There is a limit

Today I had an opportunity to watch one of my favorite shows, where childhood problems were being discussed. Breastfeeding after the child was once weened off of breast milk, that would seem to me to be a no-brainer. Honestly just think about that one for a moment and you will not require the consultation of a psychologist. Breast milk is for babies not for children. A child asking for breast milk is having another type of issue, and it is usually competition of the attention of mom because of another sibling.

The other case, one which is very familiar is that the child decided what he or she will or will not eat. My mother who had five children, knew how to handle that one. What? you don't want to eat, your not hungry, leave the table. Nothing would be given in between either. One of my aunts told me she was punished for asking for a second cup of milk, during the depression and while she was bringing home the bacon. We are too soft with our children, who are playing us. Yes, it is a power struggle and if they win, have fun when they are teen-agers.

The other two dealt with going to bed and getting up, and that again is their way of testing your tolerance. I learned how to deal with that one when my oldest son was still in his crib and a wise doctor told me to have my husband block his ears or go out while the infant screamed himself to sleep and eventually the resistance would become nil and go away. It could have meant that he even could get sick and he said to that, "clean it in the morning". Now they have come with videos that show animals yawning and stars along with soft music and eventually after 20 minutes, lights are out for the night. The understanding here is that this is the behaviour of the child continually, and not an occasional sleep disruption, where something may be off, like a nightmare or fear or illness.

Children usually do not become disagreeable for nothing. What the experts claim is that this is in fact a power struggle. Who should rule the roost? You. It is that simple. Learn to say NO. And never allow them to say "NO" to you.

I believe in positive reinforcement. Bribing is okay. They gladly go to sleep when Santa's coming. They want things, mostly your attention. Gold stars work. A favorite video, and sometimes pennies saved toward a favorite toy. Let them earn things by "good" behavior or a special treat. Sound familiar?

I once knew a boy who would not go potty. Nothing worked because he loved watching his parents squirm. With everything, it was his way or the highway. One day while playing with friends, one of the boys said Uh! you still go in your pants, and he told all the other boys who made fun of and teased him. The humbled boy changed his tune fast, peer pressure, is a good tool. The experts say that a young child should learn from watching an older child use the potty, or dad in the case of a boy. And believe it or not besides reading about it, you can purchase a doll who demonstrates the bathroom technique.

Its probably a sad fact that some parents never really get it. Or, perhaps they just cannot discipline their child. What that means is that unfortunately, you are setting your child up for failure. A person who is disciplined in their behaviours will be able to face all problems with a sense of security and recourse of action. Everyone knows that you cannot always have it your way and when you cannot and you can't handle it, it sets you up for an unhappy and insecure life. Relationships will be shattered, and that may include yours.

I have a neighbor who has three boys, and she said something to me once that I thought wise. Something my mother said that I forgot. "They've got to respect you." And that is something that you teach them. Is it time to stop letting them dump on you? I would say so. Everything has its limit.

Bestest Buddies

We are supporting each other in trying to lose a few pounds in an effort to fight back dread diseases known as a result of aging, and being overweight.

Tonight we took another walk for forty-five minutes in a different neighborhood and we find that change is helpful. W get a different feel for the road, so to speak. The funny thing is that we didn't feel we worked as hard at it as the lake walk, and it was the same amount of time.

We take special care in getting the right breakfast and all the vitamins, and minerals, and fresh fruit and salad.

John's already loosing weight which I'm very proud of him for, while I gained almost all the weight that I lost, back. Don't ask me. I've been working outdoors for a week and it may be muscle weight. The same thing happened to me at the gym, when I put on quite a few pounds working out. The funny part is that my waist has gone down. Basically, it is a redistribution.

All our foods are measured and almost all natural or homemade, in other words, having many enzymes.

I'm not giving up the ship yet. There is also water weight which usually happens just before the weight loss. I am having fun walking around with my bestest buddy. He knows that it takes patience and when it come to me, he has it. The old adage, "nothing good comes easy."

Cold Feet

Just got back from the concert, where it seemed that as usual the dampness was creeping in and although I had my hooded sweatshirt on, my feet were growing cold. It felt more like August this evening. The Country band played a good variety of music and it was a welcomed rest from the exercise we engaged in today.

After my PLN, we decided to try the Westville trail going around the lake to the dam area. It was perfect today for a walk in the woods. The entire walk was 1.8 miles. And, I hope I got more out of it than a blister on my toe. The walk was approximately 45 minutes long and it was pleasant as I was not alone.

John and I have been trying to put in some time walking different areas of town each night when possible.We enjoy walking where beautiful, scenic gardens are trying to make their appearance. He claims to have already dropped five pounds. It is generally agreed that the first ten pounds, especially males, come off pretty easy. It is the remaining weight, unless you are a dancer or runner, that appears to come off slowly.

People that love me have encouraged me to work at it. This of course includes the food we eat and the amount. Yesterday, we shopped while we had an oil change and ran several errands. My sister-in-law turned 50 and we attended her party. I never got so wet, my clothes were drenched right through, on the way out, thank goodness. The ride home was difficult due to deep puddles and excessive rain, not to mention the thunder and lightening. That's where the cold feet started.

It is an unusual year to say the least. I find I don't how to dress anymore. I probably should always carry an umbrella with me. We got Rita a gift certificate to 12 Crane St., where we usually go on Friday night for a brew, Celtic Nacho, and fish dinner. Everyone seem to do the same thing, as those at my table gave her a gift certificate to Finns and Tails. Another family member will be celebrating sixty years in August. And in a couple of weeks, we will hold our church pic-nic. We are people on the move constantly.

Sounds like we will try to take in a concert in Sturbridge on Thursday, after selling raffle tickets during the day. Just happen to get a run down on the July 19 concert in Southbridge on the common, so we may go from one party to another.

Life is good. It was fun to see the family again, as we celebrated the 4th on the lake in Connecticut with them. As I viewed Rita's pictures, as realized how much time has slipped away, and how precious time is.

Tonight I heard the band play a wonderful song. It is called "The Keeper of the Stars." I am reminded by that tune that "someone had a hand in it, long before we knew." God has blessed me with happiness, love and a wonderful life. Now that my feet have warmed up, its time for some ice cream. In closing, I don't believe things happen without reason, and purpose. All we need to do is believe.

Work out

Are you working out? We all need to be fit. Just what does that mean? Why are people known to be over weight in alarming numbers? Again I hear the words BMI, Body Mass Index, I believe it means, a one-size "fits all" chart. It all boils down to one thing, everyone has the right answer to correct the problem. Your the problem. That is, if they can get you to agree there is a problem. It means $$$$$ for them.

Now how does all this look when you ask the real questions. Why is everyone over weight? What is in the food? It begins there. How much do you need to eat? Different amounts for individuals, according to your lifestyle. A person mostly "sitting" does not require a lumberjack special. Years prior, women had small waists. I saw my grandmother's boned girdles. Once they tied you up, you couldn't breathe never mind eat. Portions were smaller. The food preparation was different. There was no need for corn syrup and synthetic additives, never mind scientific altered food stuffs. Transportation was mostly your own two feet. And, who made the chart? People are different all over the word. So, who was the model?

If your overweight, the doctor has a revisit. Possibly the pharmaceuticals have a prescription, and the gyms are packed. Weight reduction equipment is purchased. Then comes the special clothing, sneakers and high fiber snacks and bottled water. It will cost you plenty.

Its been going on for years. Not my moms generation, they had to chop wood and do chores.
Now we come to several of the reasons. Laziness. If its not that one, then possibly, could there be something wrong with the chart? One that does not take into consideration all factors, such as: bone size, and muscular structure? We are not all constructed the same, if you've noticed. Each generation produces tallers and bigger people. Knights were only four feet tall, I'm told.

Keep everything into perspective, and everything in moderation. Eat a little less, eat a little better, walk a little more, and do more physical work. Make it part of your daily routine, and it should not add stress to your situation.

If your so inclined to believe that you've got to become extreme to lose a few pounds, then good luck with that. This is not a lifetime change and it won't last. Some people eat to comfort themselves, you've heard of "comfort foods". Food may be replacing another need.

The fact is that most people who are over weight tend to be unhappy, especially couch potatoes. I don't hear many people who want to address that -- possibly because there is no or little profit in it.

People live a lifetime being told what and when to eat, wear, be, do, and all they really need and want is to just be themselves. Maybe once they are, they will be happy and all will be well.
You decide, its just that simple.

Don't Miss It!

We are getting it on! (Sixties lingo for planning a great party). It takes a lot of groove, hard work and everyone knowing and doing their part. It is more than a family pic-nic, barbecue style with ethnic goodies and dancing, it's an adventure.

Wally the Green Monster, will be there to entertain you and for sure the kids are going to go crazy. I understand other's like Twister may be there also. Summer is time for fun. Here in New England, focusing on summer events is our business, one after the other. This is going to be super by all accounts.

I have copied the invitation for your review so you can gather your friends and family, and spread the word to a fantastic event. I'll get to see some of my blogger friends. Maybe we'll even share a beer together, from Southbridge's finest brewery. I'll be looking for you. And, I'll be in a party mood! Just a few weeks away, I can't wait.

No need to confirm, just bring yourselves and your smile.

85th Romanian Festival --Host: St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church-- Type: Party - Barbecue, entertainment, family picnic --Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009 --Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm --Location: St. Michael's Orthodox Church-- Street: 16 Romanian Ave-- City/Town: Southbridge, MA-- questions: Phone: 508-765-5276
Email: priest@stmichaelorth.org
Description--The 85th Annual Romanian Festival! Featuring Shish Kebab - Cooked to Perfection, Chicken Kebab, Hot dogs, Hamburgers
Featuring: Beer from the Southbridge Brewery-- Home Made Romanian and American Pastries --Live Music - Near East Sounds Band-- Special Visit by Wally the Green Monster, FREE PARKING, FREE ADMITTANCE Fun for the whole family! (Rain or Shine). See You There! Don't Miss It!

Two Double Rainbows

Living in New England we sometimes see beautiful rainbows. As I child my parents always told me that means good luck. Associated with the covenant with Noah and God's promise that the world would not be destroyed by water even again.

We have had very unusual weather and it did not surprise me that the sun had come out, yet it was pouring rain. Normally when that happens we look for a rainbow in the sky. Sure enough there it was over the gas station. This time there were two, one faded more than the other. I wondered if I have ever seen a double rainbow.

Then I went into the market, and on the way out noticed that the sun was as bright as ever, yet it was pouring. I looked up for the rainbow, and there it was to my right. Then, looking left there was another one. Not a single one, another double one. That means two double rainbows.

I just know there has to be significance in seeing two double rainbows back-to-back. I'll have to research that one more. One unknown source said. "When double rainbows appear it means that whatever is coming to you has great meaning in your life and that one good thing will lead to another good thing." ...

If that be true, what happens when you see not only one but two double rainbows, not only in the same day, but at the same time? And what were the odds of that?

The V. Rev. Fr. Peter Preble, celebrates 5th year

This is a special post dedicated to a very "special" person. No matter how he feels, his work, serving the Lord and God's people, has been his priority. I know he'll be there for me and for anyone who needs him. He puts up with all our teasing, of course having a great sense of humor himself, gives it right back. I try not to talk politics with him, as he knows it boils my oils. Yet, he is approachable, knowledgeable on any given subject and nothing is off the table. The first step in any healing process is admitting your shortcomings, and he is good at getting you to see them. That's why healing is possible with him as pastor. He possesses the power to reach you deep inside. And, like my mother, he has that penetrating stare, eyes that look right through you. The look that needs no words, that say it all.

We share our lives in a sort of way, being so close to the Church as I am, cooking in the kitchen, working in the garden, on various committees or, singing a Liturgy. He knows us and our lives intimately, as we know him. He's a work-a-hol-ic. Who else do you know that gets up at four in the morning to keep in touch with so many people? A goodmorning on facebook, or, a note or two on his many modes of communication, and more recently radio programs, he lets people know that he cares, as he sends out his smile in so many directions.

He participates everywhere where there are people who are in need of help and a friend. More recently he was known to ride a lawn mower on a race track, (LOL). To think about him, he is approachable, youthful, down to earth and funny. It seems he doesn't have a care in the world. But we know better.

He makes me laugh even during in a snowstorm, and because of this unique personality, people of his parish feel lucky to have him as pastor. July 5th, he will celebrate five years at St. Michael's parish in Southbridge.

I recall, joining that parish around four years ago, and he was so happy to see us in church, he couldn't hide his joy. I recall seeing him shovelling snow all alone one day as pastor, he goes beyond his pay grade. He keeps us entertained where ever he goes, because he takes us with him in his heart, which is, for those that know him "huge." And, I hope I am a better person for knowing him with his gentle correcting and guidance.

The church, community, and area towns are lucky to have Fr. Peter. Our lives are better for his being with us and with all he brings to us, everyday. I see him as the "lifeblood" to the community, with his positive influence. If we had to pay him for all he does, we could not afford him. Among his many talents are fire chaplin, cook, chief and bottle washer, radio host, and pod caster. This priest gives the best homilies and adult classes that you ever want to hear.
It has been a comfort to me, to know that while my son, Lt. Steve was serving at a fire, and I couldn't be there, Fr. Peter was there and as chaplin, was doing his duty, sometimes--just passing out much needed water to the firemen. While, at other times, it was much, much more!

He lives what he preaches: (John 15:12) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." The Orthodox Study Bible. So, come out on Sunday to meet a very dedicated pastor, a loyal friend, and a great human being, get to know him and find out why "we love him" as we do.

We are blessed Father Peter to have you, thank you for letting us share in your life, and for all the things you do for us, just because your you. For the joy you bring to our lives, and for your hard work. May you truly be happy in the work that God called you to.