Monday, September 10, 2001

I have just finished reading the Harry Potter series again. I love those books. Does anyone know of an author who writes in a similar style about magic, witches, etc. set in present day in the real world? I am tired of romance books.

Suz, why didn't you ever mention the cows you used to live by? I was admiring a dilapidated barn in a field behind one of the houses when I noticed the cow. I actually said in an amazed high pitch voices, "There's coooowwws!!!!" If I'm in the car with Mike, I make him go in that direction so I can see the cows. I just hope no one has seen me mooing at them. I doubt they belong to one of the houses on the street and am not about to ask the owner if I can play with them. My family members who raise cows already laugh at me and think I'm weird. I don't need to add to it.

Not much going on. I am in my lazy, unmotivated, and therefore, unproductive stage. I still haven't finished unpacking. No knick-knacks sitting out, including cow stuff and candles, no pictures hung. Still can't figure out where to put my quilt rack with the quilts my grandmothers made me. One of my cousins is bringing up the bedroom set of Grandma's that I wanted. I really only wanted the dressing table, but as they didn't want to break up the set, I get it all. I have till the end of October to get the house in shape. I figure I'll start in on it around October 28th. I honestly do not know where to put anything. Plus, all I've wanted to do lately is either watch TV or read. I have to force myself to exercise. I'm currently experiencing the weight loss plateau. I lost 20-25 lbs. and haven't lost any for awhile. It should start back up before too much longer. It's bedtime, so that is all for tonight.

posted by Beth Grimes 11:03 PM

Thursday, August 23, 2001

I'm still alive and kicking. We moved into our new rental and I like it. It's close to work and family and most important, shopping, and most important, I'm not surrounded by a town full of idiots. We still have a lot of stuff to unpack and someday we will. I would love to find my back scratcher. It's been lost since we moved to Mom's in April.

My grandmother died on July 20th. Mike and I went down there and we went to the viewing. I have this thing where I do not like to "view the body". I have never liked it, as I prefer to remember the person alive. I never saw my Dad in a casket, and I really didn't see my grandmother. For lack of a better way to express myself, it creeps me out.

I spent time with family that I haven't seen in years, and it reminded me of how diverse my family is and what a wonderful childhood experience I had. I grew up close to my cousins even though we didn't live close to each other. It was nice seeing them again.

I missed the funeral as I picked up a bug while there and was busy worshipping the porcelain god when the funeral began. I am not a good patient when it involves that particular sickness. My dad used to take care of me when it would happen and I got spoiled. I discovered this time that I think I am over that. Mike and I were staying in the basement, which is partially finished, but no bathroom. I went upstairs to begin my journey through hell. My cousin Bridget was sleeping in the recliner, and brought out a foam mattress her kids lay on to watch TV. I laid there briefly, got up again, and so spent the next several hours. At one point I had her wake up Mike, why I don't know, as he is not good with puking. He made me take my temp which was 96 degrees, so I insisted the thermometer was broke. He wanted to take me to the hospital and the nearest one was 30 miles away, so I said no way. I went to the bathroom to do my thing, he open the door, and I said, "Leave me alone!" Evidentially I am over my need of assistance when hugging the toilet.

I haven't posted mainly because I need to unpack, and TiVo has me in it's evil clutches. We didn't use it at Mom's and I'm wondering if that was a blessing or not. I didn't watch much TV while there. Now if I'm home and not reading the TV is on. TiVo recorded "China Beach" all on it's own. The History channel is showing it. It is my all time favorite show. I'm trying to get all episodes on tape and got one tonight I didn't have. TiVo rules! Speaking of which, I need to go watch it. Bye for now.
posted by Beth Grimes 11:33 PM

Sunday, July 15, 2001

We are still waiting. She can't keep anything down, including water and they are not going to give her anything intravenously as it would be prolonging life and she doesn't want that. Mom said that the preacher from her church came up there to see her, and Grandma interrupted him when he was praying and told him to quit pressuring her to live. I wish I could see her before she died. I wish I hadn't been selfish of my time and instead have spent several weekends visiting her. It's too late now. My car won't make the trip down there, and I don't have the days to take off of work. I have to wait until the funeral to see her again.

I have been thinking a lot about my childhood and all of the good times I had in Mountain Grove. I first saw my soap opera at Grandma's and watched part of Charles and Diana's wedding on her TV. I remember her teaching me to crochet, and eating Bugles, as she always had a box in her pantry. Can't stand the things now. I remember climbing her apple tree, building a fort over the clothesline, catching fireflies in her yard and snapping green beans on the back porch. I hate waiting.

I bought 2 dresses today. One for the viewing, and one for the funeral. I don't think Mom was happy when I mentioned wearing jeans to the viewing, so I got 2. Grandma wouldn't like it either. She would seldom wear pants, only if it were real cold.

Mike keeps telling me to stop thinking about it, but it's hard. I go to read a book, and the minute I put it down, she is my first thought. I even woke up in the middle of the night and checked my phone to make sure there were no messages. I wish I could be there.
posted by Beth Grimes 10:28 PM