carbs. After all, a girl always has to be counting those nasty hip-hugger carbs.
So what does his family do? They direct the hearse and the rest of the procession to the drive-thru at Burger King for one last sandwich before heading to the cemetery's awaiting black dark hole. Everybody gets one including Klime who was known to the BK manager by face and order.
Well people, let me tell you that their idea is not original! Ten years ago when riding in a funeral procession of some beloved relative I loudly announced to my fellow mourners that when my time came I wanted the hearse to go by Taco Bell's drive-thru, order chili bean burritos for everyone and then hand the driver of the last car the bill! And I wanted them to make certain that the last car in line was one of my brother-in-laws whose wallet squeals when forcibly opened. He knows who he is.
That would be the happiest day of my life, or in this case the happiest day of my demise.
Although David Klime Jr. stole my thunder,I think my idea is much more laughable, and in the end, I get the last laugh! And for me that means everything!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Take a whiff!
If you want to know what someone does just ask them to remove a shoe, hand it to you and permit you take a big fat whiff! If it smells musty and stale, you can be pretty sure this person is a frumpy college prof who spends a great deal of his time in a dimly-lit library, or is a caregiver at an assisted-living facility.
If, after inhaling deeply you recognize a dank, moldy odor, it's fair to say that he or she spends a lot of time in a basement that repeatedly floods every time it rains, or is a janitor who has the unenviable job of cleaning the football team's locker room.
And, if you smell the strong aroma of something floral, chances are this person is an obssessive-compulsive who is constantly spraying every nook-and-cranny of himself to make doubly sure that he doesn't stink, or is a pale-skinned, formally-dressed funeral director.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist of my Monday morning blog. But alas, if you would indulge me, I have just one more observation to share.
If the insole of this person's shoe reeks of cow dung and horse manure, you've come face-to-face with a Washington, D.C. politician or someone who works at any of the States Capitol buildings. I can't think of another profession that emits a repulsive stench of that magnitude. Can you?
My advice to you is to keep your nose clean and keep it out of peoples' shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If, after inhaling deeply you recognize a dank, moldy odor, it's fair to say that he or she spends a lot of time in a basement that repeatedly floods every time it rains, or is a janitor who has the unenviable job of cleaning the football team's locker room.
And, if you smell the strong aroma of something floral, chances are this person is an obssessive-compulsive who is constantly spraying every nook-and-cranny of himself to make doubly sure that he doesn't stink, or is a pale-skinned, formally-dressed funeral director.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist of my Monday morning blog. But alas, if you would indulge me, I have just one more observation to share.
If the insole of this person's shoe reeks of cow dung and horse manure, you've come face-to-face with a Washington, D.C. politician or someone who works at any of the States Capitol buildings. I can't think of another profession that emits a repulsive stench of that magnitude. Can you?
My advice to you is to keep your nose clean and keep it out of peoples' shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Flu shot or not?
Over the Christmas holiday, we had 14 people staying at our house. The ages ranged from 17mos. to 76 years. Nine of these folks had the flu shot; five did not. Yet only three did not contract any flu symptoms. Two of the three had the shot while one did not.
So, the question remains. Do you get the flu shot or not? Since I was one in the no-shot category, and probably had the most severe case one would conclude that the wise thing would be was to have been innoculated. But wait, my husband, who is in the shot category, was no doubt a second as far as flu severity goes.
Ironically, just a week before Christmas I read an article about this year's batch of vaccine being the best in years since it covered such a wide range of flu strains. I truly believed I had a better than average chance of not coming down with the flu because of this.
I'm beginning to think the yearly flu shot campaign is just another scare tactic to dupe the public into paying for something that works minimally at best. Our health system is more interested in profit-making than in being concerned about our physical well-being.
I'm sick of going to doctors who have no answers to the health problems we present them with. No matter what the complaint might be, you bet your bippie they will prescribe useless tests that you already know will be inconclusive. They prescribe medicines that have so many adverse side effects, it's a wonder more of us don't die after taking the first dose.
Our medical professionals need to get off their high horses and listen to their patients because we certainly know our bodies better than they ever could. Together we could find the best way of handling our current symptoms and avoid ineffective treatments.
Flu shot or not? That's for you and your doctor to decide.
So, the question remains. Do you get the flu shot or not? Since I was one in the no-shot category, and probably had the most severe case one would conclude that the wise thing would be was to have been innoculated. But wait, my husband, who is in the shot category, was no doubt a second as far as flu severity goes.
Ironically, just a week before Christmas I read an article about this year's batch of vaccine being the best in years since it covered such a wide range of flu strains. I truly believed I had a better than average chance of not coming down with the flu because of this.
I'm beginning to think the yearly flu shot campaign is just another scare tactic to dupe the public into paying for something that works minimally at best. Our health system is more interested in profit-making than in being concerned about our physical well-being.
I'm sick of going to doctors who have no answers to the health problems we present them with. No matter what the complaint might be, you bet your bippie they will prescribe useless tests that you already know will be inconclusive. They prescribe medicines that have so many adverse side effects, it's a wonder more of us don't die after taking the first dose.
Our medical professionals need to get off their high horses and listen to their patients because we certainly know our bodies better than they ever could. Together we could find the best way of handling our current symptoms and avoid ineffective treatments.
Flu shot or not? That's for you and your doctor to decide.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Deeply Concerned
I am deeply concerned for our world. Everyday the newspapers, yes, I still read the newspaper, carry horrific stories of bombings, destruction, killings and anti-Americanism. In the Middle East, burning the American flag is almost a daily occurrence. Our administration is turning its back on allies we've partnered with for years. The unrest in the world is becoming more than just the result of economic downslide or perceived injustices. Throughout the world there is an unsettling instability the likes of which I cannot recall in my 68 years. I'm afraid we are headed for a world conflict that will have unprecedented consequences. This isn't an unfounded fear of an aging, retired gal with too much time on her hands. Rather it is a realistic commentary of what is actually happening in the world today.
We all need to pay closer attention to world affairs. We all need to educate ourselves about our country's foreign policies and the decisions being made to not only shape but insure peace in the world. I know we are all busy about many things, but please take a little time to focus on the the bigger picture that actually is perhaps most important to your life and the lives of generations to come.
Fear immobilizes! Education activates! Now is the time for all of us to become movers and shakers!
We all need to pay closer attention to world affairs. We all need to educate ourselves about our country's foreign policies and the decisions being made to not only shape but insure peace in the world. I know we are all busy about many things, but please take a little time to focus on the the bigger picture that actually is perhaps most important to your life and the lives of generations to come.
Fear immobilizes! Education activates! Now is the time for all of us to become movers and shakers!
Friday, September 28, 2012
GRAMMY'S GANG + 1
In April, 2013 Grammy's Gang will become 7 instead of 6! That's right everybody, baby #7 is on its way thanks to the efforts of Kristy and Todd. I couldn't be happier; being blessed with another child is the greatest gift anyone can be given. All of my six grandchildren are healthy, happy and have the potential to change the world. I know #7 will be no different.
Forty years ago I would never have imagined the kind of family I now enjoy. When Joy and Barry were babies, I had a hard time seeing myself someday as the mother of 8 and 9 year olds. Yet, not only was I that mother, but was then pregnant with Kristy. Those child-rearing years were tough. There were many, many happy times; there were probably as many stressful, conflicting times as well. There were days when I loved those kids to death; there were days when I was ready to kill them. Of course I speak figuratively here, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Despite all the highs and lows and everything in between, my three children grew to be healthy and happy, and realized their potential as they became responsible, productive adults. Though their techniques may be different, I know they will continue to raise their children to reach for success, use their talents to better themselves, and take active measures to make their world better.
As you might surmise, I am definitely proud of my children and grandchildren. I believe family to be the most important aspect of everyone's existence. Unfortunately it takes we humans so long to realize this truth. Most of our adult lives are spent pursuing careers, fortunes, and power. If only we could see that being a parent is the greatest of careers; if only we could see our children as the greatest fortune we could ever hope to discover; if only we could see the great power we have in the kind of productive adults are children become, perhaps we would be blessed with a peace of mind and spirit that would more than satisfy those fleeting, unfulfilling aspirations we so earnestly entertain throughout a good deal of our lives.
Indeed, I am truly blessed with the coming of baby #7! He or she will add greatly to my peace of mind and spirit. He or she, along with the other members of my Gang fulfill all of my aspirations beyond any career, fortune, or power I've had in my lifetime. I am happy, healthy and complete.
I will be happier, healthier, and more complete when baby #7 arrives!
Forty years ago I would never have imagined the kind of family I now enjoy. When Joy and Barry were babies, I had a hard time seeing myself someday as the mother of 8 and 9 year olds. Yet, not only was I that mother, but was then pregnant with Kristy. Those child-rearing years were tough. There were many, many happy times; there were probably as many stressful, conflicting times as well. There were days when I loved those kids to death; there were days when I was ready to kill them. Of course I speak figuratively here, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Despite all the highs and lows and everything in between, my three children grew to be healthy and happy, and realized their potential as they became responsible, productive adults. Though their techniques may be different, I know they will continue to raise their children to reach for success, use their talents to better themselves, and take active measures to make their world better.
As you might surmise, I am definitely proud of my children and grandchildren. I believe family to be the most important aspect of everyone's existence. Unfortunately it takes we humans so long to realize this truth. Most of our adult lives are spent pursuing careers, fortunes, and power. If only we could see that being a parent is the greatest of careers; if only we could see our children as the greatest fortune we could ever hope to discover; if only we could see the great power we have in the kind of productive adults are children become, perhaps we would be blessed with a peace of mind and spirit that would more than satisfy those fleeting, unfulfilling aspirations we so earnestly entertain throughout a good deal of our lives.
Indeed, I am truly blessed with the coming of baby #7! He or she will add greatly to my peace of mind and spirit. He or she, along with the other members of my Gang fulfill all of my aspirations beyond any career, fortune, or power I've had in my lifetime. I am happy, healthy and complete.
I will be happier, healthier, and more complete when baby #7 arrives!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Calling All Bloggers
Hey Fellow Bloggers,
Where the hell are you? I've been blogging for a while now and can't get anyone to hop on board. Hey, I'll show you mine if you show me yours!
Let's get a dialogue going. The one regret we all have when someone passes is that we can't ask them the questions we wanted to when they were with us. That's because we've become a society of "doers" rather than people who take the time to communicate with other people face to face. Now, I know blogging isn't face to face, but at least we're communicating on a deeper level instead of texting each other with "yeah", "where r u" and such inane comments. They call that "communicating"!
To communicate effectively we must become thinkers. So many of us move thru life just existing giving little thought to anything of real importance. Just look at the state of our families, government, the world. Is what we find the result of responsible thought? Don't think so!
Let's challenge each other to think more so we can be more!
Where the hell are you? I've been blogging for a while now and can't get anyone to hop on board. Hey, I'll show you mine if you show me yours!
Let's get a dialogue going. The one regret we all have when someone passes is that we can't ask them the questions we wanted to when they were with us. That's because we've become a society of "doers" rather than people who take the time to communicate with other people face to face. Now, I know blogging isn't face to face, but at least we're communicating on a deeper level instead of texting each other with "yeah", "where r u" and such inane comments. They call that "communicating"!
To communicate effectively we must become thinkers. So many of us move thru life just existing giving little thought to anything of real importance. Just look at the state of our families, government, the world. Is what we find the result of responsible thought? Don't think so!
Let's challenge each other to think more so we can be more!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Thoughts on Death
Today is my mom's 7th death anniversary. She lived to be 93. During that time, she had 4 brothers and sisters, one of which died shortly after birth. She married and had me and my brother. Five years later she endured the tragic death of my dad at age 37. He was killed in an accident on the job at US Steel in Homestead, PA. My mom was shopping with her mom, my grandmother, when baba slipped, hit her head on a telephone pole and died shortly thereafter. My mom's dad died a few years earlier from diabetes complications. All of her brothers and sisters, mom was the oldest, died many years before. All of her aunts and uncles and most of her friends were taken before mom's passing, too.
So basically my mom had only her children and grandchildren and one great-grandchild remaining when she died. Her second grandchild was born one month after she passed.
Recounting these deaths may seem depressing, but death is simply the end of the beginning. We all have a beginning and an end. On a continum, birth is on the extreme left; death, on the extreme right.
Everything in between is called life. Individually we have no control of the extremes, they happen to us. But, life is within our control, it happens under our direction. We make choices and then reap the benefits of those choices. We also suffer the consequences for the bad choices we make.
In yesterday's paper, the obit section, I was shocked to see the name of a young man I taught in kindergarten in Trafford, PA. Cameron was only 31 and died from a horrendous fight with cancer.
He leaves behind 4 little girls, a wife, mom, dad, brother, in-laws and many, many friends. He would have gladly lived a long life, but he couldn't determine the time of his death. That was out of his control. But he made choices throughout his time on earth that I'm sure benefitted himself as well as everyone he held dear. And he suffered the consequences of his bad choices, too. I was very sad to read about his passing. He and his family are in my prayers.
Death is natural. It's very hard to embrace this concept when those who die are close to us, too young to leave this world, or have a devastating impact on us personally. We seem to be able to accept death more when those who leave us have lived long lives, have reached many of their goals, or are in such great pain that death is perceived as a blessing. Perhaps we need to spend more time contemplating the idea of death as the end of all living things. Perhaps we need to be more open to the beauty of death as the culmination of life lived as well as could be expected. And then perhaps we won't be shocked when death comes knocking no matter the day or time.
So basically my mom had only her children and grandchildren and one great-grandchild remaining when she died. Her second grandchild was born one month after she passed.
Recounting these deaths may seem depressing, but death is simply the end of the beginning. We all have a beginning and an end. On a continum, birth is on the extreme left; death, on the extreme right.
Everything in between is called life. Individually we have no control of the extremes, they happen to us. But, life is within our control, it happens under our direction. We make choices and then reap the benefits of those choices. We also suffer the consequences for the bad choices we make.
In yesterday's paper, the obit section, I was shocked to see the name of a young man I taught in kindergarten in Trafford, PA. Cameron was only 31 and died from a horrendous fight with cancer.
He leaves behind 4 little girls, a wife, mom, dad, brother, in-laws and many, many friends. He would have gladly lived a long life, but he couldn't determine the time of his death. That was out of his control. But he made choices throughout his time on earth that I'm sure benefitted himself as well as everyone he held dear. And he suffered the consequences of his bad choices, too. I was very sad to read about his passing. He and his family are in my prayers.
Death is natural. It's very hard to embrace this concept when those who die are close to us, too young to leave this world, or have a devastating impact on us personally. We seem to be able to accept death more when those who leave us have lived long lives, have reached many of their goals, or are in such great pain that death is perceived as a blessing. Perhaps we need to spend more time contemplating the idea of death as the end of all living things. Perhaps we need to be more open to the beauty of death as the culmination of life lived as well as could be expected. And then perhaps we won't be shocked when death comes knocking no matter the day or time.
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