So proud of me!

Contrary to what my mother seems to believe, I am not a fan of shopping. When I am with my sisters or Linda, I don't mind going shopping with them, and then often will stock up on things for myself, get a couple of new tops and perhaps a pair of slacks. Justin enjoys grocery shopping and occasionally we will go together, depending upon the situation. Otherwise, he'll just go without me, taking our list with him. 

At last I finally decided to get off of 'stop' and begin the process of looking for a new car. Terri and OJ took me to AutoNation to look at the Fords on Thursday night and then I went to the Toyota dealer on Friday. It was there I made a deal and got a new car. Saturday night as Nancy and I were eating the dinner I made for us, I mentioned that my mom wondered why I all of a sudden decided to get a new car. All of a sudden?? Nancy said, "You've been talking about getting a new car as long as I've know you!", which will be 3 years in June. Usually all I do is talk talk talk, and at last, I have done it, got the process behind me. Whew!

Two weeks ago Nancy and her friend, Toni, and I were going to the nail salon to get pedicures but we ran into a conflict with the Flying Noodles luncheon. Nuts! I was long overdue to have mine done, the last time being when I was in WI after ThanksLiving. My feet were looking tough! Saturday after dropping some stuff at the Toyota dealer and at the CPA, I decided to not go straight home. I stayed on the road and went to the nail salon. They offer a basic pedicure for less than $18 which is a great deal. For the fun of it, I decided to have a manicure, too, since my hands were also looking tough. 

Today, again after taking care of something at the car dealer (getting some paint touched up), instead of going straight home, I made myself go up Blanding to the mattress store. One right next door to the other---how does one decide? I chose the one I'd heard advertised on the radio on the weekend, with mattresses more in accord with my price range. Nancy W. just bought a king-sized adjustable bed and when she told the price, I blacked out. NO WAY! I refuse to pay so much for a mattress and box spring. I don't recall how much my present mattress cost (not sure where to locate that paperwork anymore...) but it has been nearly 12 years. I've talked about replacing my mattress for some time as mine has a belly from my butt, so this purchase was also not all of a sudden. 

I managed to get free delivery plus the guys will haul off my old set when they deliver and set up the new one. I could not get the salesman to commit to having the guys put my dust ruffle on for me, but he said he could be bribed to come over and do it. I told him my son would help me. He gave me the sale price even though it ended officially on Sunday. Now, I know sales people so I probably didn't get too much 'thrown in' but I like thinking that I did cajole him sufficiently. 

I love my iron bed and didn't want to part with it!

So, while it seems like I've been on a spree, it is not necessarily the case. Simply I am at last taking care of stuff on my list of things to do, items not particularly enjoyable to handle, and have now gotten them out of the way. Unfortunately, my new mattress won't last me 35 years like the car might, but I did buy the one with the 10 year warranty. No automatic bed for me, standard is just fine with me. I like my headboard and footboard so much that I didn't want to change them out. The adjustable beds don't allow for them, and besides that, they are simply too expensive. 

If I am satisfied with the mattress and the service, I can earn more pillows or something for a referral. How about that? I do hope it works out well for me as I do spend a good deal of time in and on my bed, there is the challenge!

Emotionally charged

One of the readings today, Palm Sunday, was from Luke 19, the story of the Triumphal Entry of the Savior into Jerusalem. There is a passage in that reading so special to me, and I'll tell you why:

Back in 2002, Justin and I went ahead of my former spouse to WI for Christmas. I remember sitting on the floor in Mom's guest room and doing my gift wrapping. Already then I had my gifts purchased online and shipped directly to Mom's which saved the carrying of them, etc. But, that meant dedicating a good portion of time to wrapping in one fell swoop. Justin must have been in the living room or was perhaps off with someone in the family, but I know I was alone. All of a sudden the portion of Scripture crossed my mind, guess I was thinking about Timmy, this being only our 2nd Christmas without him. "...the Lord hath need of him."  

This reference is, of course, about the donkey for Christ to use for His entry to Jerusalem, but I found it particularly comforting when thinking about Timmy and they reason he was called home. "The Lord hath need of him." I wept as I wrapped, thinking about it, and do recall giving my pastor/friend a call to talk to him about it. I was so glad to have the privacy as I sobbed this out because I was trying hard to not bring down the mood for the holiday. The passage brought/brings such great comfort. On Good Friday, another such passage will be read, which I cherish:"...today thou shalt be with me in paradise." What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

One of our communion distribution hymns today was "I Lay My Sins on Jesus" which I really like, even though it breaks the 'rule' of: "If it's about me, it's not about Thee."  The fourth stanza is the one which gets to me where we sing how we long to be like Jesus and then long to be with Jesus: 

I long to be with Jesus,

Amid the heavenly throng;

To sing with saints His praises,

To learn the angels' song.

We also sang another favorite, "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness", the 2nd stanza my favorite. Such good hymns again today!

I got a new car!

I had put this off long enough, and today, I made the decision on this new vehicle. There were many factors I had to consider before signing on the dotted lines (100's of them!) not the least of which was the amount I wanted to invest. As I told the salesperson, Stacey, I am parsimonious about most things. Yes, she looked at me funny, so I restated my predilection of being unwilling to spend money on certain things. THAT she understood!

My first test drive was a RAV4 which I truly liked and had hoped to purchase but it was wwaayy over the number I had in my head for spending on a car, besides much larger a vehicle than I expected. Space is tight for parking at my building and car size needs to be considered, at least for me. 

To shorten up this story, let me jump ahead and tell you that the sales manager, Karen, helped me, us, find a car that would meet most of my requirements, plus got me what I wanted for the trade-in. The appraiser had to come up on the amount he originally gave me. Now I face life, hopefully the car will last the rest of my days, with cloth seats, unheated ones, but I do have other features which are desirable. One is the back-up camera which might allow me to park in my garage stall again, once I master it. That might take a while, trusting the camera and not second guessing it. My friend, Debbie, whips into her stall like nobody's business, and that might be  me someday, too! In the meanwhile, I let my neighbor, Rose, use my garage space. 

To say the day was nerve-wracking would be an understatement! I posted on FB that I was there at the dealer and folks kept asking me about the progress. I got there about 9:30 and was finally done about 2:30. Terri was waiting for me, having fixed me up with the saleslady. Terri's daughter gets the finder's fee and will hopefully share it with Terri. We met afterward at the Wendy's on Argyle, not far from the dealer. I was pretty hungry but not really, perhaps hungry was not the right word...Terri treated me to a burger and fries, but I sent the fries home with her. We both had plans for dinner at 6:00 pm so we went easy on our quick lunch. She was in contact with me throughout the process via text message, cheering me along. I sure appreciate that!

In the course of our time together, I learned a good deal about Stacey, the sales lady helping me/selling me. I am not sure how common that is, since it's been a long time since I bought a car (2006), and I didn't get all cozy with the sales guy that time. I feel like I should add her to my Christmas card list after all she shared with me. At the end of our transaction, she gave me a big hug. I would have done that anyway, but she initiated it. Of course, I was a victory for her in the course of her work, but I was also leaving in a new car, a victory for me. I've been talking about doing this for so long, and finally sucked it up and did it. The finance guy who handles all the paperwork said the car would likely last longer than I do. This model, the top rated for safety, should last for at least 300 thousand miles and/or 35 years, based on the average miles I drive a year. How about that? 

One of the most upsetting things that happened was when he was trying to transfer my license plates from one vehicle to the other and it came up in the computer that I was driving on expired plates. WHAT???  How can that be? I always take care of that before I leave for WI...wait---I didn't go to WI this year. Somehow or another I neglected to renew my license plates on my birthday. Too busy making plans for the big party and I neglected to take care of something so elementary. I guess that's why we have the option of renewing for two years at a time. The guy assured me he would take care of it, not to worry, but I was freaked out. I would swear I put those stickers on. I hate when I do stuff like this!

Anyway, I drove home after lunch with Terri and took care of my insurance transfer and now I am resting on my bed. At 6:00 pm I am picking up Nancy with my new wheels for us to have dinner. We are celebrating the sale of her dad's house, the proceeds of which are all hers. Her parents lived there for 50 years, so there was no mortgage on it. This is almost three years since he passed away and she was his caregiver for 5 before that. She loved her daddy so much and every day she is thankful for him and the time they had. And tonight, she will thank him for the proceeds of the sale, and have a sandwich! We both have much for which to be thankful, and both of us need a good night's sleep!

"Your head is too big"

This morning as I was watching the news and later listening to my podcasts, I heard replays of the front running candidate's interview about his advisers on foreign policy. The answers were enough to drive a saint crazy, as my mother would say. Makes me shake my head in disbelief.

Speaking of heads, I was thinking of an episode of "Seinfeld" about the bad breaker upper. Elaine was dating a handsome young man who was regularly having other women come up and throw a drink in his face or something similar. When asked about it, he'd explain that the person was someone he used to date. At first she was impressed that this guy would stimulate such emotional responses from former girlfriends, until she stopped dating him. As she left the table after telling him good-bye, he made a remark to her about the size of her head, indicating it's too big for her body. She shrugged it off, so to speak, until she started having troubles.

Walking through the park, a bird flew into her head, pecking her before flying off. A man on the bench who witnessed it, said, "It was like the bird couldn't miss her head..." In a taxi, the cab driver kept asking her to move over so he could see out the back window. Until the boyfriend's off-hand remark, she never had a problem with her head being too large, but, now, she does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EElxuL3AFC4

These are the type of tactics the presidential candidate uses against his opponents, calling them names, belittling their efforts, mocking their being held prisoner of war (really???), criticizing physical attributes, when all the while building himself up, though he doesn't have far to go. He would criticize Jeb Bush as low-energy over and over until Jeb became low-energy. Not comparing his position on an issue with Jeb's, no, but used personal criticism instead. And it worked. What is surprising to me is how those who support him don't seem to notice the behaviors or the problems with this guy, don't hear the words he actually says, how inane they are.

On the other hand, after claiming his opponent, Ben Carson, as being 'pathological', like a pedophile, Ben threw his support behind him after dropping out. What? This man who saved the lives of thousands of children, separating conjoined twins, etc. was accused of being pathological?? Next to that word in the dictionary is a picture of the front runner! As they said in "The Godfather": 'Keep your friends close, your enemies closer...' Ben was been promised some sort of position if this candidate wins the presidency in return for his support. I wonder if Ben already regrets the selling of his soul, so to speak, for a position in the administration, especially since the candidate is getting his foreign policy advice by talking to himself, because he's said 'a lot of words'. What? 

Calling another candidate 'little' made him seem little and then eventually behave 'little' as he tried to play the front runner's game. Just because he was called Little Marco does not necessarily mean he was little. Just like Elaine's head was not big, she got thinking and believing and acting like it was. The front runner calls another candidate a liar over and over until folks begin to believe it, even though unsubstantiated. Hopefully this Constitutional candidate, the one I am supporting, does not believe it, and become a liar. I think his head is just the right size for his body. 

This particular candidate DOES actually have a big head, by some accounts is a full-blown narcissistic personality, not at all unlike the current man in that position. What makes that so difficult for the supporters to see? Or why do they not care? Or, why does it not matter? One of the talk show hosts I listen to has said for years that after this current president, he was sure the next leader would be a slob of a guy with gravy on his tie (figuratively speaking), less an academic and more a man of the people. Oops! From the looks of things, that isn't going to happen, unless Bernie gets in! 

A very full day and tummy!

Today was action packed with events, my usual ones for a Sunday. So much for the day of rest! Starting with Bible study and worship, followed quickly on its heels by a congregational meeting. Justin opted to go on home, not wishing to attend the meeting or wait for us. We enjoyed our lunch at Chili's without him, though much later than usual due to our meeting. We had only 7 of us with Justin missing including Judy's granddaughter, Victoria. She comes up from UF regularly now to join us for worship, and her family for the weekend.

After the meeting I stopped at Winn Dixie to pick up a few things, and left there with three bags. That often happens---and why not?, I ask! Get whatever you want as long you're out. Have to laugh at myself, though, about this because after my birthday party and its preparations, I said I didn't want to go to the grocery store any more. And now I do go, but not usually because I want to go. 

Since there's no football to watch, I found a nice movie to enjoy. It's one I own but still enjoy watching when it's on television---"Under the Tuscan Sun". It is just like going on vacation when I watch it, transporting me! I remember when Justin and I first watched it, rented from Blockbuster. The description read something like: "Recently divorced woman with writer's block takes a trip to Italy and never comes back..." I was going to Italy that same year and Justin was a bit concerned about this movie. I assured him I did not have writer's block, so it would be okay. Ha, ha...

Nancy W. and I went to dinner tonight at Koko's as Justin had other plans. We shared an order of crabmeat rangoons and each ended up bringing much of our meals home with us. That is so not an issue for either of us. I figure I get three meals from my order plus the enjoyment of being out, sharing the time, and having our food prepared before us. Either I will enjoy those leftovers in my fridge, or Justin will, it matters not.

LWMS Rally

This morning 5 Good Shepherd ladies were up before the birds, or, in my case, before the geese, to drive to Merritt Island for an LWMS Rally at Redeemer Lutheran. Our former member, Jennifer, is married to the pastor who serves this congregation so it's extra special for us to go there. 

Jennifer is especially dear to my friend, Terri, going back to years ago when they were young. Not that they are old now, but just long time friends. Terri's dad, Gordy, walked Jennifer down the aisle when she married David. These occasional visits are extra special for these two ladies. And I sure don't mind seeing Jennifer, either!

 The theme was about being fishers of men (people) so the host congregation did all their decorations and even the desserts with a nautical or fishing theme. Would have been fun to play a sort of 'Where's Waldo?" with all the ways they incorporated the theme into the Rally!  

Even the table decorations were cleverly done!

 One of the pastors present did our closing devotion. He is such a good Spiritual Growth pastor for our LWMS!

 This is our group, with driver, Judy, in the center. On the left is Betty, right is Gretchen, with Terri and me standing in the back. Note the fishing net hanging down behind us. We are glad to have our jackets and sweaters along as the room was quite cool. Gretchen found it just right for her!

Besides making this trip safely, the highlight of my day was finding my sweet friend, Cynthia, there. I knew she lived in Orlando now but it just didn't occur to me that she would be at the Rally. I leapt to my feet immediately when I saw her come in. I squeezed the daylights out of her and had to wipe tears away. Cynthia thought about messaging me to say she would see me but decided to just surprise me. Awesome! 

Cynthia and I met on the cruise in 2007 when her daughter, Lynnette and her friend, Becky, joined Cynthia as we retraced the steps of St. Paul on his 2nd Missionary Journey. Now Lynnette is married to a pastor, starting a mission church outside of Houston, and Becky is a Lutheran school teacher, newly wed to a man in his senior year at the Seminary. Cynthia said the two 'girls' were planning a trip to Orlando in July and plans are being made to meet me in St. Augustine. Awesome again! Love love love this! 

I had a chance to meet up with Cynthia and Lynnette in 2010 when they traveled from St. Louis to St. Augustine for vacation. These ladies are dear to me, even if we don't see each other often. Again, I am so thankful for the Internet and Facebook to help keep us connected! 

My kind of day

This morning when I woke up, I thought to myself, "I wonder if anyone will want to do anything today..." as I made my way to the other room. When I came back, my phone went off with a text message from my friend and neighbor, Kathy H. She wondered if I was Grumpy today. I answered that of course I was, asking if she wanted lunch or breakfast. She said she wanted lunch today but also wanted a breakfast next week. I can do that! 

In the meantime, though, while going back and forth with Kathy, Terri beeped in and asked me about breakfast. I had to ask her to hold until finding out what Kathy decided. It worked better for Kathy to meet for lunch so breakfast it was with Terri. This is so doable!

Since Terri was working from home, she suggested we meet at Cracker Barrel so I hightailed it over there, making record time from my cozy bed to the table in the dining room. Because of my lunch plans, I chose carefully from the menu, ordering the biscuits with gravy which was perfectly sized. And so delicious! I brought home two and a half biscuits, one which was Terri's plus a container of gravy for another time. 

After Terri and I had an excellent talk, I was home again at 10:30. I just love days like this! Anyway, I got situated at my desk, thinking I had about an hour or so before leaving to meet Kathy. At 11:20, Kathy let me know she was done with errands and was ready whenever I was. I needed about 5 minutes as I was in the midst of sending out a mass e-mail for church and had to wrap it up. When I got downstairs, Kathy was pulling up with her car to drive us over to Grumpy's. Nice!  

She had her usual salad plate and I had my usual of a cheeseburger and fries. We had a great catching up conversation, post-wedding of her niece, so I got to hear all about it. I brought home half the burger, as is customary, and a nice soda to-go. 

Kathy dropped me off at home and from there I jumped into my car to head to the Island Wal-Mart to pick up my prescription. I'd been trying to get one changed to a lesser priced one. Somehow or another, the doctor's office was having a tough time making this happen, instead re-sending the original, with the price going up each time. What? 

I got a text message saying a script was ready for me at $9 which would be correct. Wonderful! Oops! The doctors' office sent them the script for my bp medication refill, so I took that, but then had to put the another incorrect cholesterol lowering medication back yet again. The lady I was working with was getting quite frustrated and said she'd keep trying for me. I had also contacted the MD's office about it earlier in the week, thinking I had explained it well enough, too. Nope!

A little while ago I got a phone call from Wal-Mart pharmacy again, saying that now the doctor's office had sent over a different medication again, this one priced at $89. Whoa, we were going the wrong way on the pricing. Brittany was frustrated and said she was going to try one more time to fax them to get it straightened out and urged me to call them on Monday to be sure. I promised I would and thanked her for her efforts. She felt so badly about this and the futile attempt to save some money, insisting the two medications were identical in 'family' so should not have stymied anyone. If need be, I will stop in at the doctor's office, as much as I don't wish to, to get it all straight. It is almost comical already. I wonder how high these prices can go??