Why Did They Say That?

This is so true, and also reminds me of my other blog article from another leadership seminar. The one below is from Dr. Tom Holloway:

People never become defensive about what you're saying.

People become defensive because of why they think you're saying it.

Grattitude

"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present... We experience heaven on earth." - Sarah Breathnach

Pizza and the 'Boys

Pappa Johns Pizza has an AWESOME deal.

Cowboys Toppings for Touchdowns:

Every Monday and Tuesday, Pappa Johns has a Dallas Cowboys Special: Get a Large Cheese Pizza for only $7.99 plus a FREE Topping for every Touchdown scored in the previous weekend's game.

Last night there were 2 TDs against Carolina and therefore 2 TD's = 2 free toppings. One Monday after a pre-season game, Mom and I were able to get 4 free toppings on her pizza for only $7.99. :)

About Time...

It dawned on me the other day that I have not been setting my alarm clock, and yet it's been okay!

My Mom was in the hospital for 32 days and every day I did not set an alarm clock (unless of course she had an early morning procedure). Otherwise, because I wasn't going in to work or because I would see her before going to work, I just didn't set my alarm.

After she was home, I still didn't set my alarm. My hours at work are 9am to 6pm. My body normally wakes itself up between 730am and 830am every day - no matter what time I go to sleep the night before.

I wonder how many other people do not set their alarms or use an alarm clock?

Obviously, if I need to be at work earlier than normal, have a morning appointment, need to catch an early morning flight, or have to get up for a pool tournament, I will set my alarm clock to be sure I wake up in time - just in case.

But right now, I don't set my alarm clock. Why do I find that so odd?

Movie Withdrawals

I hadn't seen a movie at the movie theatre in a while. Not like me at all. I love taking a few hours away from the real world to eat good nachos and watch a movie on a Saturday morning. Maybe I'll get to see one this weekend, but I admit there isn't a lot of real good movies to see right now anyway...

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Comments/phrases from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Daily Calendar:

• One of the most effective ways to create a happier, less stressed, and far more balanced life is to remember that there is far more to life than winning and losing.
• Excessive thinking about the perceived inequities in your relationship will frustrate you and stress you out.
• One of the ultimate tests of being human is to be able to wish someone else well - even when you may be hurt. If you can do this, you''ll experience the magic of the healing power of love.

You can never tell...

When my Mom was in the hospital for 32 days, it was a very trying time for both of us.

During the first week at the cold, beige hospital, the cardiologist gave her an echo cardiogram. They bring in this big, stupid machine and it takes pics and scans as they rub her skin all around her heart. I held her hand because at times it was very painful to her, and it seemed to last about 30 minutes or so. It was uncomfortable for her the whole time.

The next day we find out the results of that particular heart test (she would have several other heart tests/procedures). The echo cardiogram showed Mom had two leaky valves. :(

Luckily, the two dysfunctional leaky valves were still working about 60% and the doc said there was no need for a surgical procedure to fix them, nor medicine to take for them.

As I drove to see her at the hospital the next morning, I remembered I had a screwdriver in my middle console. I searched and prodded through the crap in the middle console of my SUV, trying to navigate the steering wheel, and finally found the screwdriver at the bottom of the console as I was driving. My purse was on the passenger side seat and I put the screwdriver inside it.

As I walked through the hallways, navigating through the hospital to get to Mom's ICU area, I wondered how my Mom would react to the screwdriver. Would she think it was funny or would she be upset? She was in ICU at this point and so things were not going so well for her. Would she take it as rude? I decided to still risk it, all the while wondering if someone happened to stop me and check my persons, they would see I was bringing a weapon into the hospital! lol.

I came into her room slowly, and she was awake watching something on the few channels they had and then gave her a big hug and kiss and said my hellos and asked how her morning was going so far. She shared with me what she had for breakfast and commented on her nurse that she liked. I then sat down in the chair in the room and scooted it near her bed and I held her hand. I looked into her sleepy eyes and said seriously, "I brought something for you."

She perked up a little bit, curious to what I brought. Was it another book or a magazine, I bet she wondered. I then took the screwdriver out dramatically with a "voila" type ninja move and she just looked at it. I then said, "well, I brought the screwdriver in to help fix your leaky valves."

I waited for the "WTH" mood or the laugh and luckily, she laughed! Whew! She thought it was hysterical and we both laughed as I added, "well, I don't want my Mom to go around town with two leaky valves for crying out loud."

Two Year Anniversary

It's been two years today that my Dad passed away. I miss him and hope I am making him proud the way I am trying to take care of Mom for us.

When I see the moon, it reminds me of my Dad. Here is his watching over me on a trip just last month:


And here is my favorite photo of him and I:


Not sure he ever saw this pic, though. I took it with my work phone so not sure I was able to show it to him. I just recently enlarged it and printed it and it's hanging in my house right when I walk in.

I Love You and Miss You all the time.
Thank you for listening to me and for being there for me and Mom still.
Love always,
Smallperson Bailey the 1st

Window Washer Surprise

Thank goodness for my new little camera that I can grab from my purse quickly, or else I wouldn't be able to share this surprise from Monday:

Um, yea, my office is on the TENTH floor!!