tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19366406256113211202024-02-21T09:35:35.116-08:00A Home Not Our OwnThis Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-29354494158380801982015-11-25T21:44:00.000-08:002015-11-30T13:20:51.952-08:00Thanksgiving Day 2015Tomorrow is a day of thanks. Well, every day is, actually, let's see... shelter, check; food, check; companionship, check; laughter, check. Check, check, check, and check! I guess what I'm trying to say is things are good... better. Actually, things are much improved. There are still some challenges and temporary obstacles that arise, and there are times when I may feel quite discouraged. A little time, or maybe, a lot of napping help see me through until things seem to right themselves.<br />
<br />
Today, I contemplate how grateful I am that the homeowner of this house accepted our lease application last Spring, and that this rental was available for immediate move in. Had another week passed we would have been homeless... again. Relief that that was not the case.<br />
<br />
Although still in a home not our own, it's nice to feel safe and warm.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Take care, be well, good night and sweet dreams.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-20339240443170441372015-04-01T22:32:00.003-07:002015-04-01T22:32:57.689-07:00A Home Not Our Own No MoreMarch ended up being a doozy of a month, but my family and I survived it.<br />
<br />
We packed our belongings and gave The Place a thorough cleaning.<br />
<br />
As stressful as it was, we made over to the other side.<br />
<br />
Recent rental search was a nail biter.<br />
<br />
But here we are... together.<br />
<br />
It's a good day.<br />
<br />
Here's to new beginnings.<br />
<br />
Welcome, April.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-16610350053798723442015-03-14T03:02:00.000-07:002015-03-14T03:03:19.825-07:00The Place ~ A Story: The In Between Part<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving Home</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKmdE1CVwdBlyMFjVzWYHxvd9q-nObrKbBWacKH_VpKiG0qOZmD-uCd-ql7WdCAI0auoWQKYE2G51fBN80RiJ3oxywF6HXcKgUItOL3mqgOjqGDS5g8qik_s5CzwgUQ5-w783OKJsawM/s1600/oct+25+2012+photo+gallery+colorado+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKmdE1CVwdBlyMFjVzWYHxvd9q-nObrKbBWacKH_VpKiG0qOZmD-uCd-ql7WdCAI0auoWQKYE2G51fBN80RiJ3oxywF6HXcKgUItOL3mqgOjqGDS5g8qik_s5CzwgUQ5-w783OKJsawM/s1600/oct+25+2012+photo+gallery+colorado+home.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Future Unknown</span></div>
<br />
…and how we got here.<br />
<br />
No, there was no mention of “a place” end of October 2012. All we had sorted out as we drove away from the house was that we were on our way to stay with relatives in California. In California there would be a job for my husband to start at as soon as we arrived.<br />
<br />
I, desperate for answers and unable to cope with uncertainty, ending up requiring hospitalization for emotional collapse first week in Southern California was quite unexpected. Those were the longest two weeks of my life, and the following three months separated from my family by a hundred miles were extremely challenging. I began doubting if we were ever going to be together again. I missed them all so much. I missed our normal… the normal that had eluded us during the time my husband was either on years long absence in a job out of the country, or flat out out of work for two years following.<br />
<br />
We arrived, the four of us and our two dogs, in California with whatever we could cram in our 8-seater SUV. We drove like this for more than 1,500 miles.<br />
<br />
<i>To be continued.</i></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-25355488301739210472015-03-13T23:01:00.000-07:002015-03-14T01:22:17.868-07:00The Place ~ A Story<span style="font-size: large;">The Place...</span><br />
<br />
…and how we got here.<br />
<br />
This should be easy, but it’s not. This post has been over two years in the making, and I still can’t seem to figure out where to start. It doesn’t start from the last time we walked out the door of our foreclosed upon home in Colorado. But, to make sure I never forget that time, and by some freaky coincidence, <a href="https://maps.google.com/" target="_blank"><b>Google Maps</b></a> happened to capture our final moments there. I still have mixed feelings about this occurrence...<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qWf0XXkX3WKx9WSufcdCnI22PMaU4-NLaoTi8wWl-YOLp1vv3xeNYtdGjzIuTpwmL_sPYcxJWJjoAeZsINheqTb8nPUDdu6aivWnVs1w3vJosml8K3Z3I2kSql80bzcEb3tFnFh0F8Q/s1600/oct+25+2012+photo+gallery+colorado+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qWf0XXkX3WKx9WSufcdCnI22PMaU4-NLaoTi8wWl-YOLp1vv3xeNYtdGjzIuTpwmL_sPYcxJWJjoAeZsINheqTb8nPUDdu6aivWnVs1w3vJosml8K3Z3I2kSql80bzcEb3tFnFh0F8Q/s1600/oct+25+2012+photo+gallery+colorado+home.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, <a href="https://maps.google.com/" target="_blank"><b>Google</b></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
… oh, so bittersweet. <br />
<br />
<i>To be continued.</i></div>
</div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-59345708842109942072015-03-10T02:03:00.000-07:002015-03-10T02:03:52.293-07:00The Kitchen At The Place<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you, kitchen. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">You have served us well during our time here at The Place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Update: 10 days searching rentals... <i>nothing yet</i>; 18 days to pack up and move out... <i>who knows where.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LKptoDj_bb3HxsploRIUgG3yb_-AEugu35NhEEXZOFCcolXW-_AxSOMh9NmoUQw1G9LWvmotK0-4wjCwUA3PMwNYukKXK3kIo6Gm-6vYu_zxU11zbMAnkExZbgjPLKVx-fnqtKpx_74/s1600/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LKptoDj_bb3HxsploRIUgG3yb_-AEugu35NhEEXZOFCcolXW-_AxSOMh9NmoUQw1G9LWvmotK0-4wjCwUA3PMwNYukKXK3kIo6Gm-6vYu_zxU11zbMAnkExZbgjPLKVx-fnqtKpx_74/s1600/image001.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3C9kODpeSja6n8VnaJi4fPQYXfa8BPsf53Y9PGAwINPOa0lrLj3tyQl-UqdLuXIFrSoACvY4WzaKaJgylamqCDHlD6dzQsPZN4vXBzZpYH98W0jsEbrz5VIZC4kSNNoFlW4AiQdQwBY/s1600/image002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3C9kODpeSja6n8VnaJi4fPQYXfa8BPsf53Y9PGAwINPOa0lrLj3tyQl-UqdLuXIFrSoACvY4WzaKaJgylamqCDHlD6dzQsPZN4vXBzZpYH98W0jsEbrz5VIZC4kSNNoFlW4AiQdQwBY/s1600/image002.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjqAxpX07pdDAi6psNQv70fG7Anryw4AROC0FuibRGpTGRqZS5_BIU129acWsmfbgrBe6eZYqLBklApdB6uDrvswqKJJtTaaToRjPcfUStKAiYUKMphQco2zGuD72-MRTO8jjrGc2638/s1600/image003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjqAxpX07pdDAi6psNQv70fG7Anryw4AROC0FuibRGpTGRqZS5_BIU129acWsmfbgrBe6eZYqLBklApdB6uDrvswqKJJtTaaToRjPcfUStKAiYUKMphQco2zGuD72-MRTO8jjrGc2638/s1600/image003.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 199.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 306.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 199.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 305.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 199.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 306.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 199.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 305.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 205.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 308.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 205.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 308.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Lillian\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-62317672304886863532015-03-05T23:54:00.001-08:002015-03-05T23:54:32.216-08:00The Place: Twenty-Three Days & Counting<span style="font-size: large;">The Place move out date, check. New Place move in date... TBD.</span><br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b_DgaXzdxJbG7MG1kJuenSLPq1jOZr3ij5TT3riBtj63fifTtre9664ZmkbTpp8Xfqa3sUXUm2RpCjx0msd0hw8diTm4mLHt5woxUtF7TlSnvMHg2IBKeL35swHMYK26F5gcer9n45k/s1600/feb+28+2015+a+home+not+our+own+drawing+01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b_DgaXzdxJbG7MG1kJuenSLPq1jOZr3ij5TT3riBtj63fifTtre9664ZmkbTpp8Xfqa3sUXUm2RpCjx0msd0hw8diTm4mLHt5woxUtF7TlSnvMHg2IBKeL35swHMYK26F5gcer9n45k/s1600/feb+28+2015+a+home+not+our+own+drawing+01.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic;">Illustrated by Lillian Carilo, February 2015</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic;">Microsoft Windows 7 Paint</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-69941108593523903692014-09-10T15:51:00.003-07:002017-11-24T14:04:24.952-08:00Card Catalogs, Yellow Pages, Microfilm & Want Ads, OH MY!<br />
<br />
Back to card catalogs, Yellow Pages, microfilm & want ads!?! Seems it might be time to dig out your old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_catalog">library card</a>, pull out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_directory">white pages phone book</a> that's replacing the bookcase caster, haul out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microform">microfiche reader</a>, restart delivery of newspapers... *sigh*<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and landlines, answering machines, beepers, VHS/VCRS, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moviefone#History">Moviefone</a>, blind dates, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Guide">Thomas Guide</a> maps... Remember those? Oh, holy shit, eye contact!<br />
<br />
<br />
And, mother of pearl! Students, you are screwed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternetSlowdown?src=hash">nternet Slowdown</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://t.co/keWmyYGlm5">http:battleforthenet.com </a><br />
<br />
<br />
http://twitter.com/netflix/status/509052057429372929/photo/<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-1607731333887305192014-07-15T14:08:00.003-07:002014-07-15T14:10:52.049-07:00Month-End Report ~ March 2014For starters, I shall have to grade my NaBloPoMo blogging for the month of March 2014 with a solid D. I made an effort, but follow-through, well, fell through. I don't know how people do it. People with actual jobs and families to tend to on a daily basis. How. Do. You. Do. It?<br />
<br />
I guess creativity has a lot to do with it. Regretfully, my range in that area is extremely limited. I can come in in a pinch and produce an quasi-impressive effort, but everything has to be just right... you know, the stars must align. I can't see straight.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-36667947595661826882014-05-06T16:40:00.000-07:002014-05-06T16:41:58.004-07:00Asleep At The WheelI've not posted anything in a while. I guess I've been busy... doing nothing! Okay, I do do stuff - doo doo... ha ha! Because, yeah, I'm a 14 year-old boy. - Anyway, there's not been anything prompting me to write, or more like, want to write.<br />
<br />
Yep. That sums things up.<br />
<br />
Bye<br />
<br />
UPDATE: I quit carpooling nieces & nephew a few weeks back; had to be done.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-84703075083009566242014-03-11T23:49:00.001-07:002014-03-11T23:49:22.110-07:00I'm 60!Okay, I'll be sixty years old in ten years... six zero! What. And, if I consider how long I've been writing up until now, yeah, I do believe I will be still be writing in 10 years. Not necessarily blogging though. I surely was not blogging 10 years ago; not even 5 years ago.. at least I don't think so.<br />
<br />
I like blogging; the idea that somewhere on the planet, someone has taken a few minutes to read - sometimes, translate - stuff that came out from my thoughts. That's cool, right? It is rare that I get a comment. I might have a couple of followers.<br />
<br />
I started writing to share my family's ordeal during life-changing challenges resulting from long-term job loss and trauma of having to neglect much needed health management for my chronic illnesses. I was distressed; life was in turmoil. I felt some needed to hear my perspective as an American forced to abandon the idea of that "dream" we all aspire to achieve.<br />
<br />
At the moment I'm hoping to eventually go further into telling of my family's experience during our time in A Home Not Our Own. I don't know if there is any interest here, but appreciate, nonetheless, any visits and, maybe, a comment or two every once in a while<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'll probably be blogging, or doing equivalent, in the years ahead.<br />
<br />
'til tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Lil .This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-34302921768957563612014-03-08T00:00:00.000-08:002014-07-15T14:04:57.626-07:00Blank PageToday's March 2014 NaBloPoMo prompt asks, "What have you learned about yourself through blogging?"<br />
<br />
I don't know how to answer the question, except to say that, although I am 50 years of age, I feel life is a blank page. I wonder if this is how it works... someone tell me, please.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-34866108881504711682014-03-06T23:31:00.001-08:002014-07-06T23:22:30.482-07:00Half Hour 'til MidnightI headed over to <a href="http://www.blogher.com/">BlogHer</a> tonight in search of a hint or prompt of what to write about tonight, and in keeping with this month's theme:"So what is the NaBloPoMo theme of the month? SELF" Who are you? No, really, we want to know. That's why we read your blog. Isn't that a little crazy? That there are people out there who are fascinated with... YOU....Does blogging bring out your best or worst self?"<br /><br />Hmmm... best or worst self. Well, if one considers that all I can do is be honest and try my best to make my thoughts understood; I happily welcome visitors to my post and hope they read each one through. It is in that respect that I'd say blogging brings out the best in me.<br /><br />The times when, if I'm to be completely honest, I feel like the worst of me is present is when I think I have to defend myself. I blog for me. I blog with the idea that perhaps, even a single sentence may be of help to someone. But, there have been a couple of instances when I've been attacked due to who knows what. I'm not responsible for a readers feelings, mood, or disposition when they choose to read my blog. And, while I do appreciate honest dialogue, I prefer not to be told what to write... you know, all that lollipops, rainbows and puppies type stuff. I'm writing about real life; my life, and I'm not going to stop.<br /><br />So, I hope readers will appreciate my efforts, and find it in themselves to offer honest and constructive comments without seeming hurtful. I in return will always do my best to be genuine and my writing purposeful.<br /><br />What brings out the best; worst in you when you blog?This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-25386464499189746502014-03-04T23:58:00.004-08:002014-03-05T00:07:37.009-08:00Quarter 'til MidnightThere would be a proper March 2014 <a href="http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo-add-all-your-march-2014-posts-here" target="_blank">NaBloPoMo</a> blog post here, but the dog ate my lunch? No, but my dog did get into some rubbish while I stepped away for a few minutes - everybody pees - and I just spent too long cleaning up after our naughty beagle, which then propelled me to bag up some recyclables, and now I'm tired... plain and simple.<br />
<br />
Someone remind me tomorrow to tell you about the day after <a href="http://ahomenotourown.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-advocate-within.html" target="_blank">I spent part of my day sorting out Mom's medication regimen. </a> The day my niece went over to visit Mom and ended up in the ER with her 2 year old. (Note to self: reference medication regimen.)<br />
<br />
*sigh*This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-17084046276382794792014-03-03T23:25:00.001-08:002014-03-04T23:45:41.503-08:00The Advocate WithinToday I served as advocate for my 86 year old mother.<br />
<br />
If you knew me now, you'd have a hard time finding said advocate. But, she's here, deep within - experienced, vocal, determined, steadfast, stern, accomplished, All within me. I, myself, am often surprised by this.<br />
<br />
My earliest recollection of possessing this quality was about age four; I was in headstart, a preschool program for low-income children... it was in it's infancy. By that time, I could read. I found myself at odds with the fact that because of my age, I could not advance to kindergarten in traditional elementary school. Although, I was still not able to convey my opinion to those in charge of my early education, I recall being disappointed by their decision... extremely disappointed.<br />
<br />
Another time, at age five, I found myself disagreeing with family doctor about his reluctance to request specialist to remove a large birthmark on my right leg. This birthmark was a crippling presence all my life. I'm still insecure and embarrassed by it.<br />
<br />
So, since those early days I've learned to speak up for myself regardless of the outcome... I've always felt that I should at least be heard when my best interest was at stake.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to today. Mom needed me to advocate on her behalf. I found discrepancies in course of treatment for her chronic illnesses. Just last week, my sister and I received information which indicated that Mom now only had to take a few meds out of the 10 or so she had previously been prescribed. My questions was why. She has Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, thyroid deficiencies, anxiety and a few other things that must be managed with medication. I thought it odd that none of those discontinued were tapered off, nor was there an explanation as to why they had been discontinued..<br />
<br />
Mom recently was issued new caregiver. It was this caregiver who took her to her last doctor follow-up visit. It was this caregiver who provided incomplete copies of Mom's doctor's notes. I needed answers.<br />
So, I called her doctor's office this morning, and understood that I was not authorized to communicate with them about my mother's care without her consent. I immediately called mom, asked her to get ready - this 86 year old was dressed to the nines when I picked her up; I was in a t-shirt, yoga pants and sneakers - I'd be picking her up to go take care of business at hand.<br />
<br />
Regretfully, office staff... or, more accurately, front desk receptionist, did not seem the least bit interested in even acknowledging me when I approached the counter. I did notice she presented a much more pleasant demeanor toward a toddler roaming the waiting room. I had notified by phone that I'd be right over with my mom to sign authorization. I mentioned that I had several questions regarding her treatment. Over the phone, it seemed that they were more that willing to accommodate us with everything we needed.<br />
<br />
Sensing her unmerited disdain for me, I asked if there was anyone else to assist me. She replied yes, but didn't feel the need to ask anyone else in the front office, when in fact the assistant who I would eventually speak with was sitting right beside her. I sat to wait, but became inpatient when I took note that she seemed to dismiss me. I got up to stand at the counter, all the while waiting for eye contact or an acknowledgement from her. Keep in mind, the office did not seem one bit busy; there was only the woman with the small child, who seemed to be waiting for someone.<br />
<br />
I was eventually passed on to Mom's doctor's assistant and was relived that she was professional - but, nonetheless put off by my questions. I was bothered by their lack of concern with regard to Mom's med management. Her doctor actually appeared from exam rooms, but did not make a single inquiry as to what was being addressed.<br />
<br />
I was tired, I was unprepared, I was frustrated... I focused, I gathered all the information I felt would help me tackle the next phase to take care of the matter of correcting error made by caregiver. Satisfied, my Mom, son, and I left with doctor's medication list, and current pharmacy history. At Mom's apartment, my son and I spent about two hours sorting meds, verifying dosages and how administered. Did I mentioned I was tired? At this point I was hungry and distressed. I needed to leave Mom's to do school pick-up carpool.<br />
<br />
Tonight, I requested assistance from my sister and her daughters, my nieces. We all agreed on times to call Mom to remind her to take her meds at times indicated on physician's script. I'm optimistic that we can manage Mom's care as a team, in her best interest.<br />
<br />
Today, I revisited the advocate within.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-25304635660947539562014-03-02T22:31:00.000-08:002014-03-02T22:32:27.292-08:00I'd Like To Thank The Academy Of course, I watch the Oscars...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/a-zRo8CGk-I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-5889253688090887982014-03-01T22:51:00.002-08:002014-03-01T23:45:25.673-08:00Hello, March...Where've you been, and what took you so long to arrive? Please, be gentle.<br />
<br />
February. wow! Did you have to be so stressful and obnoxious? Let me start with the weather:<br />
<ol>
<li>Ninety degree temps... NO, just no. My skin is already crying out from distress because of the intense sun and heat.</li>
<li>Inefficient so called "public social services." How do you even exist? Clearly there is no oversight, and I can only wonder just how many, and at what levels, are turning a blind eye to this entire system. I still don't have a doctor here.</li>
<li>My nearly-paid-off vehicle... why? I've put so much care into you. Okay, sorry about interior messes. Let me spell it out for you... K-I-D-S & D-O-G-S. Okay, okay... the whole fam damily is to blame for that. Sorry. Anyway, we could handle replacing the headlight bulb, but did you have to go all whole hog and kill us with cost of brakes <i>and</i> oil system repairs. Not to mention, there's still the airbag warning and master cylinder work that needs to be done. We don't have that kind of money to throw around. Hello, ramen noodles. </li>
<li>Finally, body. Really? I know, age 50... things start to happen. Granted, things have been happening for the past 25 or so years. But, 2014, things are going down hill fast. Starting to wonder how much longer I'll be able to stand or walk.</li>
<li>Wait... one more thing. If things weren't crummy enough, my dear, old much beloved Blackberry ticker (battery) took it's last tick.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
So, let me repeat... Hello, March! Welcome, welcome, welcome. You've already been good to me... here on your first day, even! You're nice. Let's see what's in store for us:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>First, the weather. Gorgeous... my favorite. Cool, breezy, cloudy, drizzly. Perfection.</li>
<li>Relief. Relieved that The Hub's finally received much needed dental care and is looking forward to being free of extreme pain as root canal treatment proceeds. Grateful for my old friend, and former boss... a dentist; thankful he accepted our cash payment plan request.</li>
<li>Yay, car-y! You are nearly all paid off... thanks for "being there" for me all these years. I knew when I found a photo of you and set it as my computer desktop that you'd be mine; just a few months later you were in my garage. March is gonna be a busy one, with zero work/kid carpool days off, so stay strong for me. </li>
<li>Body, you be strong for me too. I somehow managed to get mom's T2 diabetes under control, now it's time to turn focus back on me & the family under this roof by doing all I can to prepare nutritious meals... except today. Oh, and maybe tomorrow. Yeah, let's start that on Monday, when I'll finally have sufficient grocery money available for a week's meal plan.</li>
<li>Oh, boy, try to guess how happy I am that replacement battery for my Blackberry arrived today... go on, try. I'm super happy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
I have enjoyed my new hobby... vlogging. Having a lot of fun recording and editing videos to post on my new YouTube channel. Take a look...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/v7LkBnnppIs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-33399330638408862332014-02-10T23:57:00.001-08:002015-07-21T23:17:00.442-07:00A Home Not Our Own ~ Year Two, Day OneAll in all, not a bad one. No earthquakes... wait... day isn't over yet. Eek! Fingers crossed no earthquakes. Yes, that's more accurate. And, while fingers are crossed, hoping they'll do double duty for The Hubs job search to end soon. It's already too darn hot here, and it's only February! Come on, perfect, right job, in perfect, right location, with perfect, right weather temperature ranges, as well as, perfect, right opportunities for our family to continue on this path to full restoration.<br />
<br />
So, what else? Hmmm... Oh, it's always a good day when you have no idea going in, what's dinner, and it turns out to be one of the most delicious meals you've ever cooked. Yeah, that's pretty great.<br />
<br />
Yes, it was a pretty good day, tried to be of purpose, and helpful toward others. Laughed a lot. Now, getting ready for bed.<br />
<br />
It's been a good day.*<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Oh, my god! Except for the tremendous pain in my legs and feet. Must start looking for a doctor tomorrow... STAT!</span>This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-66515427266764409212014-02-03T22:31:00.001-08:002014-07-15T14:02:05.100-07:00Menu Managed #5Meh... not so much.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-10122398182937192972014-01-30T23:57:00.002-08:002014-02-05T19:13:07.534-08:00It's Thursday, Right?Yes, almost positive it's Thursday. And, it's was a super busy one. I got up, made sandwiches for school lunch, then drove to pick up nieces and nephew for drop offs at high school and middle school. When that was done, I drove husband to work, then dropped off my littlest passenger at the elementary school. I love doing this; later it was school dismissal pick up time, then off to pick up my husband from work. Tomorrow morning, little and I will make a special run to Starbucks for a kids' size and temp hot chocolate for my niece and a non-fat chai latte for me.<br />
<br />
Another reason I'm so exhausted today is due to spending time with my sister. She wanted me to choose an outfit as a birthday gift. We browsed Costco and Sam's club for the few large items she hopes to buy for her new appartment... futon, desk, chairs, bar stools, a grill, cookware, etc. I'm excited for her moving into a new place...a much larger place. Had more fun after school pick ups, browsing a large furniture store in our area. My sister even convinced me to go into Walmart with her. Yeah... I left there in a grumpy mood. I try my best to stay away from that place. When done with that, it was time to pick up the husband, hurried home to start dinner, realized I had hardly eaten all day due to broken molar, so I inhaled pesto pasta and linguine with clam sauce. It was so good. I also continued my birthday celebration when I found a serving size red velvet cake that had been missing from yesterday's special dinner. It was delicious and worth the wait.<br />
<br />
Presently, I am consumed by the need to sleep and will be heading off to bed as soon as I'm done with this blog post. Time to log off from here. Hope you all have a great Friday and weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-19206620566260177222014-01-29T23:56:00.001-08:002014-01-30T00:05:33.097-08:00Bright SpotsThese always put a smile on my face as my vehicle approaches the driveway...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiamvgYLtMXyk9lviyN1PVmBPWsLDI4fXDPl4xd0xgr_bKqndrrY5PmbFIFIOwIhjNJWXzRAiwElWDVN8Qvak6CLqcM2_e0055SX7qGP29TTDbYSc1R5LhOPNLq5ys5Dj6ItAtnnNd1A/s1600/Ram+Sculpture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiamvgYLtMXyk9lviyN1PVmBPWsLDI4fXDPl4xd0xgr_bKqndrrY5PmbFIFIOwIhjNJWXzRAiwElWDVN8Qvak6CLqcM2_e0055SX7qGP29TTDbYSc1R5LhOPNLq5ys5Dj6ItAtnnNd1A/s1600/Ram+Sculpture.JPG" height="320" width="165" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighbor's Ram Sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIENsNq0rM1PRUJX1HmOMrzpxsgly0kF3rLGyGpU5Z927WwTgm717UG_Brqsgod0J1tc26cE6ZCT_gJ86yHirmoMdAYZanQVx9JyJ3Egpt90rwQnaz-IuagilE8pjaNClmCGmsoAMMH8/s1600/Orange+Plant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIENsNq0rM1PRUJX1HmOMrzpxsgly0kF3rLGyGpU5Z927WwTgm717UG_Brqsgod0J1tc26cE6ZCT_gJ86yHirmoMdAYZanQVx9JyJ3Egpt90rwQnaz-IuagilE8pjaNClmCGmsoAMMH8/s1600/Orange+Plant.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Orange Clinging Vines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!</span></i></span></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-71022979853740517622014-01-28T22:46:00.001-08:002014-01-28T22:50:26.393-08:00Happy Almost Birthday...... little one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cRrM70tvDUmh59DGht3fOC4nWOVm2Q19cKi4G20OkwkucHco64-mYpMwL7B2P8Q1RULSZ3nC4ee2H7stvw8xTV6JMvCdAfi9i5NSFvMfqSvUa8cmEeGRwWEOfVyhcpuNjXRbKCgyMtY/s1600/Baby+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cRrM70tvDUmh59DGht3fOC4nWOVm2Q19cKi4G20OkwkucHco64-mYpMwL7B2P8Q1RULSZ3nC4ee2H7stvw8xTV6JMvCdAfi9i5NSFvMfqSvUa8cmEeGRwWEOfVyhcpuNjXRbKCgyMtY/s1600/Baby+Me.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-90280504421519078712014-01-27T23:51:00.000-08:002014-01-28T01:00:00.766-08:00Menu Managed #4Sorry, but not gonna happen... not this week. This week the goal is to somehow manage to stretch every single dollar in my wallet. The good thing is that the pantry and fridge are still nicely stocked, so not a problem. Let's just call this week bean burrito-, salad-, and pasta week.<br />
<br />
I have a little project that I'm working on and will hopefully be able to share it with family and friends soon. So I'm excited about that. Another fun thing is that my birthday is this week and I'm hoping I can at least pick up some sushi for lunch on Wednesday, and maybe have red velvet cake for dessert that night. We'll just have to see. I'm just glad everyone in the house is feeling loads better; flu bug that hit a couple of weeks ago seems to finally have left the building... thank goodness. It was brutal.<br />
<br />
And, speaking of building, I've re-dubbed The Place. I shall now refer to it as The Patchy Place. That's the only true way to describe it, because it seems to have been designed without much planning or care for detail. When we try to imagine what thoughts went behind this choice or that we all are stumped. It's not our place and we could just leave it at that, but I do wish it were a bit more accommodating. So much so that for my birthday I've asked my husband to call the homeowner to ask if we could clear out a few more of her kitchen cabinets - the ones still stocked with food stuff she seems to have abandoned here. Weird.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm just glad this place provides shelter, air conditioning, and enough space to keep the few belongings we've acquired since leaving Colorado almost one year ago, like the Christmas tree with all the new handcrafted ornaments that we made still up in the living room. Ho, Ho, Ho<br />
<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-73269845178132641862014-01-20T23:40:00.000-08:002014-01-21T09:05:17.271-08:00Menu Managed #3That's right, 2014, week three meal planning and grocery shopping for this family is complete... DONE! Now, let's just hope recovery from last week's horribleness keeps going strong. I had moments today, while out running errands, when I thought maybe I should have stayed in bed. I had three coughing fits that wore me out, and my respiratory system still seems compromised, but I have things to do, places to go, and little stinkers to drive to and from school starting again tomorrow. I also have a healthy supply of green tea, wildflower honey, Ricola lemon mint lozenges, baby formula Vicks, Kleenex boxes, and Purell.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, aside from some small discomfort, I was productive today and am happy to proclaim "Momma is back in the business of feeding her brood." And, I managed to keep grocery costs under budget, too. I even picked up all of mom's groceries (again, under budget), and plan on preparing some of her favorite healthy sauces, snacks, teas, and desserts tomorrow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Biggest bonus today: waking up to clean kitchen counters, clean clothes, cleaned house... thank you family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's dinner this week, you ask?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Monday: Build your own burritos ~ flour tortillas, pinto beans, bacon, avocado, jack cheese, green chile salsa.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday: Pasta with tomato basil sauce, Italian sausage, caesar salad, and garlic bread.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday: Build your own tostada ~ crisp corn tortilla, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, black olives, shredded jack and cheddar cheese.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thursday: Meatball, marinara, and provolone cheese sandwiches.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Friday: Rotisserie chicken, oven roasted potatoes, coleslaw.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's dinner at your house?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-37689726823416702232014-01-18T23:29:00.003-08:002015-03-11T18:36:57.557-07:00A VisitorHe ran through the kitchen sliding glass door screen of mom's studio apartment that I had just opened, as I turned my attention to Mom to say hello. He was whimpering excitedly, tail wagging... a burst of energy. He was clearly in unknown territory, and now he was in my mom's apartment; at my mom's feet. Mom is terrified of dogs, and this little guy ran directly toward her. She tried her best not to lose it. A bit excited now herself, mom welcomed this little bundle of energy. The sweet little dog had a white heart-shaped spot between his ears; she saw this as an encouraging sign... the dog was a bundle of love.<br />
<br />
Now, to troubleshoot the situation. I checked for tags... none. I tried to calm him with food and water.. not having it. I took him outside in hopes that he belonged to a neighboring apartment tenant; maybe he escaped an open door... nope. Eventually, I walked the entire complex asking the few people I ran across if the little guy looked familiar. No one had a clue. But on my second round, joy. From the street, I heard excited screams, followed by, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!." The woman who had been pet sitting Cookie, shouted, "There he is!" Cookie? Anyway, Cookie was from out of town and dashed out the woman's car door at some point; she had been driving around frantically looking for him. She was in tears. Both were overjoyed to be reunited. Now on his leash, still happy as can be, Cookie jumped right into the car, and away they went into the cool desert night.<br />
<br />
A visitor... and a happy ending<br />
<br />
<br />This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936640625611321120.post-76788527326637847712014-01-17T21:15:00.001-08:002014-07-15T13:12:48.830-07:00Have you logged your food and fitness today?Really, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/default.htm" target="_blank">WebMD</a>? I think you know whether or not I've logged my food and fitness plan for today... or yesterday... or day after that... and so on. It's been weeks, no, more like months since I've logged any meal plans or fitness goals to the website. This week here, it's been a brutal one. No real meals to speak of until tonight... Chinese - and, man I hope that wasn't a mistake. Looking good so far.This Is Fifty With Lilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00505731834859692252noreply@blogger.com0