tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39236075246327132912024-03-18T20:11:10.381-07:00Oops I did it again!!!Life and thoughts from Jo-Jo's world!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-76090905878103273042015-07-29T10:13:00.000-07:002015-07-29T10:13:19.384-07:00Is it an age thing?!I think I have AAADD.......Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.<br />
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This is what happens. I need to put the car in the garage as it looks like it might rain. As I am about to go out of the front door, I notice the unopened mail on the hall table, so decide to go through it before I put the car in the garage. I lay my car keys down and put all the junk mail in the bin under my desk and notice it is overflowing and needs emptying (why do they send me all that rubbish anyway? I really don't need to know about Stannah Chair lifts, Saga Holidays and Retirement homes, etc etc)<br />
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I decide to put the mail back on the hall table and empty the bin first instead. The mail on my hall table jogs my memory about a missed birthday that I forgot. I need to write out a belated birthday card with an enclosed cheque and it really needs to be posted today, because it is already a week overdue. I must do this now whilst it is still on my mind, or else I will forget about it again and leave it yet another day or two. I go to my handbag, and find I have no cheques left in my cheque book. <br />
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My new cheque book is in my desk drawer in the study. I go to my desk and see a cup of tea I made earlier that I forgot to drink and is now stone cold. I decide to take it into the kitchen and make another one. I set the cup down and notice my reading glasses peeking from behind the kettle. I had been searching for those all morning! I had better put them back on my desk in the study where they should have been in the first place.......but first.... I am going to make that cup of tea. I put my glasses back down, and fill the kettle. Kettle boiled, tea bag in cup, go to the fridge and guess what? No milk! I head back down the hall to find my shopping list in the study and write down a reminder to buy milk.<br />
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It is now late afternoon, and the car still isn't in the garage, the birthday card and cheque still not sent, that cup of tea was never made, the mail is still on the hall table, and the bin is not emptied and now I can't remember where I put my car keys, so I can't go and buy the milk.......arrrrrgh!!!<br />
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It can only get worse!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-29709363463691079422015-06-05T11:28:00.001-07:002015-06-05T11:28:54.237-07:00Oops I did it again!!!: Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it h...<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2015/06/another-year-has-flown-by-and-oh-what.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it h...</a>: Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it has been! My daughter announced her engagement last February and it was all things weddin...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-65150315004620263842015-06-05T11:25:00.001-07:002015-06-05T11:25:57.953-07:00Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it has been!<br />
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My daughter announced her engagement last February and it was all things wedding from that moment on. The year flew by almost at the speed of light and like a snowball gaining size, speed and momentum the big day loomed closer and closer. I felt a heady mix of excitement, anticipation, joy and delight because my beautiful beloved daughter had found true love with a lovely and genuine young man. All I have ever wished or desired for my four children is for them to be happy and fulfilled. That dream for my beautiful daughter came true on Saturday.<br />
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Of course I am biased as mother of the bride, but I can honestly say that she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. She was radiant. Her smile shone more brightly than the sun itself, in fact she didn't stop beaming and shining all day. Her handsome groom grinned happily from ear to ear like the cat who had just got the cream. Their happiness was contagious, as it overflowed to all the family and friends who surrounded them. I am now proud to say that I have my one and only son-in-law because when my 3 sons get married (hopefully!) I will have daughter-in-laws.<br />
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It was a day I will never forget, and was quite simply one of the happiest and proudest days of my life. The words of that song "oh such a perfect day!" come to mind.<br />
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Two families become one.......in fact someone said in one of the speeches that we have now become one very large, happy extended family, and that is what we will be. We will continue to love and support them along their life journey together wherever it takes them. Knowing that your family will always be there for you is such a blessing. As long as I live and breathe and beyond life itself, the bond we have as family will never be broken.<br />
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Ellie asked me if I could do a reading at the Ceremony. I was delighted and honoured that she asked, but I found it really hard to find one that I liked. If it had been a church wedding I would have picked something from the Bible as it is teaming with passages on love. But as it was a non-church ceremony I had to pick something non-religious. I trawled through 'Mother of the Bride' readings, poems and speeches, but I found nothing that resonated. In the end I decided to write something myself, so it would be unique, personal and from the heart.<br />
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I thought about all the ingredients you need for a happy, stable, strong and enduring relationship. I found many of these ingredients began with the letter 'T' so I came up with the idea of a teapot, tea-time, and a recipe for the Tea of Contentment. After the Ceremony ended many people asked me where I had found my reading as they liked it so much. I proudly told them I wrote it.<br />
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I would like to share it with you, so here it is ............<br />
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TIME FOR TEA<br />
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A cup of tea refreshes, comforts and warms, but did you know about the Tea of Contentment? This tea has 12 ingredients that are essential for a happy marriage, and i am giving you a teapot in which to brew this very special tea.<br />
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The T of Togetherness, side by side you stand like two trees, unique and individual. Over the years your roots will grow deep and your branches will intermingle, so you become united, strong and able to face the storms of life.<br />
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T of Treasure.......your greatest gift to each other is yourselves. True wealth is not earning money or owning possessions, it is the ability to live and experience life in all its fullness.<br />
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T of Triumph.....face problems head on. Triumph over adversity and disappointment, for true love endures and overcomes.<br />
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Teamwork........work together, not against each other or alone.<br />
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T of Thankfulness.........always show gratitude and appreciation. Focus on what you have, not what you don't. Find happiness in the simple pleasures of life, and count your blessings.<br />
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T of tenderness......loving deeds reinforce loving words. What you give is what you get back. Give love, and love will come back to you. True love is when another persons happiness is equal to your own.</div>
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T of truth......walk in the light and keep no secrets from each other. A half truth is a half lie, so be true to each other and true to yourselves.</div>
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T of Tolerance......you won't always agree, so meet each other half way. Never allow the sun to go down on anger or hold a grudge. Forgive one another. Neither of you are perfect, so learn to embrace each others imperfections.</div>
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Talk.......keep lines of communication open, honest and clear. Stay connected. Words have the power to heal or destroy, so build one another up and never tear down.</div>
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Touch........even as you grow older. The touch of a hand, a cuddle or hug can say as much as words.</div>
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The T of Time......it flies by so fast, so make the most of every moment, cherishing what you have.</div>
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Finally.......the T of Tomorrow.....and the rest of your life together. May you have many blissfully happy tomorrows.</div>
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Use this teapot every day, adding all the ingredients that make up the Tea of Contentment, and you will live happily ever after!!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 37.86666488647461px;"><br /></span>My gift to the newly weds was a teapot with their names and date of their marriage on the lid, then all the 'T' words on the teapot itself. I thought it was the perfect gift, as they would always be reminded of the ingredients that make up the Tea of Contentment, and the recipe for a happy, long lasting marriage. A close friend gave them two matching mugs with their names on and Time for 'T' to match the Teapot......genius!! </div>
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There were a few other 'T' words that are equally important but I had to cut them out because there was a time limit on how long my reading could be.<br />
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Tenacity..........never ever give up and keep on trying. Persevere in all things<br />
Tango......because marriage is like a dance, as you move in sync with each other.<br />
Tapestry ........it is the life story you weave together over the years<br />
Transition.......life is always changing, seasons come and go, but love always remains<br />
Tranquility.......be at peace with one another. Let your home overflow with love, joy and warmth.<br />
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Lastly, and VERY importantly,<br />
Trust.......is the glue that binds all of the 'T's together and keeps you solid, united and unbreakable<br />
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My prayer for this beautiful couple is that they live a long, healthy, happy life together, and that they drink the Tea of Contentment every day.........oh and God willing that they make a few babies along the way!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-57936111816677327592014-01-29T12:57:00.001-08:002014-01-29T12:57:34.977-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: Eureka!!!<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2014/01/eureka.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Eureka!!!</a>: Well, well, well!! I can't believe I have found my missing blog! I have solved the mystery of where it went to. I thought that th...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-47086277452173704162014-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:002014-01-29T12:55:16.627-08:00A NEW CHAPTER (written May last year on my other blog spot)Nearly a year has gone by, and I haven't managed to write a blog. Partly because I have not been disciplined enough, and partly because so much has happened in the past year.<br />
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Ok, let's catch up from May 18th last year. Much has happened.<br />
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My last blog backfired badly, and perhaps that is another reason I have left it so long. It was heart-felt and very personal. Every word was true, and nothing terrible was said, just how I felt at the time. Unfortunately a friend asked me to mail it to her and somehow it also went to random contacts on my mailing list, including ex-hubbie..... eeek! Another MAJOR 'ooops I did it again'!!! Not good, as it went down very badly, and all the apologies in the world weren't enough to make things right. I can be so darned stupid sometimes!!<br />
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Lesson learnt the hard way, I won't do that again, I will be careful what I blog about from now on.<br />
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My arm..... news on that is not so good either. I had the second operation at the end of May last year. It lasted 6 hours with more blood transfusions etc. It all was going quite well and much of the titanium was removed, when suddenly SNAP another fracture further up my arm!! Instead of beginning to mobilise the elbow joint, I had to keep it immobilised for another 6 weeks. Worse still, my 'ulna' nerve was damaged during surgery, and I lost much of the use of my hand too. <br />
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Anyway, nearly one year later, the nerves are beginning to mend. Sensation is coming back and so too the movement and use of fingers. My arm has improved too, and I have around 30 degrees of movement in the elbow joint. I can now get my hand to mouth, and even hand to hear....wooohooo!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-33601792487501464312014-01-29T12:53:00.001-08:002014-01-29T12:53:08.544-08:00Eureka!!! Well, well, well!! <br />
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I can't believe I have found my missing blog! I have solved the mystery of where it went to. I thought that this particular blog had been lost in cyberspace, as I was unable to log in. It turns out, I have two Gmail accounts, and this blog was under the first account I had forgotten about. Oooops, I did it again!!! The name of both blogs is so very apt. Why am I so scatty?<br />
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So now it appears I have two blogs, because I started writing a new one which was logged into the second of my Gmail accounts....confused? Yes, so am I! If anyone wants to read the ONLY blog I ever managed to write on my new one (I know......the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak when it comes to blogging) the link is JoseyjoMarsh.blogspot.com. I haven't decided whether I should stick with this one now I have re-found it, or start using my other one. Decisions, decisions!! I think I will stay with this one for the moment.<br />
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Anyway, a brief update.<br />
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Arm........ still the same. No improvement sadly, just semi functional with nerve damage to the hand which means the sense of touch and feeling is impaired. I have said so many times before, it could have been SO much worse, so I feel lucky really.<br />
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Three of my kids are living in London, and my youngest is now on his GAP year of travel (actually it is 4/6 months of travel).<br />
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I am now very happily ensconced in my beautiful new flat. So last year, once moved in and fully settled, I embarked on my own GAP year of travel. Something I never did when I was young, and I wasn't able to do when married with 4 kids, and a home to look after.<br />
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Gather ye rose-buds while ye may as there is no time like the present. Who knows what the future holds, so grab the bull by the horns.......hey, hang on a minute......wasn't this one of the many 'NO-NO's' I learnt when on my writing course in France? No cliches!!! Ooops, sorry to all my fellow writers, it just can't be helped sometimes!<br />
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I travelled to many countries, experienced new things, ate strange foods, saw amazing sites and have taken far too many photos. Sometimes I travelled alone which actually I quite enjoy. Solo travel gives you freedom to come and go as you please. I made many new friends along the way, and feel blessed to have met them. I also travelled with my companion and close friend. We always get on well and manage to have a laugh at the silliest of things together. She fully understands my scattiness and my 'Jo-Jo' moments, and we both have a giggle about them. Other trips have been staying with family and friends. I feel I have been truly blessed, and I am so very thankful to all of them (you know who you are!!) <br />
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I have been touched emotionally by some of the sights I have seen and things experienced. Below is a man praying by the sea in Zanzibar. My friend was moved to tears at the sight.....it somehow touched her soul seeing this man so deep in worship. It was a spiritual and profound moment.<br />
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I was touched by the sunset in Santorini. It was so moving, I cried inexplicable tears of joy. Something stirred deep within me. I cannot put it into words, and I cannot explain why, I just did! This photo cannot possibly do this experience and sight justice. It was one of those beautiful moments, and one I will always treasure.<br />
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Another memorable moment was the incredible night sky in Zanzibar, and also in Morocco. I have never seen so many stars so clearly, millions and millions of them. I felt in awe of God's beautiful and wonderful creation, and the universe in which we live. Once again, I couldn't help but cry tears of joy at the magnitude and beauty of this wonderful sight. <br />
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To tell you about all of my travels in one go would take far too long, and probably bore the pants off you. Maybe it is something I could write about on my second/other blog some time. Perhaps that one could be my 'Travel Blog'. All I can say is that last year was one hell-uv-a-year. I had an absolute blast. Hey I am young(ish) free and single, why not?! You only life once, and you are a long time dead! (sorry....more cliches!)<br />
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So, will it be repeated this year? It looks like it will, God willing. I already have several trips in the pipe-line, deposits paid and some flights booked. There is just one little (and I mean LITTLE!!) thing that has changed this year that I now have to consider. Not only do I have Meggie the moggie, but I am now the proud mistress of a teeny weeny 5 month old Chihuahua puppy who has turned my life upside down. She is a little bundle of feistiness, fun and mischief. Totally adorable and an absolute joy.<br />
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I will have to find someone who can come and cat/dog/flat sit whilst I am travelling. That shouldn't be too be too hard...... any offers?!!<br />
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So another year of travel possibly beckons.<br />
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Over the years I have been through the maze, and been through the storm, but now that I am in mid-life, the best is yet to come. I am living my life like there is no tomorrow. I have never lived like it before, and may not get the chance again. Come on, let's be honest.......life is far too short and precious to waste, so live it to the max. Laugh, live, love and dance. Live in the moment, who knows what tomorrow brings. The past is history, the future is unknown, but the present.....is a gift (sorry, more cliches, but it is true!!)<br />
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Wishing you all, friends, family or people I haven't met, a very happy New Year. May it bring joy, peace, good health and happiness to you all.<br />
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P.S.<br />
My next blog will be about NOT being perfect......it has been in my mind for ages!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-60366770365431187892012-05-18T16:48:00.001-07:002012-05-18T16:48:15.089-07:00Oops I did it again!!!: News on my arm, and an interesting holiday in Anti...<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/05/it-seems-age-since-i-last-blogged.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: News on my arm, and an interesting holiday in Anti...</a>: It seems an age since I last blogged. So much has happened, I don't really know where to begin. Time seems to move so fast (I think I will...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-7308634144372508692012-05-18T16:37:00.000-07:002012-05-18T16:38:50.284-07:00News on my arm, and an interesting holiday in Antigua where I bumped into my ex-husband and wifeIt seems an age since I last blogged. So much has happened, I don't really know where to begin. Time seems to move so fast (I think I will have to do another blog on that subject!) it scares me sometimes.<br />
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My arm/elbow has shown no sign of improving, and is still only semi-functional. I have made the decision to go ahead with surgery, have all the metal work removed, and hopefully free the joint up so that I will have greater range of movement. My aim is to be able to get my hand up to my neck and ears so I can wear jewellery again, and to be able to get my hand to my mouth. I also want to be able to straighten it more. <br />
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29th May is my 'big day'. It will mean 6 weeks in an arm brace, and a couple of months of not being able to drive again. Looking ahead though, once I have had it done, I should be able to get back to some sort of a fitness regime, and shed the unwanted pounds (or stone?!!) I have managed to gain since I had the accident. My dear old Aunt said to me 4 weeks ago "Oh my darling girl, I didn't know you were expecting again?!!" I replied through gritted teeth "I am not expecting, it is called 'middle-aged spread!' Grrrrrr!!! She is 85, so I guess I can forgive her for the not so helpful remark. I am determined to get my figure back!!<br />
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In anticipation of the surgery, I booked a 2 week holiday to Antigua (actually I was supposed to go last November, but had to cancel because of my accident) to get myself healthy, rested and fit. <br />
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I arrived at the hotel, hot, sticky, sweaty, make-upless, haggard, and bedraggled from the long journey across the Atlantic ocean. As I stumbled out of the car, the first person I see..........my ex-husband and then his new wife! Small world, they had decided to have a second honeymoon (they were married last November) at the same resort as me, coinciding it turned out by 2 days.<br />
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His wife looked picture perfect, glamorous, tanned, slim, chic and totally wonderful. The two of them looked ecstatically happy and relaxed.... laughing and smiling in the Antiguan sun. I gulped, knowing how dreadful I felt and looked.....and old feelings of inferiority swept over me. I walked towards them, head held high, but inwardly feeling somewhat diminished and a little shaky. I managed to pull myself together enough to greet them in a reasonably friendly and cordial way. Of all the places in the world to choose from, they chose the same destination as me.......freak coincidence!!<br />
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I was shown to my room, plonked down my case, and collapsed on the bed. I may have drifted off to sleep for a short while (it had been a long old journey). When I awoke I threw open the windows. In front of me lay a beautiful sight, white beach, blue sky, palm trees, and turquoise sea sparkling in the sunlight. What I also saw right under my nose......my ex husband and his beautiful wife lying side by side chatting away happily on their sun-loungers. I felt a dull ache in my heart, and suddenly very alone, and very sad. A sense of loss and grief for what could have been between my ex and I, and what we could have had together.<br />
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Holidaying alone isn't easy at the best of times. You are completely surrounded by couples and families, enjoying themselves together, and it just seems to emphasise your 'singleness'. This particular hotel seemed to be popular with honeymooners. I sighed as I thought what a 'dipstick' I must seem.... like some sort of 'Billy-no-mates'!!! (which of course is not true, as I have many wonderful friends back in the UK) So what is worse? being somewhere beautiful with someone who doesn't love you, or being in the same place when you are alone full stop?<br />
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On my second day there, my ex-husband and wife were flying back to the UK in the evening. They graciously and kindly asked me to join them for lunch (I was on an 'all inclusive' deal, so he didn't have to pay!!) I accepted happily, as it would be nice to have some company. I must say though, it was a totally surreal situation, Mr Marsh having lunch with the new Mrs Marsh, and the old one, all at the same table!!!<br />
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Having spent some time with them, I think I have more of an insight now as to how and why their relationship works in a way that it didn't when we were married for 22 years.<br />
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I suppose you could say that she is an all singing, dancing and much better version of me. She is EXTREMELY attractive with a lean, slim, willowy, lithe body......not a smidgen of cellulite on her to be seen. Her long limbs are evenly tanned, and go on forever. There are no fat rolls, and not a scar in sight......unlike my poor body, covered in the damn things from all my various operations, accidents and mishaps!! Her complexion is flawless, wrinkle and blemish free...she is as fresh as a daisy. She is classy, elegant, fashionable and has an exquisite taste in clothes, accessories, shoes, make-up etc (rather expensively so!!) She is everything I am not, and everything I would like to be.<br />
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She is also intelligent, savvy, extremely capable, and very, very (scarily so) efficient. It seems she can turn her hand to most things, including making my ex-hubbie a very happy man......in a way I was sadly never able to, and wish I had. She is a brilliant cook, interior designer, gardener and house-keeper. She can sew, do DIY, is the perfect hostess, and the perfect wife. Their home (which once was our home) is now palatial, spotless, pristine, immaculate, colour co-ordinated, and furnished with top of the range furniture and fittings, bespoke kitchen, bathrooms, toilets, dressing rooms and bedrooms. What was our family home with all the mess, clutter and chaos that comes with having a large family is now perfect......just like her. I pale into insignificance and feel like a mere maggot next to her, and totally inferior. She is a lovely person in every way, and I can find no fault with her. She is a brilliant step-mum too, and my children all love and adore her.<br />
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Theirs is a comfortable relationship, and they seem to get on very well. I wouldn't say that it was overly passionate, but it certainly works. They are obviously very fond of each other, and their happiness is very evident. She looks after him exceedingly well in every single way. She takes very good care of him, meeting all his day to day needs in a way I never could, with four children to care for. She does absolutely everything for him, so he does not have think or worry about a thing. In return, he looks after her and lavishes her with all she wants or needs in life and all that money can buy.<br />
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I like her, she is very agreeable. I found her to be witty, amusing, and fun to be with. She understands my ex down to a tee, and accepts all his funny little quirky ways.... in fact, she finds them amusing, and even endearing. It is evident that they both want the very best in life without the stresses and strains of children around them, and they have the wealth, time and freedom in which to do so. They can lead a very happy, stress-free, rewarding and fulfilling life together without the all the worries, financial or otherwise that most other people have. I can hardly blame him or her for that. It is probably what most of us can all but dream of......I certainly do!<br />
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Given a second chance, I think I would want the same. Perhaps we could have been as devoted and as happy as they are now. Too late now though. I concentrated for all my 22 years of marriage on raising and bringing up the children. Raising a young family of four was never easy.....one girl, and three lively boys. They were four little bundles of mischief and joy, and I put most of my time and energy into them, trying to keep on top of things in the home. My ex put all his time and energy into his career while we were married, and left the child-rearing and domesticity to me. We were like ships that passed in the night. He had his job in the city, and I had mine at home with the kids. We had little in common other than our four children. We both worked hard at our different roles, but had little time for each other, or for intimacy or fun.<br />
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Now my ex is semi-retired, his career peaked about 6 years ago, and he and his new wife are reaping the fruits and benefits of all those years of hard slog we endured over the years. They as a couple do not have the stresses and strains of life that we did when we were together. The are free to come and go as they please, and are able to do whatever they want, when they want.<br />
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Do I feel sad? Yes, very. I grieve deeply for the relationship we could have had. I regret bitterly the rift that our divorce caused amongst family and friends. The family unit now ripped in two, and will never be the same, and nothing can heal that. The ripple effect and repercussions go on for ever. Sometimes I think had things been different, we could have worked it out. We were both inexperienced and young when we met, and we had our rose-tinted spectacles on when we married. In reality, neither of us knew how to make the other happy, and we lacked intimacy. When problems came, we didn't know how to deal with them together, and seemed unable to communicate. Grievances were left unresolved and festered as the years went on.<br />
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All I wanted was a soul-mate, a friend and lover, but my ex was none of those to me. I suppose you could call it an arrangement, he was like my boss, and I was like an employee. I did what was expected of me, and what I was told to do, and as long as I did, all was well with him, but if I didn't, or if things didn't go according to plan, then that was another story!<br />
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So there I was holidaying in paradise with a hotel full of couples and families. My ex husband and wife had gone home, and I have to say, I suddenly felt very alone. The first two days that coincided with them were great, as I had someone to talk to, and I actually got on quite well with the new Mrs Marsh. It sounds weird, but I kind of missed them when they went! Antigua like all the Caribbean islands is all you could wish for and more.......but the only thing lacking for me was good company.<br />
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All in all it was a great experience, and once again, I have learnt much about life, myself, people and what makes the new Mr and Mrs Marsh tick. I guess you could say I feel happier within myself, and now have a deeper understanding of myself, and why our marriage failed. Not that I can right the wrongs, but I think I can finally now accept, move on and draw a line under things. I can be happy that he is happy, and that he is with someone wonderful and lovely. Somethings are just meant to be, and maybe......just maybe I will find someone who I can be happy with and spend the rest of my days with too. As I always say to friends and family 'Time will tell'.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-736026501792992822012-04-22T12:57:00.001-07:002012-04-22T12:57:07.234-07:00Oops I did it again!!!: Oops I did it again!!!: Thoughts on being 'Real' a...<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/04/oops-i-did-it-again-thoughts-on-being.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Oops I did it again!!!: Thoughts on being 'Real' a...</a>: Oops I did it again!!!: Thoughts on being 'Real' and friendship : Oops I did it again!!!: I don't seem to be having much luck with my blog...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-16260441192724412032012-04-22T08:16:00.001-07:002012-04-22T12:56:00.479-07:00Oops I did it again!!!: Thoughts on being 'Real' and friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/04/thoughts-on-being-real-and-friendship.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Thoughts on being 'Real' and friendship</a>: Oops I did it again!!!: I don't seem to be having much luck with my bloggi... : I don't seem to be having much luck with my blogging just re...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-13698644025850853822012-04-21T16:56:00.001-07:002012-04-21T16:56:25.807-07:00Thoughts on being 'Real' and friendship<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-dont-seem-to-be-having-much-luck-with.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: I don't seem to be having much luck with my bloggi...</a>: I don't seem to be having much luck with my blogging just recently. I have something blazing in my heart and mind that I feel I want to wri...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-33882786379706782402012-04-21T16:51:00.000-07:002012-04-21T16:52:23.532-07:00I don't seem to be having much luck with my blogging just recently. I have something blazing in my heart and mind that I feel I want to write about, but then something happens to dampen the thoughts and ideas which are burning within. My ideas have been put out like a bonfire that burned brightly and blazed too quickly, and the flames were suddenly drenched and quenched by a thunderous downpour.<br />
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Sometimes I have been bursting to express what I am thinking and feeling, and then the idea has wafted away, like a dandelion seed being blown to nowhere and tossed in the wind. I have tried to write a new blog at least three times. I have got so far, been quite pleased with what I have written, and then been distracted. Days later I have gone back to finish off what I have written only to find that I have to re-log in, and then my work has disappeared in a puff of smoke. Note to self, I must remember to save what I have written before I get distracted, or the flames go out, or the idea wafts away in the wind!<br />
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Sometime ago, I started to write all about 'friendship', only to loose what looked like being a jolly good blog. More recently I began a blog about 'what lies behind the mask', and lost that one too. Maybe I could try and pick up the threads of both of these blogs, and somehow knit them together as one. The trouble is, I have totally forgotten what I was trying to say in both of these blogs! Hopefully in re-writing them, the inspiration will come as I write.<br />
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Here goes!<br />
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Friendship is precious. I have had many friends over the years, childhood friends, school friends, work friends. Friends I have made through my children and all the schools they have been to, and friends I have had during my 22 year marriage. Many of these friends span the decades. We all went through the same things together over more than half a lifetime. We all dated, got engaged, got married, had kids, and went through the ups and downs of life. Our kids all grew up together, some couples got divorced and some re-married. Most, I am pleased to say, have remained happily married throughout the decades, and they are blessed. I guess that you could say statistically we have gone through all the normal things that normal people of our age go through. <br />
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Some friends came into my life for a period of time, and for a season. They passed through, moved on, and so did I..... almost like chapters of a book. Many of my friendships have spanned the decades, and I treasure these the most because they are my lifelong friends. But I don't underestimate the friendships that only lasted for a shorter period of time rather than a lifetime. Sometimes these intense friendships are as meaningful as the long-lasting friendships. There is always something to be learnt, loving and loosing is all a part of the rich tapestry of life. I have gained wisdom and insight from every single person I have met, and who has crossed my path and entered my life story.... at whatever stage. I will always treasure and remember those friends who came into my life, and then left me for whatever reason. I know that one day we will meet again.<br />
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The hardest thing about becoming single and getting divorced has been that though many of my 'coupley' friends have remained my friends, I simply no longer belong in their world.... I just don't seem to fit the 'mould' anymore. Their world of happy 'coupledom' is so very different to my life now. Over the last 6 years, perhaps I have changed, become more independent and self-sufficient. To begin with, I tried very hard to involve them in my new 'single' status by inviting them over for this and that, but after a few years it seemed like they were loosing interest, and I was fighting a losing battle. I haven't given up on them, as giving up on friends who I love, and with whom I have been through so much and known for so long is not on my agenda. I don't believe in giving up on people full-stop. It is just that sometimes I feel as though I have been side-lined.<br />
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Oh, and then there are the 'fair-weather' friends. People who stick by you and are chummy when all is well and good. They are quite happy to share the joys, the sunshine, and celebrate the good times, but when the going gets tough, and when the storms of life come along, they are nowhere to be seen. They seem to disappear in a puff of smoke. Oh, and believe me, life is full of storms, the tiny ones and the humungous ones. It maybe a small 'storm-in-a-tea-cup', but it can be a major, thunderous and life-changing storm that turns your whole life upside-down. True friends are the ones who stick by you no matter what, and who are there for you during these storms, and who don't abandon you. Friendship isn't necessarily about who you have known the longest, but who came into your life, and never left your side during the good but <u>especially</u> the bad times.<br />
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Having said that, I have some friends who I have known for many many years, but because of distance, busy life-styles, families, commitments etc we don't see each other as regularly as we would like. When we do eventually see each other, it doesn't matter if it was months since we last saw one another, or even years, we are always able to pick up from where we last left off. This is a mark of a true and deep friendship, as it seems to defy even time itself, no matter how long has passed. Ageless, timeless, and forever friends.<br />
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I have to say that most of the friendships throughout my life have always been same-sex ones. I have had very few male friends over the years. Maybe because I went to an 'all-girl' school, and then 'all-girl' Secretarial college, followed by marriage and children. Therefore, friends from then on were women with children of a similar age to mine. My ex-husband always said that he didn't believe it possible for a man and a woman to be 'just friends'..... and that there was no such thing as 'platonic friendship' between a man and a woman. How wrong he was, and how deceived and blinkered I was too. I am now blessed with many female friends, but also a few male ones too, and I really cherish them. It is always good to see and hear things from a 'male' perspective, I really value their opinions, and thoughts on life.<br />
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It is strange that even though I dated my ex-husband for 4 years, and was married to him for 22 years, I hardly knew him. The 'friendship' element was totally lacking in our relationship, and I guess you could say we lacked 'intimacy'. I wish with all my heart that it could have been different. How I yearned for 'closeness', and a connection with him that just was never there. It was for this reason that sadly after many years of loneliness within my marriage we parted ways. He is now very happily re-married to someone who is far more suited to him, and I am happy for him. Well all appears good, happy and rosy anyway.<br />
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You can walk down a street and look at all the houses lined neatly along the road and wonder who lives in them, and what goes on? Some houses look so cosy, warm and homely from the outside, with their pretty front gardens, welcoming doors and windows. We always assume that living therein are happy couples, with happy little families.....but do not be deceived. The reality is, that in these houses are real people, living their own storms of life, whether it be relationship breakdown, illness, bereavement, troublesome teens etc etc. To everyone on the outside, my house and my life looked like yet another happy, cosy home, but what went on within those four walls was another matter. What looked like a 'happy ever after' life and marriage, was in reality lonely and cold. My love for my children was what kept me going, and that is why I stayed. <br />
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As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, good looks, frontage and veneer can be quite deceiving, and what lies underneath can be a very different story. A person can put on a wonderful facade of perfection, righteousness, smooth talk and charm..... they may seem to be a fine, up-right model citizen. But sometimes beneath the mask that everyone sees, hides someone or something much darker.... unresolved anger, bitterness, resentment, unforgiven grievances, a cold heart, and uncalled for judgement of other people. You can see a person, a friend even, appearing all smiles, and it seems like they have got everything all together in their life and all is in order..... love, happiness, success, self-satisfaction, but if you dig deep enough, their life is anything but. Theirs too is a mask that they wear, and they don't want to lift or remove it because the truth and the harsh reality is hard to bare....... deep unhappiness, or dis-satisfaction with life, hurt, rejection, loss, loneliness. It is easier to hide behind a mask.<br />
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What you see is not always what you get. You think you know someone, but do you? What happens when the mask comes off? You think that from the outside of a house, all looks happy and rosy, but is it? It is all down to appearances, and how people want to present themselves. The reality of people's lives, is very often different to what they want you to think or believe. How does all this relate to friendship? Well some friends are real, and some are not. They put on a mask or act out a charade of friendliness, when the truth is, the chords of friendship are not strong, and they do not run deep. What appears to be real and deep, is actually very shallow. When troubles come these people who you thought were your friends are nowhere to be seen. Sadly they are fickle and false.<br />
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So let's get real..... take off the masks we are wearing, and take a look beyond the facade of other peoples lives, and how they present themselves. First of all, let's be true to ourselves, then we can be true to others. Then we need to love the people who God put's into our lives, whether or not they are there for a season, or there for a lifetime, they are there for a reason. Truth, open hearts, honesty, respect, care and love for one another are what count, no matter what our age is, or what stage in our life we are at. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">As a child, I loved the story of the 'Velveteen Rabbit', and there are some great truths, and nuggets of gold that still speak to my heart on being and becoming real. Here are a few of my favourites:-</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.” </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“What is REAL?" asked the Velveteen Rabbit one day... "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"<br /><br />"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When [someone] loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."<br /><br />"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.<br /><br />"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."<br /><br />"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"<br /><br />"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.<br /><br />"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand... once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.” </span></span></div>
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So very true eh? What a wonderful childhood story..... I want to be Real, how about you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-40657105722303764752012-03-13T08:16:00.005-07:002012-03-13T08:16:57.662-07:00A short story written by me, aged 10.This is a little story I wrote aged 10. My mother found it hidden in a drawer. It is short, sweet and silly, but in a way quite sad, because I was a bit like the little girl in the story who was no good at school, and who longed to be clever.....I was really writing about myself.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u>The Magic Pencil</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><br /></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Once upon a time there was a little girl whose name was Lucy. She was aged 10, but she was the dunce of the class. She was absolutely hopeless. She was careless, untidy and disgraceful. One day it was time for exams. Oh Lucy was worried, because she knew that however hard she worked she would come bottom in every single exam with 0%. The day came, and she had a brand new pencil which her mother had bought her. She arrived at school, and the papers were given out. Suddenly she heard a little whispery voice saying "It's ok, I will do the work for you" It was her pencil talking to her. Lucy nearly screamed with fright. But she knew that she was not allowed to talk in exams, so she held her mouth. The pencil kept his word and did all her work for her.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Soon the day for the results came, and the teacher said that she was very, very, very surprised to say that Lucy had come top in every single exam!! Lucy went red. Even now she still has mer magic pencil, and she is very famous.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The end.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
Awww, Bless!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-60416919659518561612012-03-08T11:13:00.001-08:002012-03-08T11:13:59.893-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: International Womens Day, a letter to my 'older-se...<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/03/international-womens-day-letter-to-my.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: International Womens Day, a letter to my 'older-se...</a>: Dear Jo (the me I am now), Here you are, all grown up, the little teenage girl blossomed into a mature woman, not afraid to speak your m...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-90864317084225964382012-03-08T11:11:00.000-08:002012-03-08T11:11:27.060-08:00International Womens Day, a letter to my 'older-self'<br />
<br />
Dear Jo (the me I am now),<br />
<br />
Here you are, all grown up, the little teenage girl blossomed into a mature woman, not afraid to speak your mind, and live your life. You have age and experience behind you, and lessons have been learnt, mistakes made, failures experienced. You have the wrinkles of life etched on your face, and they tell your story. Your body bares the scars of many operations and surgery over the years, and the ware and tare on your body of having been pregnant 5 times, and given birth to and breastfed 4 children. Age has deposited extra padding all over your body, and there are soft rolls and curves in places you never had before. Despite all of this, you have learned to accept the way you are, and have new-found confidence in yourself. You are not afraid to be yourself, you are all woman.<br />
<br />
For many years you allowed yourself to be down-trodden, and you lived your life to please others, and fit in with them. You never allowed yourself to be who you really are. You settled down very well, living in your 'little box' with all its restrictions, and limitations, and it became 'normal' for you. Eventually, you learnt with time, and with encouragement from good friends, that was not the life you were destined to lead for the rest of you life, and you broke out, no longer having to conform to the structure and boundaries which you had become so accustomed to. <br />
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As a teenager and young women those limitations were your own, you placed them there because of your lack of confidence, self belief, and fear of failure. They became your own prison, stopping you from stepping out and doing things. You had yet to learn how to overcome these self-placed restrictions, to be happy with yourself and to break free. You fell victim to people who would push you around, and who reinforced your lack of self worth, resulting in a barricade of wrong beliefs about yourself and stopping you from being the person you were meant to or could be.<br />
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Your greatest achievement has been raising your 4 wonderful children. I know how much joy and pride they have bought you over the years. But along with that, the pain that comes from loving them so much, that at times, your heart aches. Grandchildren are not on the horizon yet, but I know the joy and happiness they will bring to you in years to come, and how much you will love them too.<br />
<br />
You are still very much on the pathway of learning all about yourself and life. Don't allow people to pull you down, or drag you down as you have come so far. Such negative people are a drain, and you do not need them in your life. Accept constructive criticism positively, and learn from it. You still have a tendency to try and justify yourself and defend yourself when this happens, it is a habit you seem to have acquired, and you really don't need to do it. You also still tend to be very self-critical, and can run yourself down at times which really gets you nowhere at all. You are getting better all the time, and as time goes on you get stronger and more resilient.<br />
<br />
So here you are, living in the present, and with the future that lies ahead of you. You still have so much more to give, and more of life to live, God willing. You will continue to blossom, and grow old....both gracefully, and a little disgracefully!! Do not be afraid of ageing, and all that it brings. There will be joys, and there will be woes ahead as you go through the Autumn of your life to Winter. Make the most of every day, because you do not know at what time God will call you home. Do new things, go new places, have new experiences, take risks, be creative......live each day as if it were your last, and continue to dance, laugh, sing, love and be loved.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
Jo (your older self)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-19457710431616109882012-03-07T07:37:00.000-08:002012-03-07T07:37:23.869-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: Letter of encouragement to my younger teenage self...<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/03/letter-of-encouragement-to-my-younger.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Letter of encouragement to my younger teenage self...</a>: Dear Jo-Jo (my younger self) I am writing to you from many years in the future, when you have all grown up and have lived and experienced ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-39991529333854856582012-03-07T07:35:00.001-08:002012-03-07T07:35:45.945-08:00Letter of encouragement to my younger teenage selfDear Jo-Jo (my younger self)<br />
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I am writing to you from many years in the future, when you have all grown up and have lived and experienced much of life, with its joys, laughter, sadness and pain.<br />
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I know you have been through so much already, the bullying in your pre-teen years, the difficulties in school you experienced and all the unhappiness. I know how you felt useless, small, pathetic, stupid, a failure and no good at anything. I also know how in your teens you feel unattractive, spotty and unlovable. I understand how much you hate your large nose, flat chest, and big bottom. But let me tell you this young lady, you are none of these things. You are clever, funny, sweet, attractive, articulate and lovely......even if you don't realise it or believe it now, you are. It will take you many years to 'find' yourself, to believe in yourself and have courage and confidence in yourself. You will take many knocks along the way, and will also have to suffer much before you can finally learn this, and know it for yourself.<br />
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Don't let ANYONE make you feel useless or stupid, because you are not. Don't let ANYONE take advantage of you, or walk all over you, because you are worth so much more than that. Learn to say 'no' and to assert yourself. Do not be led into things that you are not happy with, or do not want to do and please do not feel that you have to 'go along with the crowd', be strong enough to be yourself.<br />
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Be careful with some of the decisions you make, as they affect you for much of your life and your future. The people you meet, the relationships you make, the person you marry. Never ever feel pressurised into something you are not sure of, or comfortable with. Don't just go with the flow, because you think it is what you should or ought to do, or what others expect of you. Don't do anything you don't want to do, just because someone is telling you or persuading you to do it. Only do it if you think it is right, and makes you happy. Make your own decisions and choices, and don't allow other people to make them for you or influence you. Avoid people who will try and control you or manipulate you, who would try and stifle, suppress or stamp out your very soul and spirit Follow your heart, and follow your dreams, and never compromise on what you believe in, and what you want in life.<br />
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Think carefully about your choice of career. There are those who will try and guide you into something that is totally wrong for you. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and think about what you enjoy, and what comes naturally to you. Do not be pressurised into doing something that clearly you are going to be no good at, it will be like swimming against the flow or the tide......uphill work, and it will drag you down. Efficiency, organisation, administration, office work will be a struggle for you, and make you unhappy. Do not fall for the track "a Secretary is a good career, as it is something you can always fall back on" because it won't. You will once again be made to feel useless and helpless, as it is a career that doesn't utilise your strengths, but just exaggerates your weaknesses. Think about your creativity, I think you could make a good career if you look down that route.....it is so much more you, and you could be very happy and fulfilled.<br />
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You will have to go through suffering and pain, it is part of life's tapestry. But don't worry, the things you have to go through will make you stronger, wiser, kinder, deeper, smarter and more compassionate. They will make you 'you', and the woman you will become, the 'me' that I am now. You will go through heartbreak, you will be let down, and you will be hurt. Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that when one door closes in your life, another one will open to something better. <br />
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You will make mistakes, and you will fail, but these will only be negative in your life if you allow them to be, and if you don't learn or grow through them. Never regret past failings or mistakes, regard them as lessons in life. Never be afraid to try again, even if you have failed many times, if it is something you want enough, it is worth fighting for. Be courageous and sometimes take risks. Don't regret things done in the past, as they can't be changed, and don't forget, if you look back too much, you can't move forward. Live each day of your present life as a gift. Look to your future as a series of many paths to be taken, but be wise as to which paths you choose to take. Some will lead to happiness and fulfilment, but some will lead to emptiness and sadness.<br />
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Value your body and your health, you will have accidents and mishaps that will change your life, so be careful how you treat yourself. Don't put yourself in dangerous or unnecessary situations. Look after your health and your body, it is the only one you will have, it will not be replaced! Your health will play a very important role in your happiness, so stay fit, healthy and happy.<br />
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Above all, never be afraid to be yourself. Embrace life and what it has to offer, and don't be frightened to take the occasional risk, and be a little daring. You don't have to conform the whole time to what others expect of you. You CAN let your hair down sometimes, and if others disapprove, that is tough. Believe in yourself Jo-Jo, and try not to be so self-critical and tough on yourself. Show yourself a little kindness and self-respect. You can be the 'someone' that God created you to be, if you just hold onto the dream, and never give up, and allow yourself to be who you are. Keep hoping, believing, trusting, and loving. Live, laugh, sing dance, love and be who you were meant to be.<br />
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You have much to offer this world. You just have to see it within yourself, find it in your inner-being, believe in it, grab it with both hands and hold on to it to release the power you have inside to set yourself free and soar on Eagles Wings. You can do it, I know you can. Learn to love yourself first, and above all be true to yourself, then you will be able to love and be loved, and to be true to others. Be strong, be happy, be faithful, be wise, be fulfilled, and never stop hoping and loving life.<br />
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Look after yourself Jo-Jo, you have so much to look forward to. Live your life as best you can, and with no regrets.<br />
<br />
Lots of love<br />
<br />
Jo (your grown-up self)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-14207732700010407122012-03-03T15:21:00.000-08:002012-03-03T15:21:37.974-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: Dilemmas, and my Titanium arm<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/03/dilemmas-and-my-titanium-arm.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Dilemmas, and my Titanium arm</a>: Life is full of dilemmas and choices..... which career, which job, which partner, which pathway in life? The decision can affect the rest ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-39152875860329517642012-03-03T15:18:00.002-08:002012-03-03T15:18:25.820-08:00Dilemmas, and my Titanium armLife is full of dilemmas and choices..... which career, which job, which partner, which pathway in life? The decision can affect the rest of our life for better or for worse. Some choices I have made in life have been good, but some have been bad. <br />
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My choice of career, a Secretary.... that was a 'no-no' for a scatty, creative person like me, I regret that one, but I still made good somehow. Some decisions I have made were partly right, and partly wrong. I look at the good things that came out of them, and not the bad. These choices were not entirely wrong, as there were blessings that come from them that go on and on, and so I have no regrets.<br />
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Some bad choices have been lessons to learn and grow through, and I have become a stronger and wiser person for it. I still make mistakes, and make wrong decisions, but I am still learning, that will never change till the day I die. I can only pass on what I have learned so far to my children, and to my grand-children.<br />
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There have been some things that have happened in my life where I have had no choice. They happened, and I have had no say in the matter. If I could change what happened I would, but I can't. Some of these things were life-changing, and have altered my perspective on life. They have helped me to grow and have made me the person I am now. A heart that hasn't suffered is a sterile one. I am more compassionate because of these experiences.<br />
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Recently a silly accident changed my life, and it was not due to a choice or a decision..... it was fate. It happened in the blink of an eye. It could have been so much worse and could happen to anyone. I thank God it was what it was, and wasn't life threatening, because it could have been. But now I am faced with a dilemma. I have a semi-functional arm that is full of Titanium, and I have been given a choice. I either face the rest of my life with a semi-functional, painful arm with all its restrictions, or I take the risk of having further intricate surgery to give me a more functional arm. The risk with surgery is nerve damage that could affect the use of my arm and hand, and constant nerve pain forever. <br />
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It is a hard decision to make, and it is a real dilemma. I want to have an arm that is more 'normal' and 'functional', but not sure if I should take the 'risk' of more surgery. I do believe in miracles, but sometimes a miracle can only happen through medicine, doctors and the hands of a good surgeon. It is a hard choice to make.....if only I had a crystal ball.<br />
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Perhaps it is a dilemma that I can only know how successful it could be if I take the risk, so maybe the risk is worth taking....who knows...life is all about choices.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-79465658883576049762012-03-02T12:39:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:39:25.773-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: Meggie the Moggie<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/03/meggie-moggie.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Meggie the Moggie</a>: Our eyes met, and it was love at first sight. You looked at me with your light Spring-green eyes, and my heart melted. I took your adorab...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-62272681987000321122012-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:38:10.015-08:00Meggie the MoggieOur eyes met, and it was love at first sight. You looked at me with your light Spring-green eyes, and my heart melted. I took your adorable little face in my hands, and I knew you were the one. Never in my life have I felt something so instantaneous. You and I looked deeply into each others souls as we gazed upon each other.....you kissed me on the nose, and that sealed it. You were mine, and I was yours.<br />
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Pretty little Meggie, so perfect and so cute, you have won my heart, of that there is no doubt.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-88686297479986081662012-02-27T07:42:00.000-08:002012-02-27T07:42:08.811-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: Post-script on my previous blog<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/02/post-script-on-my-previous-blog.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: Post-script on my previous blog</a>: I thought I had better add this post-script on my previous blog, as some of you may have thought that I was running myself down in some way....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-35003538493994678682012-02-27T07:36:00.000-08:002012-02-27T07:36:24.283-08:00Post-script on my previous blogI thought I had better add this post-script on my previous blog, as some of you may have thought that I was running myself down in some way. In fact, I was just being truthful and honest about myself. It is better to be humble and honest than pompous and full of self-grandiose about ones-self. To be able to acknowledge weakness, failures and mistakes is a strength. To deny them and pretend they don't exist is foolish, as then you will never ever grow or learn from them. It is like an ostrich burying his head in the sand. <br />
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I don't mind the gentle teasing I get from friends and family, as it is all done in the nicest possible way. It brings much laughter and giggles to all of us, and laughter is good medicine, therapeutic and good for the soul. I know that they love me for who I am, with all my funny little ways, and that is what matters. <br />
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I think I should say a little more about my Maths teacher who threw books and board-rubbers at me. The truth is, she didn't like me at all, and really picked on me and bullied me to tears. There have been times in my life when my failures and weaknesses have been painful, as I have been belittled, pulled down, and made to look a fool and feel totally useless. Gentle teasing is acceptable, bullying, belittling, taunting, goading are not acceptable. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. These experiences have made me the person the am now, and I am very happy with that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-5694676990921976932012-02-25T16:17:00.000-08:002012-02-25T16:17:20.405-08:00Oops I did it again!!!: The joys and woes of being dappy!<a href="http://joseyjo-oopsididitagain.blogspot.com/2012/02/joys-and-woes-of-being-dappy.html?spref=bl">Oops I did it again!!!: The joys and woes of being dappy!</a>: Perhaps it was something to do with my slightly premature birth, an unexpected and difficult breech delivery that led to a lack of oxygen. ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923607524632713291.post-61621415118810721582012-02-25T16:11:00.002-08:002012-02-25T16:11:43.697-08:00The joys and woes of being dappy!Perhaps it was something to do with my slightly premature birth, an unexpected and difficult breech delivery that led to a lack of oxygen. For as long as I can remember, I have always been dappy. If you were to ask any of my siblings or my parents, I have always been this way. Just a little bit dozy! My brother even wrote a song about me, 'Dozy Jozy' and then the lines went something like this 'making a fool of herself....' I can't remember the rest, but when he sang it to this little ditty-type melody on the piano, I couldn't help but laugh, because it was so true, I was, and I still am!<br />
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At school my teachers would say 'she is always day-dreaming, staring out of the window looking at the clouds go by, she could do better if she paid more attention in class'. Story of my life. I was certainly no academic, preferring to spend most of the time with my head the clouds, or my nose in a good book. One of my Maths teachers used to actually throw books and board-rubbers at me... I was that bad (I hasten to add for any of my Eothen friends reading this, it was at my previous school, and one of the reasons I left to go to happier school days at Eothen). My English teacher had a soft spot for me though, she said all I had to do was look at her with my big brown sorrowful eyes, and she just couldn't get cross. I loved English literature anyway, and if I excelled at anything it was in this subject. Strange, I still have a recurring dream/nightmare, that I am back at school and I don't know which class I am in, where the classroom is, or even where all my books are, I feel completely lost and at sea, knowing I should be in class or somewhere but not knowing how to get there.....must be telling me something!<br />
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Following on from School and college, I became a Secretary......probably the worst kind of job for someone like me. Messages not given, files mis-filed, shorthand that was incomprehensible when I came to type it all back, forgotten bookings, forgotten appointments, you name it. The workings of a business was incomprehensible to me, as was anything to do with numbers, or anything financial. The funny thing is, my brother was/is genius with numbers and figures, he would set himself impossible mathematical equations just for fun, I could never understand that. On the other hand, I would write just for fun. I still do. Most of my bosses were male and were reasonably tolerant and patient with me despite my scattiness and flaws. It seemed all I had to do was look up with big brown soulful eyes, and flutter my eyelashes a little, and say sorry.....it worked! I had one female boss, a fiery Italian lady, and my brown eyes and fluttering eyelashes didn't seem to make any difference to her....can't think why!!!!! Just like my old maths teacher, she also would throw things at me in bouts of anger and temper. Her face would go red with rage, and all the veins would bulge in her neck and forehead as she yelled at me.....she scared me senseless. I would become a gibbering wreck and disappear into the ladies loos to have a little cry, returning back to my desk with a blotchy tear-stained face......not a good look for a young Secretary!<br />
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My friends for all my life have known me as being sweet, silly, and scatty. My ex-husband, and my friends of old called my little slip-ups, mistakes and silly sayings as 'Jo Classics'. More often than not, it was that I would think something daft in my head, but say it out loud. It would always result in roars of laughter, and everyone saying 'another Jo-Classic!' One of my most memorable 'Jo Classics' was on a girlie trip to New York in the year 2000. We decided to go up the Empire State Building. At the half way level (or thereabouts) there was a sign saying 'Roller Coaster' ride. I looked around with a puzzled expression, and asked my friends "how on earth did they manage to fit a Roller Coaster ride into the Empire State Building? or is the ride going all round the outside of the building?" They dissolved into hoots of laughter, "it's a Virtual Roller Coaster Ride, oh Jo....oh Jo Jo!!!!" I kind of giggled with embarrassment, ooops, silly me! Yes, at least I have managed over the years of blunders to learn to laugh at myself, my funny ways and slip-ups. They are somewhat amusing both at the time, and also when I look back on them.<br />
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I have some other friends who now call them 'Jo-Jo Moments'. I like that, it sounds rather quaint, which I suppose is what I am. Thus the title of my blog 'Ooops I did it again!' What with this and my tendency to be a little accident prone (see my first blog... Good Intentions), it seemed rather apt. I dread to think what I will be like when I am 80 (God willing I live to that ripe old age!). I am a bit like my Granny, even at my young age (!!!).......tell me a joke, and I either don't get it at all, or when I do, I am laughing 5-10 minutes later or even the next day......when I have finally worked it out.<br />
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Actually, I don't mind people laughing at me or gently teasing me about my silliness, forgetfulness and quirkiness......I am fine with it. I think most people find it quite an endearing quality. The exception of course, are terribly efficient people whose lives are totally organised and smooth-running, those people whose lives are so perfect, in order and faultless they cannot possibly understand me and where I am coming from. These people must find me incredibly irritating or frustrating...they shake their heads in disbelief and give up. Still that is their problem and not mine, as I am quite happy with the way I am and my life. People who love me, love me because I am me......with all my funny ways, I will never change. For those in my life who have expected perfection from me, I am sorry I failed. However, in failing perfection, I have learned to love and accept who I am and the way I am. Learning to love myself, I have learned to love others, and to become more loveable. Love, after all, is what makes the world go round. Welcome to Jo-Jo's world!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16355474104184511170noreply@blogger.com0