Wasn't it just yesterday that I was preparing for the dreaded yard sale? Looking at all the unnecessary 'stuff' which continues to reside in the garage and closets, I have to wonder if there really was a yard sale at all. But, of course there was. And, yes, we survived. We made the most out of it we possibly could by inviting a few of the Grandchildren to assist. They, I know, had a great time. They had a sleep-over the night prior to the sale and since we had various tripods set up as a photography studio, they monopolized the entire second floor to produce their very own movie! I didn't know at the time that they had all planned this, so they each arrived with various costumes that, when donned, caused each one to 'assume the role'! We were treated to the finished product, found it quite hilarious and knew that their joy far outweighed the angst of having to help with the yard sale. They did, however, sell enough of their own things to pay for a whole day at Kings Island and THAT was worth spending a fairly gloomy, boring day helping Grandma.
Once we had reclaimed our yard and home after shuttling a truck load of things that didn't sell to the Goodwill, it was time to focus on cleaning the house in preparation for the arrival of out-of-town guests that following week. Wouldn't you know that a few simple 'fixes' I felt necessary resulted in having to paint an entire room? And, the caulking that needed freshening around the tub and sink meant removing all the old and "Didn't I already do this?". Guess not, so there you have it, every little bit had to be replaced only to discover that the caulk I used must have been too old because it began 'ruffling' by the next day. Oh, well. At least it looks 99% better, but I will have to do it all over very soon. But, not today.
Our dear guests have all gone, now and it's time to get serious about the work at hand. There is much to be done to publicize the book and set up signings. Although I had been making strides to that end months ago, I now must re-group, dig out all my search information and get serious about selling some books. I am three chapters into a third book about Hoarding and hope to have a much easier time having it published. But, until then, I have copies on hand of the book I wrote for Josh, if you would like to own a copy.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
TRIPPING GOING FULL-TILT
There's a falicy that people who seem to always be in an upbeat, positive frame of mind are never depressed, anxious or suffer the myriad of other negative conditions that plague humans in general. The sad fact is that, not only is this a false assumption, but when the 'always' positive individual has difficulty coping and needs to unload on the proverbial shoulder, quite often it isn't readily available. It's true. While struggling to stay afloat, we often wave off the would-be lifesaver with a curt word, smirky grin or shrug of the shoulder. I'll be okay, we say bruskly. Having been one to pre-guess the needs of others for most of my life, I couldn't understand why no one could do the same for me. Naturally, this attitude compounded my already sinking mood.
In a recent hour of need, I discovered that the only way anyone would be able to offer guidance was if I openly confessed the sad state of my mind, complete with all the gory details, which was incredibly difficult to do. Oh, but then not to have gone through all the frustration, the explaining, the longing and the sorrowful feeling that I was drowning in my own puke, would have left me without the grace of self-recovery. Yes, I did finally blurt out my plight to a choice few because I no longer wished to martyr myself in silient suffering. The remarkable thing is that I was forced to perform my own psychological diagnosis which began with some teachings of Buddha, walking with Christ and ended with me putting aside my favorite treat - my port! It was only then and after a really good night's sleep, that I could begin to function again.
Having slogged through this ordeal has fine-tuned my compassion radar. Not only will I be more attentive and compassionate when someone else is looking for help, but I will not be shrugging off the little signs that they might be in trouble. Being strong-willed, an Army Sargeant's daughter - 'stiff upper lip' and all, I will be more tolerant and caring when I detect a 'whine' or see a flicker of sadness from the eyes of a smiling face. Life is more subtle than overt, I think, becoming more obtuse and difficult to label as we thrust forward. And, we are thrusting! I vote for the slow horse and the smell of the fields after a spring rain. I will take the memory of the whipporwill with me to work and contemplate the magic of the moment when my mind is at rest.
Three days to yard sale! God bless you all!
In a recent hour of need, I discovered that the only way anyone would be able to offer guidance was if I openly confessed the sad state of my mind, complete with all the gory details, which was incredibly difficult to do. Oh, but then not to have gone through all the frustration, the explaining, the longing and the sorrowful feeling that I was drowning in my own puke, would have left me without the grace of self-recovery. Yes, I did finally blurt out my plight to a choice few because I no longer wished to martyr myself in silient suffering. The remarkable thing is that I was forced to perform my own psychological diagnosis which began with some teachings of Buddha, walking with Christ and ended with me putting aside my favorite treat - my port! It was only then and after a really good night's sleep, that I could begin to function again.
Having slogged through this ordeal has fine-tuned my compassion radar. Not only will I be more attentive and compassionate when someone else is looking for help, but I will not be shrugging off the little signs that they might be in trouble. Being strong-willed, an Army Sargeant's daughter - 'stiff upper lip' and all, I will be more tolerant and caring when I detect a 'whine' or see a flicker of sadness from the eyes of a smiling face. Life is more subtle than overt, I think, becoming more obtuse and difficult to label as we thrust forward. And, we are thrusting! I vote for the slow horse and the smell of the fields after a spring rain. I will take the memory of the whipporwill with me to work and contemplate the magic of the moment when my mind is at rest.
Three days to yard sale! God bless you all!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Installment 2 "A New Life Saga" The Yard Sale
It seems only yesterday that I posted my last blog. Not half a month! Happily, I can say that my delinquency is due to being busy rather than any of the sedentary negatives that might plague a person.
As yard sales go, I must tell you how much I absolutely despise them! That's right. I do. After the last one almost five years ago, I announced to any who might have been listening that I would never do another. There it is. That 'never' word that always trips you up. Well, the cars are in the drive - not the garage, because the two car garage is filled with 'stuff' accumulated over the years. There's even 'stuff' from our previous residence that was moved because we ran out of time to deal with it. It's one and a half weeks until THE DAY(S) and I'm still in denial that it's actually happening even though I've spent hours and muscles moving, toting, cleaning and sorting. I've drawn out the 'where' of everything - what needs to be sheltered should the weather not cooperate and what can be moved in and out of protection from would be 'help yourselfers' during the time we are not 'selling'.
Midst all this mess, spring has decided to visit in an unusually beautiful manner, motivating those urges to plant, pull weeds and rearrange things you've been deliberating on all winter. Here again, there is cause to distinguish between the absolute 'needs to be done' and the 'I wants'. So, I've deigned to spray the yard to kill the neighbor's dandelions myself and coo to my son and grand daughters to do the heavy things I can no longer force my body to accomplish. When asked, "What will you do if I move away?", I simply say, by that time, I'll either be able to pay someone else to do it or have moved into a condo where it wouldn't be an issue. Problem solved. Wish all problems were that easy.
My author/teacher cousin in Texas has encouraged me to blog more often. I am giving that thought serious consideration. I must have a clear goal for spending the time blogging. She has accrued many 'followers' who have encouraged her to do more, better, bigger, etc. Please treat yourself - visit her blog.
http://www.grandmas-on-the-go.blogspot.com/
Personal update: BOOKS ARE IN! Email me if you would like a copy (tax & ship costs inc.) $19.95 Check it out! www.waweishampel.com
Thirty three days since my last 'puff' and about six pounds lighter than when I last blogged! Doing good! Feeling good! One more 'fast' day and I believe I might lick that 'plateau' I've been fighting for the past five years.
Coming soon: More Yard Sale and perhaps, a little surprise! No. I'm not pregnant!
As yard sales go, I must tell you how much I absolutely despise them! That's right. I do. After the last one almost five years ago, I announced to any who might have been listening that I would never do another. There it is. That 'never' word that always trips you up. Well, the cars are in the drive - not the garage, because the two car garage is filled with 'stuff' accumulated over the years. There's even 'stuff' from our previous residence that was moved because we ran out of time to deal with it. It's one and a half weeks until THE DAY(S) and I'm still in denial that it's actually happening even though I've spent hours and muscles moving, toting, cleaning and sorting. I've drawn out the 'where' of everything - what needs to be sheltered should the weather not cooperate and what can be moved in and out of protection from would be 'help yourselfers' during the time we are not 'selling'.
Midst all this mess, spring has decided to visit in an unusually beautiful manner, motivating those urges to plant, pull weeds and rearrange things you've been deliberating on all winter. Here again, there is cause to distinguish between the absolute 'needs to be done' and the 'I wants'. So, I've deigned to spray the yard to kill the neighbor's dandelions myself and coo to my son and grand daughters to do the heavy things I can no longer force my body to accomplish. When asked, "What will you do if I move away?", I simply say, by that time, I'll either be able to pay someone else to do it or have moved into a condo where it wouldn't be an issue. Problem solved. Wish all problems were that easy.
My author/teacher cousin in Texas has encouraged me to blog more often. I am giving that thought serious consideration. I must have a clear goal for spending the time blogging. She has accrued many 'followers' who have encouraged her to do more, better, bigger, etc. Please treat yourself - visit her blog.
http://www.grandmas-on-the-go.blogspot.com/
Personal update: BOOKS ARE IN! Email me if you would like a copy (tax & ship costs inc.) $19.95 Check it out! www.waweishampel.com
Thirty three days since my last 'puff' and about six pounds lighter than when I last blogged! Doing good! Feeling good! One more 'fast' day and I believe I might lick that 'plateau' I've been fighting for the past five years.
Coming soon: More Yard Sale and perhaps, a little surprise! No. I'm not pregnant!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A New Life!
Installment I of "A New Life" saga:
The time has finally come. I'm done! No more cigarettes! No more ignoring my body's need for balance; balance in what and how much I eat and what I need to stay physically fit. After all, the prize is water skiing one more time! Little did I know just how badly out-of-shape I was when I started my yoga stretches again after a (cough) long haitus. Now, when I reach for something, I grab my side - what the....? Oh, yeah. Those arm-over-the-head-lean-to-the-side-things. Oh well, no pain, no gain, right?!!
My decision to do both life altering things at once was really motivated by money. That's right. Money. Or the lack of it. When I found it more difficult to purchase things I had taken for granted for years, one of those "ah-ha" moments interrupted my depression. (Not that I have ever allowed myself much time for depression, mind you. I find it a waste of good resources, especially when I'd much rather be happy. Giving in to depression puts the brakes on any forward movement. Even if I feel like I'm taking one step forward and two back sometimes, wallowing in pity is going entirely in the wrong direction.)
Moving forward from where I am probably won't restore the looks of my youth, but I've always felt it was possible to defy age with good health and a positive attitude and I FEEL IT WORKING! In the past six days, I have planted five trees, weeded two garden beds (several to go), laid three bags of mulch, filled six bags of yard waste, done my weekly housecleaning, laundry and grocery shopping and enjoyed a lovely Easter holiday with a few members of my family.
Every day I work to accomplish the daily mini goals I've set for myself and all the while I see me hanging tightly to the ski bar, sailing back and forth across the wake of the boat, thrilled to have achieved another personal goal!
Postscript: It has been eighteen (18) days since my lips have known a cigarette!
My lungs rejoice and (per my personal Doctor) I no longer use ANY inhalers!
Coming: Installment II - The Yard Sale
The time has finally come. I'm done! No more cigarettes! No more ignoring my body's need for balance; balance in what and how much I eat and what I need to stay physically fit. After all, the prize is water skiing one more time! Little did I know just how badly out-of-shape I was when I started my yoga stretches again after a (cough) long haitus. Now, when I reach for something, I grab my side - what the....? Oh, yeah. Those arm-over-the-head-lean-to-the-side-things. Oh well, no pain, no gain, right?!!
My decision to do both life altering things at once was really motivated by money. That's right. Money. Or the lack of it. When I found it more difficult to purchase things I had taken for granted for years, one of those "ah-ha" moments interrupted my depression. (Not that I have ever allowed myself much time for depression, mind you. I find it a waste of good resources, especially when I'd much rather be happy. Giving in to depression puts the brakes on any forward movement. Even if I feel like I'm taking one step forward and two back sometimes, wallowing in pity is going entirely in the wrong direction.)
Moving forward from where I am probably won't restore the looks of my youth, but I've always felt it was possible to defy age with good health and a positive attitude and I FEEL IT WORKING! In the past six days, I have planted five trees, weeded two garden beds (several to go), laid three bags of mulch, filled six bags of yard waste, done my weekly housecleaning, laundry and grocery shopping and enjoyed a lovely Easter holiday with a few members of my family.
Every day I work to accomplish the daily mini goals I've set for myself and all the while I see me hanging tightly to the ski bar, sailing back and forth across the wake of the boat, thrilled to have achieved another personal goal!
Postscript: It has been eighteen (18) days since my lips have known a cigarette!
My lungs rejoice and (per my personal Doctor) I no longer use ANY inhalers!
Coming: Installment II - The Yard Sale
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Whatnot Shelf
Sometimes it's necessary to review where we've been in order to know where we're going. From time to time, I dust off all the 'stuff' I've stored, take a quick look, toss some, hold some with pride and gently place them back on the shelf. The 'keepers' are reminders of all the wonderful events of my life and the good choices I've made.
I used to 'beat myself up' over decisions I had made or were contemplating, but I've learned that's really counterproductive and extremely detrimental to the progression forward. Even though it feels like life is slapping me in the face from time to time, I have found that ruminating on it, trying to understand the 'why me?' of it, tends to put the brakes on my forward thrust into the future.
For almost a year now, I have struggled with 'what was the right thing to do', 'how much knowledge must I have', etc., to publish the only book I have ever been privileged to write. I've devoured any information that has come to my attention regarding multi media publicity. I've felt as though my finger has been on the "GO" button for months. The time for launch is almost here and I'm faced with having to submit to the world, what I have been considering, imperfect material. This thinking, of course, simply fed old tapes into my upgraded 'computer', my fabulous mind. What? Didn't I just pitch those tapes? Well, heck! If it weren't for you, my friend, I'd still be wallowing in the muck and would not have seen my Whatnot Shelf at all. Thank you.
http://www.waweishampel.com
I used to 'beat myself up' over decisions I had made or were contemplating, but I've learned that's really counterproductive and extremely detrimental to the progression forward. Even though it feels like life is slapping me in the face from time to time, I have found that ruminating on it, trying to understand the 'why me?' of it, tends to put the brakes on my forward thrust into the future.
For almost a year now, I have struggled with 'what was the right thing to do', 'how much knowledge must I have', etc., to publish the only book I have ever been privileged to write. I've devoured any information that has come to my attention regarding multi media publicity. I've felt as though my finger has been on the "GO" button for months. The time for launch is almost here and I'm faced with having to submit to the world, what I have been considering, imperfect material. This thinking, of course, simply fed old tapes into my upgraded 'computer', my fabulous mind. What? Didn't I just pitch those tapes? Well, heck! If it weren't for you, my friend, I'd still be wallowing in the muck and would not have seen my Whatnot Shelf at all. Thank you.
http://www.waweishampel.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
WELCOME TO MY BLOG!
After being bombarded with a slew of dificult situations involving finances and family, it occurred to me that my methods for dealing with them might help someone else.
Monday, March 8, 2010
I have recently connected with a relative in Texas who has had similar experiences. We decided we had similar genes. No kidding! Not speaking about the ones that determine hair color, etc, but the ones that make us individuals, unique within our own lives, among all the people our lives touch.
"I AM A SURVIVOR!" Believe you can and you will!
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