New learning

I am trying to study for a very important test, so have taken a few days off.  I spent today at home mostly reading with a  little napping mixed in.  The reading material is definitely unfamiliar so I have had to read some sentences several times.  One particular 62 word sentence had to not only be read several times; but a dictionary was necessary.   Who uses terms like lateral geniculate body of the thalamus; parietal, temporal and occipital white matter and occipital cortex?  Clue #1--not a gynecologist and certainly not a social worker!!

Survival Skills

I have not had the opportunity to camp with gal pals since leaving Missouri..until this past weekend.  Lucky for me,  I was able to join a couple friends in a lovely self-contained, air-conditioned, spacey travel trailer this past weekend.  It was the like the Ritz compared to the bucket/bleach days of the torn screen pop up camper.   Oh but what fun my friends and I had back then.  We learned to somehow tune out the sounds of  roaring generators, laughing/crazy neighbors and mosquitos buzzing in our ears.  I am happy to report that in the lap of luxury I was able to teach my young friends the value of "tuning out" or at least bringing ear plugs.  After an evening of lots of talk and even more beer, we retired for the night.  Unfortunately, my friends had not learned those valuable "tuning out" lessons.  My snoring was apparently so disturbing that one of them slept in the backseat of the car and the other was jogging by 5:30 am just to escape the "sounds of sleep".....bet they will be prepared next time.  Lesson learned!

Malfunction?

This past weekend, I listened to many of my sister's in-laws ask me where my sister gets her talent and her unending energy.  This evening I had dinner with a friend from out of town who is older than me, but continues to hike, bike, travel the world and work full-time.  I am beginning to think I must have a manufacturer's defect...if only there was a warranty.

Comparisons

This has been a month for family reunions it seems.  My father's family gathered together for a small informal affair at the community center in our hometown.  We shared photos and stories and managed to catch up a bit.  This past weekend my sister hosted a family reunion for her husband's family.  It was a well-planned event with many out-of-town guests.  They spent several days together sharing laughter, memories and good food & wine.  I joined them at a fancy restaurant the last night of their reunion.  I gained a new perspective on the "simple" life and family connections...

Memories

I met an old friend in Dickinson, ND for the 4th of July weekend.  This is the town where my son was born many years ago.  I drove around trying to find familiar landmarks and the first house we ever owned, without much success.  Even the Hardees I once passed on my way home is now a Pizza Hut.  Nothing seemed the same.  Yet, the memories my friend and I talked and laughed about were as familiar as my favorite shoes.  After 30 years, we continue to share memorable moments that won't change with the scenery.

Pondering

I have probably never had an appreciation for fireworks like many people do.  I was so glad we lived in a state that only allowed snakes and sparklers when Justin was a little boy.  He sometimes was treated to the opportunity to "light" his own firecrackers if he spent the holiday with other relatives, but NEVER when he was with me.  Even as a teenager and certainly now, he is like a addict when it comes to fireworks.  He must buy every noisy, colorful "masterpiece" the Chinese create in order to celebrate the 4th of July.  Expense seems to be of no concern, let alone the idea that in 30 minutes it is all up in smoke.  I am wondering if I am somehow responsible for this extreme attraction to fireworks.