Beau is our dog.  He is three-fourth Australian Shepherd and one-fourth Border Collie and 100% a Mess.  

We had the best dog, Sadie. And after she was gone, I said no more dogs.  I have no idea what I was thinking when I thought we needed Beau.  I think all the dog commercials and Instagram videos of these sweet, calm dogs who were clearly "man's best friend" got to me.  

So, when I saw a friend had puppies for sale--I have never paid for a pet, other than small adoption fee-I knew I needed a dog.  When I saw the picture of this little, black and white fur ball with a pretty orange bow around his neck, I shouted "this is MY dog"....(insert shoulder slump and headshake)

He was an adorable puppy.  Freckles on his nose, puppy breath and some big feet.  I took him to PetSmart to Puppy School.  He didn't do so well.  Not because he is not smart, it was because he is too smart.  You have heard people say that smart children can get bored if not challenged, well, that must have been the case.  He "graduated" but it was not fun.  

So, then I decided he needed boarding school (training) and he went for THREE weeks.  The training was supposed to be two but the trainer said he was going to need three.  Beau did not get along with the teacher.  And while, he did learn how to walk on a leash, sit, stay (for a moment) shake, place, down, come (if he is interested), it is clear that Beau lives life on his terms.

The trainer said he will get better with age.  Beau is now 6 and he is better.  He is excellent and sitting and down (even though we sometimes get some attitude with it).  He loves his crate and will go in there every night and sleep without any trouble. BUT he cannot be unsupervised in the house.  Here is why:

• He ate an entire loaf of banana bread off the counter
• He ate an entire bowl of lifesavers, wrappers and all (which he threw up later in his crate) off the table
• He ate a nice juicy ribeye off the counter
• He ate a sandwich off the counter.

So ANYONE want a dog?  He has cute freckles, LOVES to swim and will sit and shake and even give you a high-five.  But you will need to have some really high counters and even then, I'm not sure your sandwich will be safe. 

What are your thoughts on coupons?  

In the past, I would grab the Sunday newspaper and pull out the coupons and start clipping away.  I tried several approaches to organize said coupons: envelops, accordion file folder, paperclips.  Never did find "the one" that was the best.

Coupons are out there and during my birthday month, I get several in the mail.  $10 off, $5 off----and I usually take the bait.  It is free money.  The caveat is you usually have only a few weeks to cash in on these.  AND, in a world where I'm trying to downsize and de-clutter.....what do I actually need?  Where are the coupons from Target or Albertson's where you could use the coupon for things you need?  

Today is 2/1/24.  My birthday month is January.  So as of midnight, last night, my coupons have expired.  

​Well, there is always next year.

At a doctor's visit, the doctor discussed the benefits of intermittent fasting.  Of course, my only question (which I did NOT ask) was will you lose weight?  A woman at my gym did this type of fast and lost 30 pounds.  Granted, I don't have 30 pounds to lose, just maybe eight.  So why not give it a try.

The goal is to fast for 16 hours.  This allows you to eat for 8 hours and I have learned the key is determining the timeframe that works best.  I work out at the gym at 5:30am and I LOVE breakfast, but I cannot eat breakfast at 7am because then I would have to be done with my dinner at 3pm... now I admit, I do love to eat early (6pm) in relationship to most but 3pm?  That would mean I would have to have my happy hour at 1pm.  I think my boss might raise an eyebrow or two if I was shaking martinis at my desk.

So the best plan is to wrap up my last meal by 7pm.  Which means I can start eating each morning at 11am.  So, from 5:30am to 11am, I watch the clock. Tick, Tock, TIck, Tock.  Stomach growl, Tick Tock.  I do have to admit it is really not as hard as I thought but I do miss breakfast.  It makes you think about what you will be eating when you are allowed.  The doctor did mention that during those eight hours of feasting, you must eat a healthy, well-balanced meal.  Doctors take the fun out of everything!!!

It is 8:30am and I'm drinking my coffee and have my snack ready when the little hand hits the eleven and the big hand is on the twelve.  So if you want to meet for a breakfast meeting, I am happy to do that but everyone needs to know that I will be having my happy hour at noon and going to bed at 5.  Happy Fasting.

I have long been in the practice of saying hello and sharing a smile to strangers.  I will also give out a compliment or two:  That is a pretty dress"  "You are pretty"    It may weird out some folks, but 99.9% of the time, the recipients seem genuinely grateful.

Today, I was on the receiving end of a compliment.  Not only once but twice within the same hour, two different people.  The only reason I am sharing this is I'm living on the high from their kindness:  You look so nice.   You are so pretty. 

In a new year, we (me) seem to be analyzing everything about ourselves we need to change.  We set resolutions often centered around how to improve.  Goals to be thinner that we disguise in a resolution centered around "just being healthy."  Today, I'm going to go a different direction.  Of course, that doesn't mean I won't be reading about diets or how to lose inches FAST , it means I am going to take the focus OFF of me.  I want to be kind.  

My goal for 2024 is to

• write personal letters to those I love,
• give more compliments and
• always share a smile. 

You never know how long someone could ride that high. 


​Happy 2024!

This morning I noticed a trend within my in-box. The email titles were very disturbing.

• Compression Knee Sleeves
• Solutions for Memory Loss
• AARP
• Hair Loss
• Avoid Dementia
• Bone on Bone
• Walk in Bathtubs
• Diet Solutions

I'm not sure which one is the most offensive. 
My knees are just fine (they may click a little but they are just fine) and I think that also addresses the Bone on Bone.

AARP-I have been a member since 2013 (age 50)

Hair loss:  you are wasting your time.  My hair is fine, yes fine in texture but FINE none the less.

Diet solutions:  HOW RUDE! While I am pretty much on a diet 50 weeks out of the year, I do not need some random email telling me how I should do it.  I like my diets to include wine, Ruffles and peanut butter.  I have yet to get THAT diet solution.  So back off.

Avoid Dementia:  while I am always afraid of this happening, I try and do puzzles and games on my iPad that will keep this disease at bay.  And while I often have the "what did I come in here for?" thoughts, I do have a pretty good memory.  Of course, I remember things that do not really matter.

Here are some facts that YOU may not know or remember-but I do:  Florence Bush was the casts' hairdresser on Leave It to Beaver.  Rob and Laura Petrie lived at 148 Bonnie Meadow Road.  Miss Landers was Beaver Cleaver's teach and Mrs. Rayborn was the principal.  I even remember the poem I recited at my kindergarten graduation!  My memory is fine.

Walk in Bathtub:  while this sounds very convenient, they are expensive.  Any ad that says $500 off means the price is at least 10 figures. Plus, everyone in the ads are OLD and have gray hair.  My hair is not gray, as far as you know. 

OK.  I have said my peace.  I do not want some strange company sending me these disturbing emails reminding me of growing old.   Now I need to run to the drug store to get some Icy Hot and Advil.  If I could just find my keys..........

I love looking at real estate online.  I also like watching the shows centered around real estate:  Million Dollar Listing, Lottery Dream Home, etc.  I also like the home remodeling:  Flip or Flop, Love it or List it.... basically, pretty much anything on HGTV.

When I am looking at real estate through apps like Zillow or Realtor, I tend to look at homes in Malibu, Newport Beach, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills---and of course, these homes all come with a 7-figure price tag-some are 8 and even 9 figure price points!  WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?   Oh, I'm sure if I looked, I could find a home that was under a million but what's the fun in that??   So, I look at homes that overlook the ocean or have an ocean view--because if I'm going to pay millions of dollars, I need a view. 

While I know that these homes are often staged to look like they belong on the cover of Architectural Digest, I often wonder what it would look like if someone actually LIVED in these houses.  Where do they put their clutter?  Do people REALLY have garages that are three white walls with no ladder, no shovel, no boxes of crap lying around?  

Needless to say, while I can dream about a big Hollywood Hills abode, that will never be my reality.  EVEN if I won the lottery, I would remain here in Texas.  That will not stop my dreaming and I will work to keep my envy in check.  But I do believe a view of the deep blue sea and an empty garage is little bit like heaven.  

I clearly remember my 30th birthday party.  I loved being 30.  It was a great decade for me. I turned 30 with two degrees under my belt, lots of great friends, exciting fun times and late nights. 

I clearly remember turning 50.  My sweet friends orchestrated a surprise party for me (at my own house!) with the theme of "I love Ronna" --I was so overwhelmed by their acts of kindness.  It was truly a standout moment for me.  

Well, this year I turned 60.  SIXTY.  6.0.  When I turned 55, I was so glad to qualify for the discount at the Movie Tavern.  But while 60 is a new decade, this year does not bring with it any new perks.  You have to be 62 for most senior discounts and 65 to qualify for Medicare so I guess being 60 is like being a Sophomore in High School:  you are not the new kid on the block (Freshman) and you can't drive or have your own prom (Junior.) 60 is the "middle child."

So, I guess I will just sit and bide my time until 62.  I still have great friends and fun times but no longer any late nights.  Conclusion:  60 is just being old without any perks.

As with every new year, I often think back on the year we are leaving behind.  Every year we should be able to pick out moments that have made us smile, made us grow or changed a direction in our life.

Of course, there are so many standout moments that affect all of us in one way or another:  the events at the Capitol on Jan 6,  a new President took office, hopefully most of us got vaccinated (and boosted!) and of course we lost the legend Betty White.

Personally when I look at my 2021 for the moments that made me smile, made me grow or changed a direction, a few things stand out.

1.  Hit the one year anniversary of "working from home" with no return to office in site.
2.  Feb freeze with no electricity for 72 hours and house at 42 degrees.
3.  Birth of my second granddaughter--Madilyn Kae.
4.  being able to dust off my suitcase and make a few trips:  New York, San Diego, LA, Vegas (2x) and the beach (Crystal Beach, Tx)

Probably one of the greatest moments was a huge surprise--planned and executed by two dear friends.  I went to Las Vegas with my wonderful sister in law.  We arrived, ate, walked around and then she had me meet her in the center of the casino.  We where there talking when all of a sudden, someone pinched me on the hiney!  I spun around thinking that someone was about to be punched when WHOA.....there stood my friend Lisa and Mindy.  WHAT???  I had just seen her a week earlier and had no idea they were coming to LV.  I screamed, I jumped up and down and was in complete awe of what was happening.  How? What? Why?

My husband and I are going on a trip with them in January and they said because I was doing that, they wanted to surprise me and come to Vegas.  WOW....that is such a sweet friendship we share.   Those two gals fill my cup.  I am so grateful and honored to call them my friends.

While these were moments in 2021, they will be in my "forever" list of standout moments. 

I pray that you have some wonderful standout moments of 2021 and that on 12/31/22 we all can just add to that list.   Happy New Year.

​​​

Today, I had a "tasting memory."  It reminded me of this post for 2015.  I thought I would repost. My experience is still the same today.

​You hear a lot about how certain songs or even smells can bring back certain memories.  With the starting of school I am reminded of a memory that floods my mind based upon a certain taste......

In 1969, I was going to start first grade at the Southward Elementary School in Bowie, Texas.  I was beyond excited.  I had my Big Chief Tablet, big fat pencil, a box of Crayons that were flat on one side (does ANYONE remember those?) rounded scissors and of course my Family Affair lunch box.

Several years ago, my husband bought me a Family Affair lunch box (complete with thermos)  for Christmas.  It was an "awwww" moment and scored many bonus points for him. 

Back to 1969.  The week before school started I wanted to "practice" taking my lunch to school.  So every day that week, I would take my packed Family Affair lunch box and go outside and sit on the curb at the end of the sidewalk.   The treasures packed in this tin box might have varied from a ham sandwich to fried chicken.  I'm not sure what all was in that lunch but one thing I am certain that was in my lunch was a baggie full of green grapes. 
Those grapes are my tasting memories.  It doesn't apply to all  grapes but every once in a while, I'll pick up a grape, pop it in my mouth and then be flooded with memories. I am taken back to 1969, sitting on the curb on Wilbarger Street.  Makes me smile every time.

I hope you have a sweet memory of your childhood.  They taste so good

This past week I was hanging out with my best friend from kindergarten.  Time with her is always the best time.

We starting talking about diets.  We talked about different diets and wishing that there were diets out there where you didn’t feel like you were starving.  I tried to remind us that for 58 years old, we are not too shabby.  (she recently lost 20 pounds and I have NOT idea where that weight came from because she has always been thin to me) While I am really starting to see that “almost” 60 year old spread, I basically have been the same size for a decade.

We starting talking about the dreaded scale. 
“You know they say you should not weigh yourself every day, but I do” she proclaimed. 
“ME TOO” I exclaimed.
“I actually weigh twice a day” she admitted.
“ME TOO” I exclaimed.
 
We laughed and laughed.  We confessed that sometimes our “bedtime” weight would drive the decisions for the next day.  And if we were down in numbers at bedtime, we were going to be so excited to weigh in the morning—believing that it would be even lower.  Weigh-ins need to be before 8am and after 8pm—never in between.  There are rules in the relationship with the bathroom scale.
 
I told her a story about my gym where they really discouraged folks from being tied to the scale, tied to the number and that healthy/strong is the new skinny.  One coach even took her bathroom scale out and smashed it with a sledge hammer which then became sort of trendy for other gym members.  Not me.  I do admit that I can go through spurts where I weight myself 2x daily and then may skip a few days.  That feels like Russian roulette—because without me closing monitoring you never know what you will get when you decide to get back on..
 
While I usually do weigh myself two times a day, I just watch the scale creep up, ounce by ounce, pound by pound.   And before you comment, I know that I am not what most would consider “fat” but it was really funny that me and my friend of 53 years basically follow the same routine. 

I wonder if I didn’t spend all this time weighing myself, what I could do with all that free time.  I could exercise more (insert a laughing, "yeah right" here)……or maybe what would be better use of my time ….bake a cake or some delicious cookies.--especially since the number was down a bit this morning1   

In writing the title of this post, I started thinking about how I would have identified "such a year" prior to 2020.   If the title "A Year We Won't Forget" ended in a blank, what year would we have filled in?

1963 (although I was an infant!) everyone associates that year with the JKF assassination.  Those that were alive during that time can easily recall where they were and what they were doing when those shots rang out in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas.  A year we wont forget.
1969  Apollo 11 mission on July 20th was indeed "a small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.  A year we won't forget.
The 1970's  While I was still very young, I remember the 70's as my television shows being preempted due to news events around the war in Vietnam and Watergate.. A decade I wont forget
1981  I was in the high school library when i learned that President Reagan had been shot. A year we won't forget
1995  I will never forget the slow speed chase involving a white Ford Bronco.  A year we won't forget.

2001  The events on September 11, 2001 changed our lives forever.  It changed the world forever.  Terrorism became very real for everyone.  Air travel changed.  A year we wont forget

2020  We all learned about a virus called COVID-19.  Major cities shut down.  Over 350,000 Americans died of COVID-19 in 2020 alone and the number is still rising.  Masks became a way of life and we all improved our hand washing skills.  A year we won't forget

Of all the dates above, the first five entries are important dates and are dates we remember.  They made a true impact but the last two....... those are years we would really like to forget.

, I have a confession to make.  Until last month, I have never played Yahtzee.  No, I do not live under a  rock.  And while I thought I had the perfect childhood, clearly I was deprived of the game of 5 dice and the joy of yelling "YAHTZEE!"   (for shame mom and dad for shame)

My childhood was full of games, Candyland, Trouble, Scrabble, Monopoly- the ones that most Americans have played at least once in their life.  As a child, I even had a few rare games-Mystery Date and I even had a Plant of the Apes board game.  So my parents were not trying to keep fun out of my life--but no Yahtzee.  Not sure why.  (insert sad face here)

Regardless of the limitations of my childhood, I have discovered the joy of throwing the 5 dice, making decisions based on the rolls, hoping for the the numbers I need and of course the remarkable Yahtzee!.  And my life will never be the same.  Oh, the thrill of yelling Yahtzee, passing out high-fives along the way when you get the coveted 5 of a kind.  

I bought some dice and the scorepads (I did NOT get the boxed game--which I was told by my husband is not a true Yahtzee experience if you don't have the little cup to roll the dice -- so we now use a plastic drink glass as our tumbler..  Again, how was I to know such things, I have coaxed my family into playing a few games after dinner several nights--I think they say yes, because I often play by myself and they think that is so sad and pitiful.  Milton Bradley had it wrong--it is not for 2+ players.. It is fun as a 1+ solitary game. I have fun playing alone--trying to beat my previous score and learning to strategize. 

I'm sure I could make all kinds of references to how a game of Yahtzee is like the game of life.  That we act on a chance, only to realize a few rolls later that we should have made a difference decision.  That even the game gives you a "chance"-which is sort of like a throw away.  You learn that not everything is within your control. 

​But I don't have time for that.  I got to get back to the game.  I'm rolling for an inside straight.

Recently I attended a retreat in Stowe, Vermont.  The retreat was hosted by a large national foundation who supports non-profits when have an entrepreneurial spirit.  There were approximately ninety different organizations represented which was about 150 individuals.  It was five days of networking, team building and self-discovery as a leader.
One of the activities as a silent hike.  We were in Vermont—at the Trapp lodge where there are more than just trails….there are hills (you know-those that are alive with music?)… this Texan calls these "hills" mountains. 

I consider myself fit.  I work out about four times a week at a boot camp, which is no joke.  It is 35 minutes of hard work and I love it.  Therefore,  when they announced there would be three levels for the hike:  fast paced, medium paced and slow paced.- I wanted to pick medium pace but my competitive spirit would not allow such a thing to happen.  I knew if I did not go on the fast pace hike I would be kicking myself the rest of the retreat. 
The plan was to take a small notebook and hit the trail, no one was to speak. Goal:  introspection.  And off we went.

Well….my family-especially my husband-are always telling me to slow down.  I walk too fast and they cannot keep up.  But when labeled  “fast paced” they were NOT kidding.  There were about 30 of us in a semi-straight line, picking them up and putting them down.  The majority of the hikers were male-not that makes any difference but their stride was longer than mine was and therefore even faster.  I was determined to NOT let anyone pass me because that would mean failure.  Truly, I was not being as introspection as so desired. 

I was silent the whole time…I really did not have a choice because I was breathing so hard I doubt I could have spoken if spoken to.  I was too busy trying to breath.  And while the hike was silent, the sound of my heavy breathing filled the air.  Was that just me?  Could others hear me?  I had to go faster…and do not forget this trail was UP a mountain and very rocky.  Obstacles, narrow path, branches and incline, sharp turn backs. 

When at the top we stopped and pulled out our journal for a time of reflection.  We were to jot down our thoughts from our hike thus far and then on the way back down, we were to reflect on one of these thoughts.  Here are my notes straight out of my journal:

• ·       When the path narrows, slow down
• ·       Look at those in front of you for inspiration.
• ·       Sometimes when you hit an obstacle, just go around it.
• ·       Do not worry if you are slowing people down-let them go around-give them the          opportunity to succeed.
• ·       Life is not a competition—just be me.
• ·       Passion can be extinguished by clutter.
• ·       Shade from a hundred little trees is mighty.
• ·       Amongst all the dead leaves and limbs, new baby trees emerge.
• ·        Remember the stick that was standing by the rock.

I think I could write a whole post on several of these thoughts.  And I will.  But for now I will leave you to also ponder/reflect.  Ponder my thoughts and think of what you would want to focus on if you were on a silent hike.  
​
I will not forget this learning experience for some time.  While I did have some great aha’s, I think what stands out first is on that day in August in Vermont, the hills were alive with my heavy breathing. 
 

I have had this blog for TWO years.  One year and 10 months to be exact--that actually sounds better to me.  And during those 22 months, I have posted a blog 8 months out of the 22 for a total of 12 posts.  That is not a very good percentage for success.  So let's get to the bottom of why posting a new entry is so difficult and review the past blogs.  (other than the previous entry of August 2016 on blogging)

Topics of previous posts:
1.  Blogging (introduction to "Thinking Out Loud")  2015
2.  Raymond--about one of my cats
3.  Tasting Memories--one of my favorite posts about my childhood.
4.  Live Like You Were Dying (9/15)  Posted after a friend's loss of a loved one
5.  Lifelong Friends (10/15)  Girlfriends from elementary school and still great friends today.
6.  Shopping for the Hard to Shop for (AKA: my husband)  12/15  title says it all.
7. Happy New year (1/2016)  I'm sure this was to set off 2016 with lots of great posts.
8.  #53 (my birthday)
9.  The Cat Circus (3/16)  If you have never been to a cat circus, this is a must read.
10.  I am From  (3/16)   reflections on my life
11.  Writing a Blog (8/16)  (bitching)
12.  Driving in Ireland (9/16) (travel bitching)
13.  Blog Topics  (6/2017)

Seems like in August 2016, I was struggling with the same issues.  It still rings true.
The desire to entertain is huge for me.  I think these entries should be entertaining to the readers...yes, I care about both of you.  I remember reading the wonderful writings of Jason Mulgrew.  His blog made me laugh out loud.  I discovered Jason when he was voted one of People's Hottest Bachelors of 2005 (blogger category!)  One read and I was hooked.  I followed his career and purchased both of his books (highly recommend.)  

So trust me, I think of great topics to blog about and know they would be entertaining but by the time I get to a computer and remember to blog, my mind is blank.  (note to self:  write a blog post about forgetfulness)

Even as I write this I also am reminded that I'm pretty certain no one is reading these posts so why does it matter?  It matters because I like to reread these and I want to be entertained.  So here you go Ronna---here is your commitment that I will strive to entertain you in the months to come....but don't expect too much. 

In May, my husband and I went to Ireland on vacation.  After being up all night, we landed in Dublin at 9a.m. Dublin time (4a.m. Texas time.)  Although we were tired, our excitement propelled us to get the party started.
First stop:  pick up the rental car.  Our travel agent told us that each car rental would come with a GPS and that with that device we should have no problem getting from place to place.  We had to upgrade from our compact car since the first car assigned had no truck and we had 2 large suitcases.  They were then generous at Hertz and did another upgrade to a mid-size.  Sounds great right—seeing Ireland in style….well….just wait.  And of course we declined any extra coverage because all the insurance, etc is just an upsell and we were not falling for that trickery!
We find our car-a beautiful 4-door navy Volvo.  I was planning to do the driving since my husband is blind on his right side and the driver would be on the right side of the car (which is the wrong side if you ask me!) Also, I am an excellent driver.  I jump behind the wheel, smile for a photo—happiness and excitement.  We plug in the GPS and I carefully pull out.  Once outside the garage, the GPS begins to speak.  “Dove stai andando?”   Excuse me?  The GPS was in Italian.  No manual. 
We also learned later that Americans tend to drive too close to the curb (which is on the left side-again WRONG SIDE if you ask me.)  I didn’t know that from the article but was quickly informed by my freaked out, one-eyed co-pilot.  He goes from 0-100 quicker than any sports car and does it with a tone that is very unsettling.  I asked him to please use a different tone but he let me know that at this moment this was the only tone that he could use…..  Not sure of the exact conversation but I do know there was a lot of regrets about getting a larger car and not falling for their upsell of more insurance.  We had 8 days ahead of us to tear this Volvo up.
Finally we had to pull over and bite the bullet and get our GPS out on our phone.  Directions came flowing in and although we now had a destination, navigating the small streets of Dublin was still lurking.  When you want to make a left hand turn you have to go to the far right lane which goes against everything Coach Jackson taught me in drivers ed.  But we finally made it to the parking garage of our hotel.  Remember we are exhausted, I have shed a few tears, my husband has busted a few blood veins in his brain and we enter this TINY garage with sharp curves and turns.  It may have taken 15 minutes to go up three floors but we parked.
We walked around the city a bit until check-in time.  Still exhausted I now had to tackle that Italian GPS.  So while Billy took a nap I pulled out his iPad to the manual and my iPad to an Italian translator app.
Presto, Chango….hello ENGLISH!  And time for my nap.
The travel agent was correct.  The GPS made all the difference.  Plus Cindy sent us an article about Americans driving in Ireland and things to remember—of course I already knew several of these points by experience.
The streets in the small towns are narrow and you have to let oncoming traffic pass.  Tight turns and sharp corners were part of the experience.  Narrow winding roads with other drivers who did not mind driving above the speed limit so I was a tense ball of 10 to 2 on the steering wheel (even though there is supposedly new numbers?)  People were very kind and courteous—driving friendly the Texas way.
BY the end of the trip I was an excellent driver on the roads of Ireland.  I actually enjoyed the winding roads, with their twists and turns.  I did miss some of the scenery because I was so focused on not hitting the left side and watching the right side.  But we explored the country and 8 days later pulled the unblemished Volvo back into the rental lot.  We both sighed a huge sigh of relief as we boarded the shuttle bus to the airport.  So long Ireland, So long Volvo, So long to the winding roads…..
So if you are headed to Ireland….I have one recommendation:  take me…I’m an excellent driver.

In my very first post on this blog (August 2015 Archive) I mentioned the vulnerability of sharing my thoughts...putting them out there for all to see.....well I use the word "all" very loosely.  I do not know how many readers read all of my ramblings but I think about it often. 

So why don't I post more?  That is a question I ask myself.....so let's explore.

TOO OPEN:  I mentioned vulnerability,.....maybe that is a little bit of the reason but heck, I'm usually an open book so why start feeling vulnerable now? 

TIME:  I would like to first write down the excuse of "I don't have time" but that is not true.  Yes, I am a fairly busy person with many things on my plate but I could probably find an hour a month to make a post. 

CONTENT:  So with "time" out of the way, the next thing that stands in my way is a topic.  I don't have a boring life...I went to Ireland in May and have many stories I could share.  But I have put the pressure on myself that I must be cleaver and thought provoking.  BUT the name of this blog is "thinking out loud."  And even though I consider myself hilarious and cleaver, I just box myself in to having a great line or closing that will leave the readers wanting more.  Most bloggers (at least I think this applies to most bloggers) share thoughts of great information, many are theme-based.  There are blogs for builders, moms, historians, etc.  THIS blog is far from the sharing great information.  And because of that...I find it very difficult to make frequent posts.  I need to SAY something and it needs to be CLEAVER and LEAVE THE READER WANTING MORE.

So if I believe that 6 months of blogs that I have posted have left the readers wanting more....then they must be so disappointed,  So to the two of you...I apologize.

But I have told myself that I'm going to do at least one post a month--maybe two--ok, I just got carried away in the moment but at least one.  So.......I'm making a list of possible topics.  Maybe thinking ahead will give me motivation.  Maybe getting in the swing of writing will leave ME wanting more......  one can only hope.

I recently came across a poem I had written to tell my story.  This was an exercise for a business retreat and it was so interesting to hear where others "came from."  I thought I would share my story here.

I am from a small town in Texas, adopted at six days old-
Mama, Daddy and me-the only ones in the household.

My birth family I have found.
But my mom and dad are the BEST, hands down.

I am from a Baptist upbringing, conservative you would call.
LIBERAL thinker today-Liberty and Justice for ALL.

I am friend to many from the days of my youth. 
My best friend today I met in graduate school.

I am from a home where my mom was creative with time to play.
Dad was in the oil business and gone many days.

I am from many careers from nursing, English and Music.
Then 20+years in non-profits and still not a cynic.

I am from a lucky plot-escaping the tribulations many face.
A loving family and also saved by grace.

I am from piano lessons, voice and love to entertain.
A life of the party but often I refrain.

I am from family dinners, Family Affair lunch box
A bedroom always red, including my alarm clock.

I am from happiness when I married a cowboy at last.
Not proud  of decision before him but leave the past in the past.

I am from opportunity to be a bonus mom-two girls at that.
And long with them, share my heart with 2 dogs and 3 cats.

I am proud  of today , a heart full of glee
I am Ronna...yep, that's me.
 

From the title of this blog entry, many of you may think that I am talking about my house and my life with my three cats.  While that is often a circus--especially when they decided to chase each other over the bed while we are sleeping or when Nabor and Sonny just don't get along--this is NOT about them.  This is actually about a "real" cat circus.

Recently, I saw this car at a local eating establishment and upon investigation found out that the Acro-Cats were in town and having a show at a local playhouse. 

I asked Cindy and Stacy if they wanted to come along and be part of a night they would "never forget," they said that they had to go for fear that I would run away with the circus.  So tickets purchased....I was both excited and a little embarrassed.  Come on, it is an event where I paid money to see cats perform--but gotta start working on that bucket list at some point