End of an Era

This Saturday, I will sit and watch my first LSU game in many years without the presence of Les Miles. It is going to be odd. 

At his best, Les made football fun. His gambles usually paid off. I could tell his players loved playing for him. Eating grass, clapping his hands, Les was obviously having the time of his life. 

I realize that in the SEC, winning really IS everything. There is simply no place for coaches who are not winning. My head gets that. It was probably past time to make a change. But, a piece of my heart will always be with Les. 

Godspeed Les. And thanks for the memories. 

 

 

Something's Gotta Give.

We all get to points in our lives where we feel like we have to give up or get rid of something in order to maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual health. The problem is in figuring out what that will be. 

My energy is limited by my neuromuscular disorder, as well as other health issues and medications. I don't get "better." I fight to maintain what I have. 

But, what goes? Watercolor classes? Church? Singing for a local nursing home? Bible study? Lay ministry? Not to mention the extensive preparation time that goes into many of these activities.

Seeing my 8 doctors is not really negotiable.  

I would like to have more time and energy to create my own art. I would like to have more time to make short trips to see family and friends. I would love to save my energy to go see movies in Jackson that don't make it here. I want to hire someone to help me clean and organize my house. I am retired and I don't have the time I want for any of this. 

I am burned out and tired.  

Something's got to give. But what? 

 

Worth the Price

I have to admit it. I am exhausted. I am so sore that even my hair hurts. Holding up my head tonight is taking quite an effort and I am slightly dizzy. 

But, this weekend was totally worth the way I feel tonight and will probably feel for the next few days. I got to make a short trip to Memphis to see my longtime BFF, Teresa, perform in a cabaret style musical show. And, ladies and gents, she was a hit! 

Back when I was in my twenties and early thirties, I did quite a few shows at the Vicksburg Little Theater. Teresa would drive down to see my shows, even missing the birth of her niece to see me perform. Now, I get to return the favor. 


Of course, this show was on the same weekend as our Charge Conference at Hermanville United Methodist Church!  I came home Saturday afternoon, made a trip to Corner Market who "baked" for me, and finished getting things ready for our visit from District Superintendent, Stephen Cook. What a lovely, uplifting man he is. Still fatigued after only about 8 hours sleep in two nights, I was able to enjoy this morning's service. 

Yes, I am tired. I am hurting. I am going to have to get some rest. But, sometimes I just have to push it a little for the things that are worth it. 

And this weekend was worth it! 

 

Star Trek

I first watched Star Trek, as a 6 year old,  on a black and white Zenith TV. Said TV sported rabbit ears and was situated in the room that I, my mother, my brother, and my sister all shared in Russum, Mississippi. 

From the beginning, I absolutely loved it. I was too young and unsophisticated to be put off by the cheesy sets and painfully fake aliens. I was enchanted at the idea of people being out in Space. I loved Spock's exotic ears. I am pretty certain that the first Scottish accent I heard was that of James Doohan as Scotty. Sulu was the second Asian I saw on TV, the first being Hop Sing on Bonanza. But, Sulu was completely different. No pigeon English. No pigtail. 

Fifty years later, I am still a Star Trek fan. I watch TOS and the subsequent series during reruns on TV and on Netflix. I actually drag myself to the movie theater for any Star Trek theatrical releases. I still have some of my Star Trek fiction paperbacks. The Kobayashi Maru remains an enduring favorite. I chat with Trekkie friends and am delighted when someone greets me with the "Live Long and Prosper" sign. 

We have much of the technology pictured in the Star Trek series now. However, I am still waiting for the invention of a real transporter! Who knows? It could happen!

Live Long and Prosper!

 

Cafeteria Anxiety

Last Wednesday, I found myself having a case of "cafeteria anxiety." 

Cafeteria anxiety goes back all the way to my elementary school days. I was not one of the popular kids and most of my friends were in the grade below mine. I would start to sit down somewhere, only to have the person I was planning to sit beside plonk down a sweater or book and tell me I couldn't sit there. By junior high, I was taking my lunch and eating outside on the patio to avoid lunchtime exclusion. Fortunately, I had the same lunch period as several of my band friends, so lunch became much more pleasant. 

Later, as I attended church and other gatherings, usually alone due to my husband's work schedule, the old elementary school cafeteria anxiety reared it's head again. Chairs were leaned against tables, purses saved seats. Of course friends wanted to sit together. I finally stopped going to most things like this unless I had someone specific to go with. 

A couple of weeks ago, I began going to supper at First United Methodist Clinton and taking a study given by my former pastor. Like most things of this sort, some tables are sort of "saved." I spent too much of the day anxious about finding a place to eat and wondering if I should just go to the study and skip supper. But, I got there early, sat at a table that had been fairly empty the week before, and prepared myself to move if this was someone's particular table. 

Happily, I was joined by a lovely young woman with two adorable young children. She was fairly new to the church and was delighted to have someone to sit with (her words!). We struck up a conversation and found we had several things in common. Best of all, no one made me feel like I was intruding or in the way. I will probably sit in the same place this week and hope the nice woman and her children sit with me again.

Here's to new friends and new tables.