Santa Monica - February 2010

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Nelson Mandela

I am becoming more and more confident in attempting to communicate with our Mexican brothers and sisters with each trip I make to Monterrey. No, I'm not fluent. Yes, I get it wrong much of the time. Yes, they are becoming more comfortable in correcting my bad grammar and poor choice of words. The sparkle in Ladi's eyes and the smile that spreads across his face when I speak with him in espanol is priceless.

Here is a Readers' Digest version of our trip in pictures:

Day 1: Arriving at worksite. View from front of building looking through front doorway.

2nd floor on left side (not sure what direction that is) of auditorium, where our job for the week is to prepare and pour the 2nd floor roof.

Tying spurs onto rebar for the bracing. Sunny and 84 degrees. Susan Ringle, Me, Kenny Lashley, man from Tyler, TX and Carol Golightly. Yes we are on top of 2nd floor roof, with no barriers on edges. And Susan has a fear of heights--so kudos to her!

Placing finished braces into trough. Combined effort of Ft. Gibson, Tyler and Sand Springs. That's Mary Martin in the red t-shirt. The universal language is "service and hard work" which EVERYONE understands.

Speaking of service....our first day lunch. We think this is goat meat, but we don't ask.

Glen Elliott (Ft. Gibson) is 50 today! The locals help him celebrate with a pinata.

Day 2: Braces are all in and it's time to lay and tie rebar. You can see Janet Richardson at the end of the row. It is COLD and WINDY today, especially on the roof. We scavenge for any extra layers of clothing we can find.

Partially complete.

Thanks to Kenny and Everett, I'm nice and toasty...sort of. If you look closely, you can see the hook in one hand and the pigtail in the other.

Afternoon of Day 2 and we are already pumping concrete.

Completed pour.

Day 3: Preparing window openings for installation of metal windows.

Beautiful!

Front door is also installed.

Chiseling, scraping, shoveling, sweeping 2nd level floor after finishing roof.

Reward---T-bones for lunch!

Day 3: Work was finished in record time, so we actually get to go sight-seeing. These are the mountains south of Monterrey near the caves at Garcia.

The group from Sand Springs enjoying a well-deserved time of recreation.

Left to Right: Nan Hunt, Susan Ringle, Me, Carol Golightly, Mary Martin, Janet Richardson

At the top of the mountain, looking down on our tiny vans.

Inside the caves.

Group photo:

Take 1: Barrett, Kenny and I try getting in the picture after setting our self-timers.

Take 2: Has anyone noticed that Cade's head is cut off?

Take 3: Finally. Also pictured are Ladi (preacher at Santa Monica), Lorena (Ladi's wife) and Alejandro, (one of our guides from Santa Monica).

Be Prepared

I was not a boy scout, or even a girl scout, but I like their motto.

You know the sayings, "if you don't want it to rain, take your umbrella," and "if you want it to rain, wash your car." Well, we dodged a major bullet the last couple of days with a milder-than-expected ice and snow storm.

Gracie, playing in the snow.

Unlike earthquakes, ice and snow can be predicted days in advance. After the Great Ice Storm of 2007, us Okies were not taking any chances. Walmart actually ran out of milk and eggs.

My son got the generator out of the shop and parked it behind the house. Two 5-gallon gas containers perched next to it. Electrician was scheduled to install a receptacle for the generator to plug directly into the house. Problem number one--generator wouldn't start. Solution: Good Samaritan Mike loaded it up and took it to his shop Wednesday night and cleaned the spark plugs, brought it back the same night and it was ready to roll. Problem number two--parts needed by electrician were out-of-stock at Home Depot. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea. Solution: another truck delivering to Home Depot Wednesday night. Electrician came out Thursday evening and, in the midst of freezing rain and high winds, installed my special outlet. I carried several stacks of wood to the front porch, in case the fireplace was my only source of heat. My cupboards were stocked.

All that--to say this. I WAS READY! And I'm not complaining, but I didn't need any of it. I'm still proud of myself for being prepared.

Hurricanes can be predicted weeks in advance. Snow/ice storms...days. Tornadoes...hours. While we can prepare for these disasters, Haiti had no time to prepare for their major earthquake. (Well, unless you take into consideration that they knew they were on a fault line and should have taken precautions in the way their structures are built.) Kind of like us knowing that Jesus has said He is coming back. We just don't know when. There will be no warning (like a thief in the night). Are we as prepared for that great event as we were for the ice storm?

My Photo Entry

Today's theme for Mandy's photo contest is "Birthday." Appropriate since today is Neal's birthday. However.....Jacob's birthday pictures are much cuter, so I'm entering one from his first birthday.

Signs I Might Be Spoiled

Here are some of the things I really missed on my weekend vacation....aka Signs I Just Might Be Slightly Spoiled.

DVR -- having to watch commercials, not being able to *pause* to go to the bathroom, not being able to reverse to catch something I missed.

Coffee Pot with Timer -- not waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

Select Comfort Bed -- in case you're wondering (admit it, you're dying to know) my Sleep Number is 30.

Peace & Quiet of the Country -- trying to sleep (on an uncomfortable bed) with Sasquatch above and crying kid next door.

That said.....I feel very guilty for even having these thoughts when there are people in Haiti (and no doubt other parts of the globe) that would be happy with a drink of water and a bowl of rice. I'm a wretched person.

Random Thoughts

Warning: I'm writing this blog out of sheer boredom.

Yesterday came close to my Ferris Buehler day off. Breakfast at IHOP, morning nap, bargains at the mall, Olive Garden for lunch, afternoon matinee, Texas A-1 Steak House for dinner. Neal telling me all day..."whatever YOU want to do."

Five whole days away from the gym. This is the third day and I'm slowly realizing I'm addicted. An intervention may be necessary. I tried to do some of the things we've done at Boot Camp this morning. I'm sure the guests in the room below weren't too thrilled. But Smiley would be proud.

Left Jeff in charge of the homefront. Scary. Desperate call from him last night..."Is there a secret hiding place for the extra toilet paper?"

Grandkids called last night -- "I want to come to you house." "When are you coming home?" "Is Papa coming home?" "When it gets warm, can we swim?"

Bought a 5-cup coffee maker yesterday because hubby's cheap residence hotel "nickel and dimes" you for all the "extras." Also bought coffee and filters, but nothing to drink from. (You can "buy" a set of dishes at the front desk.) Resorted to a plastic Solo cup. And don't think I wouldn't drink it straight from the pot if I had to.

I think Sasquatch lives in the room above us. Hmm. The guests below us probably think the same thing after my morning Boot Camp.

I brought 2 novels, 1 Bible Study, and 1 Spanish language book...none of which interests me right now. *yawn* Maybe it's time for a nap.

Thanks for the Signal, God

Since I've been so bold as to write about some of my frustrations with my local church, I feel it only fair to report the beams of light that are breaking through the clouds.

Last night was the kick-off for a new program that involves the whole congregation. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the "program," which will remain nameless, in case you are doing the same thing at your church. In fact, I only went to the introduction meeting because they served donuts--just tryin' to keep it real here.

I was already praying with a group of people twice a month (which you may recall was the subject of one of my less-than-enthusiastic posts) and since I wasn't dealing very well with the pressure to participate, (I'm the girl that cain't say no) I elected to be part of the prayer team.

Sixty-five dedicated servants showed up on a Monday night to be a part of this effort. Mind you...our church is small...little...teeny tiny. We had all seen each other just the day before, but it was obvious how happy we were to see each other again.

After we shared a meal, seven of us went to our designated room to pray. And pray we did. All of us. Four men and three women. For an hour and a half. We prayed individually for people that are struggling with health issues, emotional issues and spiritual issues. We prayed for our shut-ins, for new members, for visitors. Maybe we prayed for you. And God showed me that He can change minds and hearts without me having to say a word.

Night (and morning) at the Circus

The grandkids spent the night with me last night. Which also meant church with Nana this morning.

Since we were still experiencing frigid temperatures, we also had Gracie in the house. Ladies and Gentlemen! Let the circus begin!

The kids were ecstatic that the dog was in the house. The chair where Gracie camps out, covered in a flannel sheet to collect her hair, also became the favorite place for Jacob to play his Nintendo DS. Sorry for all the dog hair that made its way back to your house, Trista.



Notable conversations and soundbites:

Last night:

Me: "No, Lauren, Gracie can't have a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.....Gracie, drop it....I said drop it!"

Me: "Jacob!--what did I say? DO NOT FEED GRACIE YOUR CHEESE!"

Playing checkers:
Jacob: "Nice move, Nana...but you're goin' down!"

Bedtime:
Jacob: "Nana, I love you so soooooo much.......in my heart!"
Me: "I love you with all my heart too, Jacob."
Lauren: "I love you Nana."
Me: "I love you too Lauren."
Jacob: "I love you Lauren."
Lauren: "I don't love you Jacob."
Jacob: (heartbroken) "Nana, Sissy said she doesn't love me."
Me: "She's just teasing you, Jacob, she really loves you."
Lauren: "No I don't. 'Cause I'm angry."

This morning, getting ready for church:

Jacob: "Can we have these (Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes) for breakfast?"
Nana: "Yes, but no chocolate in your milk." (I'm not a complete pushover.)

Lauren (waving her magic wand): "Nana, I turning you into Trista!" Oh how I wish. Then maybe I could manage getting 2 kids bathed and fed and ready for church on time. How do these people do it? How did I do it? Oh yeah, I was 30 years younger.


Jacob's Teacher: "Jacob said I could come spend the night with you for five days." Sure, come join the circus!

Dog Days of Winter

I have rules about animals in the house.

#1: No animals in the house.
#2: Animals only allowed inside when temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
#3: No dogs on the furniture.
#4: No dogs in my bedroom.

Over the past week or so, Rule #2 has trumped Rule #1.

Ever so cunningly, Gracie has decided that rules are made to be broken. She has now taken over one of the living room arm chairs.

So much for Rule #3.

And what's this? I believe the only carpet in my house is in my bedroom, thus breaking rule #4.

It's part of her diabolical scheme to take over the world.

The sunshine feels so good beaming in through the patio doors of my bedroom.

Looks like the perfect spot for a little siesta.

Now, if it's too dadgum cold to stay outside, how come when she goes out for a potty break, she can't get enough of the white stuff?

She literally ROLLS in it.

But who can resist these eyes?Sleep well, princess.

Boot Camp

Today was the first day of Boot Camp. Thought I needed a little variety in my workout routine. So at 8:00 this morning I, along with 9 others, began our training with Smiley (bottom left photo), a body builder/former Gladiator contestant/youth pastor. Go ahead...click on the link. I'll wait for you........... I've watched him train others and always said if I ever got a personal trainer, I'd want it to be him. He doesn't yell and cuss like Bob & Jillian and he always has words of encouragement.

Now, I've been working out, to some degree, for over 20 years. When I work out with the hubby, he tells me to "go for the burn," which I have always interpreted as "keep doing reps until your muscle is fatigued and you don't think you can do any more." I didn't realize until TODAY that there is an actual...literal...BURN. I mean my muscles were ON FIRE!!!

At one point, while doing wall squats with dumbbells, my left thigh began quivering uncontrollably. And when I partnered with my extremely fit and strong daughter-in-law to do bicep curls with a shared band, I thought she was going to sling shot me into the mirrored wall.

At the end of the hour, Smiley told us that we would increase the intensity as time goes on. Say what?

New Year's Eve Extravaganza

I like to hit the sack early. I can't remember the last time I saw midnight. I don't like to be out on the roads on New Year's Eve. Yesterday after work I was tired and debated whether to go to the gym or home to nap. I opted for the gym, and with a second wind and an offer from the Ringles to pick me up, I agreed to go to the church party/talent show.

Can't believe I almost missed this:

Ricky and the Wailers

Rick O'Dell's rendition of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man"

Yep, that's our laid-back, subdued preacher going crazy on the drums.

Great way to ring in the new year. You guys rock!

One less thing....

Right after Thanksgiving, I bought two boxes of Christmas cards.

I had really good intentions.

What I lacked was motivation.

Last year I sent photo cards.

Photoshop in a couple more wrinkles and we still look the same. Maybe next year we'll have a family photo to send.

I've been known to send a lengthy Christmas letter. Due to blogging, Facebook and free long distance, any news would be old news.

I did manage to mail five cards. But unless you're in Iraq, prison, or on the mission field, you can stop checking your mail box.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

PC in the CoC

I find it odd that the ONE time my local congregation decides to be "politically correct" is at Christmas. Amid all the hoopla of boycotting certain stores because their greeting is "Happy Holidays" not "Merry Christmas" and the endless emails criticizing those who have taken "Christ" out of Christmas, my church finds itself on the, shall we say, pagan side of the fence.

In my childhood, I was taught that since we don't exactly KNOW the specific date of Jesus' birth, we should not celebrate the event. Or better yet, celebrate it all year long. I often found myself arguing the point with my peers. Strangely, the very season that His name is mentioned most, and the world is opening doors of dialogue opportunity, we slam the door in their faces. Is it really so wrong to choose a day on our calendar to shift everyone's focus onto our Savior? The work has already been done for us. We don't even have to try to "sell" it. Just take advantage of it!

I found out this week that one "Christmas" song made its way into our worship schedule for Sunday, only to be taken out by those holding the power. It saddens me that a song taken directly from our standard book of hymns should be axed just because it's December.

But of course, we must be politically correct. Happy Holidays!

Party On

This is my evaluation of the Zumba party tonight.

Getting to visit and know my fellow Zumba classmates better -- awesome.

Best friend Janet choosing her BIRTHDAY party at her PARENTS' over the Zumba party -- lame.

Being accompanied by a live bongo drummer -- awesome.

Dancing to "Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya" with a male drummer in the room -- lame. (I'm just sayin'.)

Learning that said drummer is the father of a gym employee and not some pervert -- less lame.

Looking forward to the after-class refreshments -- awesome.

Refreshments consisting of pretzels, Crystal Light and low-fat, low-cal mini muffins -- lame.

Final name drawn for a door prize....Lita! -- awesome.

Door prize = High Protein/Soy Based Hot Chocolate mix -- lame.

Can I trade for one of the cool Zumba tote bags or head bands?

Most physically challenging high-impact Zumba class to date -- awesome.

Almost breaking a sweat -- very awesome.

Winterfest '09

Two reasons it might not be wise to go ice skating on a mild sunny day: a) everyone else in Tulsa has the same idea and b) there's an inch of water on top of the ice.

No skate rental discount, so we're determined to make the most of it.

Did I mention it was very sunny?

Steady, fella.

Huggin' the wall.

Notice the soaking wet jeans. Not sure if we were ice skating or swimming. We may be officially in the "polar bear club" now.

Jacob was a trooper. And I got a good "core" workout, just trying to skate and hold him up.

I give him a 6.5 for level of difficulty.

We went back to his house and snuggled under the blanket (wet jeans can make you really cold) to watch "Night at the Museum" while Jacob told me everything that was going to happen or be said 5 seconds before it actually happened. Listening to him narrate the movie was funnier than the movie itself. He said, "Nana, you laugh a lot." Yep.

Random Thoughts Du Jour

Due to popular demand, I am writing a new post so that millions of readers who keep visiting my site won't have to keep looking at the pumpkin pie catastrophe.

Random Thoughts:

I watched my beautiful niece, Morgan, today on the Channel 6 morning show. She has teamed up with the Salvation Army to do the "Bark Park Toy Drive." Her idea, her initiative, her organization, her big heart. I'm so proud of her. You can see the interview here. Here's the plug--take your dog to the dog park tomorrow, Joe Station or Hunter Park, 11:00 - 3:00, and drop off a new toy for a child that may not otherwise have a present under the tree.

Morgan

Better than smashed pumpkin pie, right?

How many years have I been grocery shopping at Walmart? Ten years? Twenty? For the first time today I noticed that the produce aisle has labels above the vegetables. I always have trouble finding the green onions, but lo and behold, if you just read the signs, you can stroll right up to them. Seriously. I almost cried.

Because of lab results, I now will add one more pill to my daily regimen. Dear Santa, I want one of those plastic daily pill organizers, preferably with hourly compartments. I've been a very good girl.

I don't want to hear any more details of Tiger's sex life. The end.

Confession

This is how you know things have gotten way out of hand.

Sunday evening: Bored and hungry. Pumpkin pie is calling my name. As I take it out of the fridge...not slowly and carefully, 'cause by now I am literally salivating and I can't wait another second, the plate slips out of my hand and lands face down on the floor. Rational Lita tells herself, "now the temptation is gone--good riddance." Irrational Lita puts the pie back in the fridge.

Monday evening: After a bowl of turkey soup, just need a little sumpn' sumpn' sweet.

Don't judge.

How many of you have THIS MUCH help putting up your Christmas tree?

And after the final angel was hanging...not on a limb...but on a needle....

TA-DA!!!

Maybe a little bottom-heavy? Do ya think?

After endless snacking and playing doctor and police, Lauren finally began to wind down and I asked her if she wanted to take a nap. Lauren: "No, Nana, I not tired, I just yawning." Me: Giving her a questioning look--"Are you sure?" Lauren: "Don't look at me, please."

Papa's turn to play and since this is most likely the last 70-degree day for a few months, outside they went. The kids played "hide in the hay" and sent Papa to get me to search for them. Gracie standing at the barn door didn't give it away. Not in the least.

Good girl, Lassie...I mean, Gracie.

Fall Harvest

If you're expecting a cornucopia of fresh vegetables from the garden, you will be sorely disappointed. Around here we harvest.......

deer.

Jeff took a buck off our property here in S.S. and just as it was ready to be picked up at the processors, Neal & Jeremy returned from the western Oklahoma acreage with this truckload of venison. Two bucks and three does to be exact.

I think we need to buy a freezer.

Down with Blankets

Ever since the construction began on the IDL, (when was that? July?) my detour has taken me past this green space on the east side of downtown. Tulsa has done a good job over the last decade or so, beautifying the city, thanks in part to the program "Up With Trees."

However.....here's my beef. You knew there would be one, didn't you?

Every work day I drive past this blanket/sleeping bag(?) hanging on the fence. Each day the rips are a little bigger and more and more stuffings are slowly making their way out of their confines and mingling with nature.

This particular green space has an "Up With Trees" sign that says, "In memory of Dewitt L. Potter."

I know it's blurry, I was fighting construction traffic while taking these photos. But trust me, that's what it says.

Now, I hope that if I were a family member of poor Dewitt (may he rest in peace), I would occasionally "tend" to the area I sponsored in his name. I don't think Dewitt would be too proud of the hanging blanket.

Up with trees. Down with blankets. Four months is too long.

Random Thoughts Wednesday

It's 12:24 p.m. and I'm still in my pajamas. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I haven't blogged in over a week because I've been working on and editing my 2008 blog for annual publishing. (If no one else will publish you, publish yourself.)

Tonight is the last night to teach 2's and under Bible class. Woo Hoo! I've really been looking forward to this LAST class. I don't think teaching infants is my "gift."

I just pulled a loaf of homemade cranberry bread from the oven. A close friend mentioned liking cranberry bread, so I'll take her some tonight. Not the whole loaf, as I'm a little selfish.

Why don't I sweat? I've googled the condition and it doesn't seem to exist. The first 2 times I went to Zumba, I actually sweated! Is past tense sweat or sweated? Hair dripping, clothes stuck to my body. Now, after an entire hour of constant high-impact aerobic dancing, I'm dry as a bone. Maybe I'm dehydrated. I'm trying to drink more water.

Speaking of drinking, what happened to QT Chai Latte????

Neal will be doing some traveling again, which bums me. Although it will be a nice break from having to plan dinner and prepare his lunch every day. However, if you talk to him, just mention the part about me being bummed.

On a serious note...found out last night that Betty Mansur has left this world. Betty was the real deal. She was generous, talented, and outspoken. I spent many evenings in her tole painting classes at Park Plaza with wonderful friends. We still laugh about getting scolded by Betty for talking, giggling and not paying attention. You never wondered where you stood with Betty. She will be greatly missed.

Grandkids on the Farm

If you're my Facebook friend (and why wouldn't you be?) you've already seen these pictures. These were taken last Saturday, in and around the barn. I think they're worthy of a post.

The Masks We Wear

I had to start this post with my grandkids, Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch. They love dressing up and being something entirely different from Jacob and Lauren.

The Masks We Wear was the subject of this morning's sermon and front page bulletin article. How appropriate.

"...often times we pretend to be something we are not. We act as if we are more competent than we are, more "together" than we are, more able than we are, or more right than we are."

-Elliott Dunn (pulpit minister, SSCoC)

What's that? Was he just looking at me? I wear the mask well. It fits perfectly.

How can you "mourn with those who mourn" (Rom. 12:15-16) unless I remove the mask and let you know I am mourning? How can you "pray for each other" (James 5:16) unless I remove the mask and let you know I am struggling? ("confess your sins to each other" same verse.)

During the sermon, I couldn't help but consider how we are partially to blame for others wearing the mask. For instance, before services began, I was sitting in the pew preparing my contribution check. Another member walked in front of me and said, "Smile! Be happy!" I obliged. Now, admit it, it would have been pretty weird for me to have been sitting there alone, concentrating on writing a check, with a huge smile plastered across my face.

Can we not allow each other to have serious moments, to be discouraged, to be sad? Not only do we wear masks, but life is simpler when everyone else is wearing a mask. We assemble together to be encouraged, but is it all superficial? We want everyone to put on their happy faces so things don't get messy.

I confess. I'm guilty of both. I wear the mask. And I'm probably responsible for others wearing the mask.