I think I have AAADD.......Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
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)
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.
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.
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!!!
It can only get worse!!
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
Friday, 5 June 2015
Oops I did it again!!!: Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it h...
Oops I did it again!!!: Another year has flown by, and oh what a year it h...: 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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I would like to share it with you, so here it is ............
TIME FOR TEA
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.
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.
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.
T of Triumph.....face problems head on. Triumph over adversity and disappointment, for true love endures and overcomes.
Teamwork........work together, not against each other or alone.
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.
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!!
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.
Tenacity..........never ever give up and keep on trying. Persevere in all things
Tango......because marriage is like a dance, as you move in sync with each other.
Tapestry ........it is the life story you weave together over the years
Transition.......life is always changing, seasons come and go, but love always remains
Tranquility.......be at peace with one another. Let your home overflow with love, joy and warmth.
Lastly, and VERY importantly,
Trust.......is the glue that binds all of the 'T's together and keeps you solid, united and unbreakable
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I would like to share it with you, so here it is ............
TIME FOR TEA
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.
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.
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.
T of Triumph.....face problems head on. Triumph over adversity and disappointment, for true love endures and overcomes.
Teamwork........work together, not against each other or alone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Touch........even as you grow older. The touch of a hand, a cuddle or hug can say as much as words.
The T of Time......it flies by so fast, so make the most of every moment, cherishing what you have.
Finally.......the T of Tomorrow.....and the rest of your life together. May you have many blissfully happy tomorrows.
Use this teapot every day, adding all the ingredients that make up the Tea of Contentment, and you will live happily ever after!!!
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!!
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.
Tenacity..........never ever give up and keep on trying. Persevere in all things
Tango......because marriage is like a dance, as you move in sync with each other.
Tapestry ........it is the life story you weave together over the years
Transition.......life is always changing, seasons come and go, but love always remains
Tranquility.......be at peace with one another. Let your home overflow with love, joy and warmth.
Lastly, and VERY importantly,
Trust.......is the glue that binds all of the 'T's together and keeps you solid, united and unbreakable
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!!!!
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Oops I did it again!!!: Eureka!!!
Oops I did it again!!!: Eureka!!!: 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...
A 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.
Ok, let's catch up from May 18th last year. Much has happened.
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!!
Lesson learnt the hard way, I won't do that again, I will be careful what I blog about from now on.
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.
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!!!
Ok, let's catch up from May 18th last year. Much has happened.
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!!
Lesson learnt the hard way, I won't do that again, I will be careful what I blog about from now on.
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.
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!!!
Eureka!!!
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 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?
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.
Anyway, a brief update.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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!!)
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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?!!
So another year of travel possibly beckons.
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!!)
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.
P.S.
My next blog will be about NOT being perfect......it has been in my mind for ages!
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?
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.
Anyway, a brief update.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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!!)
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.
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.
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!)
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.
So another year of travel possibly beckons.
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!!)
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.
P.S.
My next blog will be about NOT being perfect......it has been in my mind for ages!
Friday, 18 May 2012
Oops I did it again!!!: News on my arm, and an interesting holiday in Anti...
Oops I did it again!!!: News on my arm, and an interesting holiday in Anti...: 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...
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