The Christmas Card!

Tonight with chaos all around me..presents to wrap, groceries to buy and a to-do list that seems to multiply overnight, I decided to take a break! Curled up in my favorite reading chair with the glow of the Christmas tree lights in the room, I began looking through all of the Christmas cards that have arrived in our mailbox over the past few weeks. I just love Christmas cards, beautiful religious types or humorous ones but my favorite are photo cards. Sending cards at Christmas seems to quickly be a thing of the past. Oh, I know too well the hassle of taking the picture, ordering the cards, double checking addresses and we will not even discuss the postage rates! For the past 26 years, I have swore it would be my last year to do so but like giving birth you forget the pain and just enjoy the prize of your labor so I round up the family and we take one more Christmas card picture!

1994

2004

                                                                                                                     

The very first card my husband and I posed for was at the place we met and this collectors item announced our then recent engagement! The cards have always been photos, majority have featured our two children growing up over the years and from what I hear, plastered on refrigerators across the country. More recently, I took to adding a letter with the sorted detailed of our lives with a twist of humor. Be glad I practiced on those folks before I began blogging! Promise to keep sending photo cards and a letter if my family will keep posing for the picture, sure hope to find a card or two in my mailbox next Christmas as well.

2011

The Wish List

The second most important book other than the Bible in our home during the Christmas season when I as kid, was the Wish Book! Sears produced a magnificent catalog of toys and gifts any child could wish for. The Wish Book was held with great respect and you waited patiently for a turn to glance through the pages and dream of what to write the bearded fellow. When my time finally came after my older sisters had already neatly folder down the top corner of the pages where the items on their wishes were located …I savored each and every page. It was time to make my list and writing in my best cursive taught by Sister Alberta to make sure Santa could read my scribe. After the list was complete, outstanding behavior was the order of the day till Christmas Eve because He checked his list twice and knew if you were naughty or nice. The wait was tough, wondering what Santa would bring…he always delivered more than I deserved.

This year as I asked my husband and children to give me their wish list so I could begin my Christmas shopping, they in turn asked for mine. Given some thought, my wish list was short and could not be found at the mall. The past year taught me much about blessings and discovering them after they are gone, if only briefly. One of my wishes this Christmas is for good health for my loved ones & me.

What is on your wish list this year?

Enjoy all the moments in life!

Day 20- Thankful for a weekend that was filled with moments that took my breath away. Seeing a once in a half century formation of the Aggie Band-Corps of Cadets at halftime and later in day the opportunity to spend time with people that had a profound effect on my career. 
What about all of the small things I over look on a daily basis? Today, I was given a rare gift of spending a few hours with a dear friend not seen often. I tried to embrace the "moments" such as listening instead of talking, thanking those helpful in the service industry and waiting for a young boy to dig deep in his pocket to count out change for prized item. Below is a story of a student that had a teacher using a moment in class to teach a life lesson "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." (author of this quote is not known)


MOMENTS THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY by Linda Patton
I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband unexpectedly and suddenly died of a heart attack.
About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important.
Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is the powers that be way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."
Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see it could be a scent - perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches the autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground.
Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time...it can all be taken away."
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.
Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook. Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone.
For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The Ya Ya Sisters!

Day 17- I am thankful my Ya Ya sisters! Like most, I discovered the world of facebook a couple of years back and slowly friends and family were located. So fast forward to October 2009 when I get a friend request from childhood pal named Terri, I could not remember the last time we saw each other. We spent months messaging back and forth, trying to learn all about each other's lives across the miles and the years. Others from my childhood soon joined in the online mini reunion. Terri suggested we meet when I was in the area


during my summer visit to my parents.

Have to admit, I was a bit nervous as I drove up to her home, after all 30 years is a long time. My fears were erased as petite blond in heels ran to meet me and nearly knocked both of us over with a hug. As we sat and talked, it seemed neither the years nor miles mattered as we could have talked and laughed for days. During that fateful summer it seemed my childhood was coming back to life as Robyn, Lynda and others welcomed me with open arms. It was hard to leave them behind and move to the big city when I was in Junior High but that was the hand dealt and now I was cashing in my chips for holding onto the right cards.

The four of us used facebook to keep with each other's lives, compare notes on our separate 30th HS reunions that summer and just laugh at each other. We soon added a fifth member of the group, Pauline. Seems all we were missing was a good old fashioned slumber party.


We have just completed a year of birthday celebrations for each sister( no matter what) and a few slumber parties. Since Terri is the oldest or should I say first on the calendar, so she earned a surprise Birthday party. Months of planning, sweating out the details and some small white lies to keep her guessing...the greatest surprise was done! The Ya Ya sisterhood was formed and we had our first Queen of the Ya Ya's- title given the month of your celebration, she quickly proclaimed herself Queen Forever...yea, whatever!

The past year has been more than slumber parties, wine tasting or matching shirts. We are there for each for in times of celebration and in the hour of need. We have held each other in great sorrow as a loved one passed or sat bedside at the hospital praying for one's health to improve. We have formed a bond that started in 1st grade and will last a lifetime. This sisterhood is unique as its members. I am so blessed and comforted to call this group my "sisters" : Terri-our most generous, humorous and compassionate one and loves to hug the stuffing out of you. Since she is the go to gal for every non profit charity or committee ever formed she feels she has earned an honorary medical degree, we just humor her by calling her Dr.!

Lynda- our outspoken member and one of the nicest folks you will ever meet. You want her on your side if someone did you wrong because she will have your back. She has the voice of an angel and truly knows everyone in town!

Robyn- our cheerleader and is one of the the funniest story teller I have ever know. She is loved by so many because she is an excellent educator and touched so many lives.


Pauline- our "Saint", as she is kind, reserve, great sense of dry humor and desperately tries keeping the rest of us in line with calm and reason! Her faith is strong and never ceasing. I think she often wonders how she got herself associated with this wild group.

Singer-Songwriter Paul Overstreet in his lyrics said it best in" What are Friends For?"



Ever since I can remember
We've been on each other's side
Kept each other's secrets
Never ever had to lie
You very seldom find one
so faithful and so true
You've always been there for me
and I'll be there for you




Cause what are friends for?
if not to stand beside you
if not to be there when you need them
What are friends for?
If your heart is ever lonely
you can knock upon my door
rest your burdens on me
what are friends for?

These ladies all live within an hour drive of each other and yet, they reach across this great State to include me in their lives, pray for my family and try to help me play catch up for years I was away from them. Yes, I am thankful for facebook for finding my childhood friends and bring us back together...the Ya Ya Sisters are a blessing and I am so thankful!

Thankful #2- My Parents

Today I am thankful for my parents! Mom and Dad were childhood sweethearts and have been married for 58 years. They raised five daughters which at time tested their faith and made many sacrifices for the "girls." Neither had the opportunity to attend college and were most proud when four of their daughters were able to graduate with a degree debt free.

 My sisters and I was blessed with a full time mother, who was home everyday when we arrived from school. She ran a tight ship and chores were done before you even thought about asking to go out with friends.  A talented seamstress, we wore clothes she remodeled ( fancy way of saying hand me downs). It is funny now, but she was sometimes sewing us into our costumes as the curtain was opening for the dance recital. My Mom loved to garden and still takes pride in a beautiful yard, guess I learned this trait from her because I sure can't sew! I know God has a special place in his heart for my Mom as my oldest sister has special needs. Thank you Mom for teaching me to recycle, play catch, bake, enjoy gardening and love the game of Rook! Most importantly for making sure those with special needs are treated with respect.

My Dad, from the time I was in 1st grade till my Senior year high school
was a public servant of the citizens of the State of Texas. Elected and appointed to offices, our lives revolved around the election cycle. Dad made time for his girls but I volunteered to help with some of the not so glamorous chores at our ranch, giving me more time with him. He taught me to hunt, work cattle, back up a trailer, drive a tractor and failed to teach to me be a land surveyor. Not sure where to list all of these on my resume and land surveyor = math, enough said!  I thank him for my love of politics, even picked up a minor in the subject. After listening to hundreds of his speeches, public speaking is something I enjoy.  Dad taught my sisters and I " never forget where you came from, trust God and protect your name, it is all you have!"

I am most thankful that my parents, who continue to lead by example are still here to give me advice, share a joke or just to spend time with.....I love them both!

Time to be Thankful in 2011!

Each year from November 1st till Thanksgiving many including myself will give daily thanks for people and special things in their life. So here is my 2011 edition:

Day 1 and I am thankful for my husband Ray. We met on November 11, 1984 and for him it was love at first sight claiming my blue eyes closed the deal!  I needed more time for him to pass a few tests and he won my heart once I knew he loved the Lord, could two-step, help with domestic chores, wanted children and importantly, he was a great speller and math whiz! Our meeting was arranged  by a mutual friend and she worked hard to make sure we made it down the aisle. Being both from large families, our union was more of a merger than a wedding. Ray is a mild mannered engineer who is content to spend a quiet evening at home, just what his wife the social butterfly would pick as her favorite date night! Over the years we have come to an agreement to help work out our complete opposite personalities: he shops for food by himself because I don't care what items cost by the 1/2 ounce and he knows there is a great possibility I will see someone I know anytime we go out...he waits patiently while I visit with them.

Twenty five years later we have been blessed with two wonderful children and shared times of happiness, sorrow, laughter, tears, health and sickness. 


Thank you Lord for sending me a mate who overlooks my faults, laughs at my jokes, helps me with math and loves me no matter what!

Can you hear me now?

While waiting to check out at a store, the clerk asked the women in front of me for an ID. The women whipped out her iPhone and showed a picture of her driver’s license on the phone. This baffled me! Really, was the license just too heavy to carry or what if someone steals your phone?

My earliest memory of a phone was a rotary dial which hung on our kitchen wall. There was a stool nearby to sit for a chat. The other phone in our home was located in the hallway near the bedrooms. Oh what fun to eavesdrop on an older sister’s phone conversation as they did their best to tell teenage secrets in this public area. My grandparents had a party line phone. When their “ring” rang, it was a race to answer the call! If you talked too long, a neighbor on the party line would pick their phone and let you know it was time to say good bye. Still remember getting a princess style phone in my room when I was a senior in high school. Life was good, no more kitchen or hallway phone conversations for me.

 Fast forward to the first phones in cars and those huge handheld cell phones, if you had one you were COOL! The phones of today are a vast improvement in technology and they do so much 

more than make and receive calls. I retired my Blackberry for a smarter phone recently. Miss my crackberry because we understood each. This new phone is really much smarter than I am and reminds me often. With some help from the younger generation I have figured out how to make calls, send text & emails, download music and take pictures. Even mastered to be a good “Angry Bird” and not know many “Words with Friends!" I can make my phone be a flashlight, thermometer and scan product bar-codes. There are many other things my smart phone can do; I just don’t have a clue!

Guess Verizon should change their catch phrase from “can you hear me now” because making calls on a phone is so yesterday!

Where I came from!

Three stops lights and a famous sign reminding you not to speed through town like hell because it is God’s County is where I came from!  It is often said” home” is where the heart is however we never forget our roots and the place that taught us life’s early lessons. When asked over the years where I’m from, the answer remains this special small town in Texas. While living here was a short period in my life, it left a profound mark that shaped me.

Growing up in a rural area, you understand the importance of faith, family and work. Your faith had to be strong to survive in the farming & ranching business and trusting the Lord would provide especially with rain and sun (at the best times). Local churches are the social hub of the community serving as gathering places for Sunday service and their halls hosting potluck dinners, wedding receptions, dances or bingo games.  Families were large and you really never escaped the watchful eye of a relative so it was best to behave as you never know who is watching!  Kinfolk were your neighbors, classmates and your parents knew if there was trouble at school before you got home!  We understood the value of a job done right and work was your contribution to the family. Whether it was household chores, branding cattle, driving a tractor or hauling hay, each was done when asked the first time, completed correctly and you left anyplace better than you found it.  Words like integrity, loyalty, character, sacrifice, and compassion were demonstrated by my parents, extended family, teachers and the most everyone I knew.  

It has been over 37 years since I lived in this town and visit just occasionally. It is often said you are the sum of your life’s experiences and mine has been so blessed with opportunities and friendships maybe not available had our family not moved from this town.  Each new opportunity taught me to appreciate the work and sacrifice involved to make it happen because I could be back hauling hay!

I pray I never forget where I came from…..

The Perfect Job!

The perfect job, does it exist and is it about the hours, title, benefits or just the money? If you have ever "worked", then this thought might have crossed your mind.  My father once told my sisters and I, we should find something we love to do and the money will always work out. Dad has been right so far! 


I was fortunate to find a career that I do love, most days! Who wouldn't want to wear shorts and tennis shoes to work, watch sports for free (and I mean every sport), be given a closet full free of t-shirts and polos and if you ever need anything there is a colleague or former athlete to call for help. So what is the downside to this gig, you ask?  For someone who has lectured extensively on the subject of life balancing in Athletic Training, I was a poor example of late. Tired from many years of long hours and dealing with the day to day grind, I found myself rethinking my career choice.

My daughter gave me a book for my birthday that helped refocus my life. After reading The Happiness Project, I realized it was how I looked at my job and life that may have added to my stress. Yes, the hours and numbers of injuries may not change and there will always be work stress but how I approached each one could change. With the summer to reflect on what changes I needed to make in my life and career, the answer was clear. Specially, what did I love about my job and focus on this instead of the negatives. 


My wise and dear friend Terri once told me, " you can accept it or choose to leave!"  I choose to accept and embrace the things I love about my job! I am blessed with wonderful and supportive co workers who make me laugh and athletes that trust and appreciate my care. Really, what other job can you ride on a firetruck in parades and dress like "Twins" with 5 others for Homecoming Spirit Day! Most of all, each day I can make a difference in someones life. This does not mean I will ever like cold weather at soccer games, just sayin'!

         I may have the perfect job!

Making even more!

I receive daily emails containing quotes, scripture, jokes and a motivator of the day. Do my best to read each one daily and it always amazes me that they arrived on the day I need that message! Here is a sample of one I received this week:


Making even more!
Strength does not get used up when you use it. In fact, it grows. Sharing your wisdom with another person does not take that wisdom away from you. It actually deepens your wisdom, and makes it even more profound.
Providing gentleness does not in any way diminish the gentleness you have. It makes your gentleness richer and more meaningful. You can speak the truth all day long, and at the end of the day that truth is more plentiful than it was at the beginning. You can exercise compassion for month after month, and you'll end up with even more compassion. Some of the most powerful and valuable things in life are the things that never get used up. Indeed, those things such as kindness, integrity, truth, compassion and wisdom become more plentiful the more they're used. As each moment passes, make full and meaningful use of life's goodness. When you do, you'll be making even more.

Ralph Marston


Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:8

Have a great week,

Cathy

The days are long, but the years are short!

Winning your daughter a prize at the County Fair...priceless!

One of my Secrets to Adulthood became very clear on a recent trip to visit my daughter. Amanda moved out of state to work on a second degree and was taking a summer school class at a campus an hour bus ride from her home. During my visit, I offered to drive her to and from school so we could chat and she could sleep in on those days! Keep in mind, last time I was her chauffeur to school was probably 9th grade! What a delight to hear about her class (no clue about the subject matter) as we drove to our sightseeing adventure for the day like attending a County Fair. She joked, I was the oldest and only Mom in the commuter lane and I replied " she better have all A's and good conduct marks on her report card!"

All those years of driving carpool, being a room mom and scout leader, I wish I had been more focused and appreciated being " in the moment" with my children. Like most with a full time career, spouse and volunteer work, you get lost in just getting through each day. Days turn into months, months into years and one day, the house is empty.  Remember the days are long, but the years are short.... it is never too late to enjoy the moment! 

 " The Happiness Project" book author Gretchen Rubin  produced a one minute movie about this subject, here is the link : http://www.theyearsareshort.com/  ( may have to hit refresh for link to load)

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My Secrets to Adulthood!

What I have learned from time and experiences are here in my….Secrets to Adulthood!  Let me know what you have learned?

·       Laughter is the best medicine.    

·       By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.

·       Say I love you often and mean it.

·       Spend less than you make.

·       You learn more from failure than success.

·       Never forget where you came from.

·       Love the life you live and live the life you love.

·       Follow-through is the most important thing. Whether it be a golf swing or remembering birthdays.

·       Make time for God and thank him for everything!

·       Everyday is a chance to learn something new.

·       People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.

·       Be a best friend.

·       Wear sunscreen.

·       You can't control what others do or say but you can control how you react to it.

·       It's okay to ask for help.

·       When in doubt, apologize.

·       Treat the janitor the way you would the president.

·       Have a dream and keep a bucket list!

·       The days are long but the years are short.

Old Friend

As I was leaving school for a rare Friday night off, I received a text message from a  friend not seen in over 24 years. She was on my campus for her son's tennis match and wondered if I was still at work. She was easy to recognize as she had not changed since I last saw her in 7th grade. What a delight to sit and visit while watching her son, an excellent tennis player. The years melted away as we caught up on each other's lives.  

Like others on facebook, I have found friends from my childhood, high school and college years that I had lost touch. Messaging, commenting on posts & photos and even wishing them birthday greetings from a far has been fun. All seems a bit impersonal but with our busy lives... it is the friendship of our time. Yes, it is cool to be instantly connected to so many with a few strokes on a keyboard, however I have challenged myself to reach out to my friends with a more personal touch in the upcoming year with phone calls, handwritten notes or cards. So don't be afraid to answer my call! Today, an old friend reminded me of the importance of taking time to rekindle a friendship. Thanks Ruth!

Killing Time!

If you are an athlete at Clear Brook High School and seek medical care in my training room, you will have to know a few basic pieces of information in order to sign in on our treatment book. Most students know their name, sport and injury but filling in the time of arrival stops them in their tracks. You see, the clock placed near the sign in book, looks just like the one posted here. Many kids have no clue how to read this type of clock. Few will ask the time, others leave it blank and most just stare at the clock trying to figure out the time. Lost count of the number of high school students, I have taught or re-taught to tell time on a standard clock. Not sure where to list this on my job performance appraisal...maybe under community service!

The group mentioned above may all have an iPhone, iPad, alarm clock, computer and any other electronic device that have a digital display to blame for this situation. While serving at jury duty this week, I looked around the room of over 300 people and would guess less than half were wearing a watch, interesting! The women next to me was one that was watch-less, so yes I asked her. Her answer to timekeeping was her iPhone. Not me, feel naked not wearing one and yes I admit, the one worn daily is digital as I use the stop watch feature often on my job. Truth is I love watches, especially really nice ones. A great piece of jewelry that earns it keep by showing the time. No matter how you choose to keep track of time today, we all have just 24 hours, so are you going to make a difference or just be killing time!

What have I done?

Blogging really, who would have thought! I hated to write papers in school and now I am volunteering for this pastime. Easy, no grade is involved! If you hear screaming, pay no attention it is just Kim Brewer, my friend, co-worker and official Supak proofreader for important items like the Christmas letter. Disclaimer- none of my blogs will be proofread by Mrs. Brewer, so buyer beware.
The real reason for this new hobby was prompted by reading a book this summer called the  " The Happiness Project." In upcoming posts, one of the things I will discuss are changes this book helped me make in my life, how is that for a real teaser to keep you coming back for more! Posts will also have lots of humor, my famous stories and pictures.
And why this title...it is my hope that the prose gives you the feeling we are chatting. My senior HS English teacher always told us to write like we speak.