Over the past 43 years, I have developed many friendships. There are many different types of friends. There are best friends, good friends, couple friends, acquaintances, and social friends.
I consider best friends as someone that I can tell everything to. Whether it be about marriage, animals, other friends, finance, family, or work, this person is totally willing to listen. Sometimes they agree with me and sometimes they are the voice of reason. Every once and a while, they play devil's advocate. Regardless, I feel I can trust them no matter what the subject, that they won't judge me and jeopardize our relationship. For me this person is my sister. She may not always tell me what I want to hear but she always is honest. I appreciate that.
Of the good friend variety, I am blessed with numerous girlfriends that are there for me and visa versa. From early childhood until present, I still am developing friendships. Notice I said developing. Just like a photograph. You capture the moment of opportunity, see the potential, tweak it till it's perfect, and then print it for all to see the beauty that has become a friendship. Time and effort yield the best results for any good relationship.
My husband and I also have many couple friends. These are folks that we go to dinner, ballgames, and other events with. Since we don't have children, they also generously share their families with us for holidays and special events. They are truly unselfish when it comes to allowing us at their most treasured moments. As couple friends, we are a package deal. If an event comes up and one spouse has a conflict, it is frowned upon for the available spouse to attend without partner. Don't know why this is this way, but it is. Accept it, love it, deal with it.
For social and acquaintance type friends, these are people you are constantly thrown into occasions with that you feel comfortable talking with. For instance at parties or sporting events, I have people that I gravitate to and hang out with. However, I would be hesitant to call them up and go to lunch or the picture show with. Strictly social situation type friends are what I consider acquaintances.
With all this said, friendships are important. They are not to be taken lightly or taken advantage of. This type of friendship is opportunistic and not really a friend. They are scavengers. Bottom feeders looking for a score. Sometimes, we are so desperate for friends that we accept the abuse and neglect offered to us by these type friends. We get our feelings hurt and become bitter. This is hard on a soul.
So treasure your friends, nurture the relationships, honor the code of ethics for friends, and never abandon a friend in need. Try to be what you want from a friend and enjoy life and all that it has to offer.
Love, Peace and Faith.
tmt
P.S. I have another category of friend to add. Roomdawgs are friends for life. They exceed normal friendship by leaps and bounds. They are your touchstone to what was the best time of your life. They know things about you that your spouse does not know. They are the ones that comfort you when things are rough. They are still the ones that you want to do those special things with. They are irreplaceable. The group is not complete without all four dawgs in place. I have been with my roomdawgs for 25 years. It does not matter if we don't talk for months, we can pick right back up from where we left off. It's easy conversation and always entertaining.
So in conclusion, all types of friends are important, but a true friend is a rare find.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Companions
I am often alone. My husband works in agriculture, plays in sports, and specializes in telephone usage. Between all of these, I spend a great deal of my time by myself. I am not complaining. I love myself, enjoy being by myself, have a great time by myself. There is serenity in being happy alone. All of this alone time could be more than one person could bear. If not for my trusty companions, I would be lost.
I thank the good lord everyday for my faithful companions. Pup pup, Baby Sister, and the late jack the dog. My dogs have provided me with undying companionship for the last 13 years. We got Pup pup about 13 days after we got married. We pulled from the hat the type of dog we would get. In the running were beagle, Jack Russell terrier, and Great Dane. The JR terrier paper was pulled and the saga begins.
After that, Pup pup seemed lonely and we rescued jack the dog from death row at the vet's. He had been abused and was not very friendly. However, he did provide Pup pup with some valued entertainment and exercise. A year later, we felt Pup pup need a girlfriend. We found Baby Sister online in a JR rescue league. She had gnawed her way to freedom and landed in heaven. She alone is a single joy but for Pup pup and jack she is pure hell. So much for my matchmaking. However, she completed our little family.
Over the past 13 years, these animals have been an invaluable source of entertainment, aggravation, pride, and heartache. Recently, jack the dog fell ill and had to be put to sleep. What a miserable experience this was for all. Although jack was not friendly to most, he was family. He loved me and was my friend. I miss him terribly and am glad for our time together. The other two are adjusting. The bearer of the brunt of the adjustment is Pup pup. Without jack to cushion some the aggression of Sister, Pup pup has to be on his toes defensively. Pup pup is going blind and deaf. Therefore, his remaining senses are in overdrive. He is remarkable.
They say dog is man's best friend. In my case, dogs are my joy. They always want to watch what I want to on TV, want to snuggle, and are always glad to see me. I can't say that about my husband. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband but I would hate to have to choose between him and Pup pup. Sticky!
Early in the fall, Mississippi State retired the current Bully and introduced a new Bully at the ballgame. I don't know how the rest of the fans felt, but it was devastating for me. Maybe because it was foreshadowing a little about what was to come with jack or just about getting old. For what ever reason, it made me more conscious of my beloved animals.
So if you have pets, love on them especially today. Let them know you appreciate their companionship and unconditional love. Not all humans can perform these task.
In honor and memory of our beloved jack the dog, I declare today as "Love your pet" day. Treat today as if there won't be a tomorrow with them.
Love, Peace and Faith.
tmt
I thank the good lord everyday for my faithful companions. Pup pup, Baby Sister, and the late jack the dog. My dogs have provided me with undying companionship for the last 13 years. We got Pup pup about 13 days after we got married. We pulled from the hat the type of dog we would get. In the running were beagle, Jack Russell terrier, and Great Dane. The JR terrier paper was pulled and the saga begins.
After that, Pup pup seemed lonely and we rescued jack the dog from death row at the vet's. He had been abused and was not very friendly. However, he did provide Pup pup with some valued entertainment and exercise. A year later, we felt Pup pup need a girlfriend. We found Baby Sister online in a JR rescue league. She had gnawed her way to freedom and landed in heaven. She alone is a single joy but for Pup pup and jack she is pure hell. So much for my matchmaking. However, she completed our little family.
Over the past 13 years, these animals have been an invaluable source of entertainment, aggravation, pride, and heartache. Recently, jack the dog fell ill and had to be put to sleep. What a miserable experience this was for all. Although jack was not friendly to most, he was family. He loved me and was my friend. I miss him terribly and am glad for our time together. The other two are adjusting. The bearer of the brunt of the adjustment is Pup pup. Without jack to cushion some the aggression of Sister, Pup pup has to be on his toes defensively. Pup pup is going blind and deaf. Therefore, his remaining senses are in overdrive. He is remarkable.
They say dog is man's best friend. In my case, dogs are my joy. They always want to watch what I want to on TV, want to snuggle, and are always glad to see me. I can't say that about my husband. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband but I would hate to have to choose between him and Pup pup. Sticky!
Early in the fall, Mississippi State retired the current Bully and introduced a new Bully at the ballgame. I don't know how the rest of the fans felt, but it was devastating for me. Maybe because it was foreshadowing a little about what was to come with jack or just about getting old. For what ever reason, it made me more conscious of my beloved animals.
So if you have pets, love on them especially today. Let them know you appreciate their companionship and unconditional love. Not all humans can perform these task.
In honor and memory of our beloved jack the dog, I declare today as "Love your pet" day. Treat today as if there won't be a tomorrow with them.
Love, Peace and Faith.
tmt
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Made in the U.S.A.
I can remember the campaigns in the 70's and the 80's about buying USA products. Pride in American goods. Don't settle for less than adequate supplies, buy the best, buy US! Where did that pride go?
Everywhere you look today are signs highlighting Egyptian cotton, German engineering, or Japanese technology. I do not see cards displaying USA made or products. It is near impossible to find USA made linens, clothing, frames, glassware, or shoes. Imported materials are considered premium products. Premium prices, but premium quality, no.
I was raised in the Delta. As you would come into Greenwood from the west, there was a big sign prior to Fort Pemberton that said "Welcome to Greenwood, Cotton Capital of the World". The sign is gone and so is the cotton. Staplecotn has warehouses full of un purchased Delta cotton. Do we not use cotton anymore? Are we in the 70's where nylon was king? No to both. Except for my shoes, all my clothing that I wear everyday is cotton. So where does it come from.
That's the question. Do you know who you are supporting? What country are you sending your money to? Is Venezuela getting your gas dollars? Is China profiting from my cotton fetish? What is the deal?
Is is our responsibility to buy products that we personally want to support. A couple of years ago, a local farmer and acquaintance started his own clothing line highlighting Delta cotton. Blue jeans were his first product and they were costly. One pair was over $100. I proudly have purchased two pair - Hwy 61 and Hwy 49 styles. Cool, huh? I respect what Reese Pillow and Delta Blue is trying to do. Bringing pride back to USA products.
What are you doing to help USA economy? What kind of car do you drive? What kind of sheets are on your bed? Look are your labels in your clothes. We have a patriotic duty to buy USA first and imports second. This is one of my passionate causes. I would like to make a difference in this matter and maybe you all can help.
Peace, Love, and Faith
tmt
Everywhere you look today are signs highlighting Egyptian cotton, German engineering, or Japanese technology. I do not see cards displaying USA made or products. It is near impossible to find USA made linens, clothing, frames, glassware, or shoes. Imported materials are considered premium products. Premium prices, but premium quality, no.
I was raised in the Delta. As you would come into Greenwood from the west, there was a big sign prior to Fort Pemberton that said "Welcome to Greenwood, Cotton Capital of the World". The sign is gone and so is the cotton. Staplecotn has warehouses full of un purchased Delta cotton. Do we not use cotton anymore? Are we in the 70's where nylon was king? No to both. Except for my shoes, all my clothing that I wear everyday is cotton. So where does it come from.
That's the question. Do you know who you are supporting? What country are you sending your money to? Is Venezuela getting your gas dollars? Is China profiting from my cotton fetish? What is the deal?
Is is our responsibility to buy products that we personally want to support. A couple of years ago, a local farmer and acquaintance started his own clothing line highlighting Delta cotton. Blue jeans were his first product and they were costly. One pair was over $100. I proudly have purchased two pair - Hwy 61 and Hwy 49 styles. Cool, huh? I respect what Reese Pillow and Delta Blue is trying to do. Bringing pride back to USA products.
What are you doing to help USA economy? What kind of car do you drive? What kind of sheets are on your bed? Look are your labels in your clothes. We have a patriotic duty to buy USA first and imports second. This is one of my passionate causes. I would like to make a difference in this matter and maybe you all can help.
Peace, Love, and Faith
tmt
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Community
For those of us from small towns, can you remember going to town to shop. Everything we could image would be in Kornfields, Sterlings, Gibson's, JCPenney's, etc. We shopped locally because we could and for the convenience. Only for special occasions did we venture to surrounding areas for shopping. Prom, homecoming gowns, and weddings. We had everything we needed in our town.
This is not the case any longer. Due to Internet, interstates, and affordable cars, we no longer choose to shop our community businesses. This becomes a problem when you need something in a hurry or spur of the moment. For those of us who try and shop our community, the task is tedious.
My sister, who lives in Memphis, comes to the Delta to shop the speciality stores. She feels that same nostalgic feelings of shopping locally from friendly neighborhood vendors. The personal service that is offered in the local stores is hard to duplicate in large metropolis. She still has her favorite stores in the mall but for unique items, she comes home.
What can we do to help our community business? We are in an economical crunch. What are you doing to help?
A couple of ideas to spur the local economy.
Shop you local grocery store - not the mega market
Visit the specialty stores for clothing, jewelry, and what-nots.
Ask the local stores for certain items that you are looking for-they can order
Be willing to try different brands.
Patronize the legitimate business not the knock offs.
Lets keep our community special by keeping it open.
Peace, faith, and love.
tmt
This is not the case any longer. Due to Internet, interstates, and affordable cars, we no longer choose to shop our community businesses. This becomes a problem when you need something in a hurry or spur of the moment. For those of us who try and shop our community, the task is tedious.
My sister, who lives in Memphis, comes to the Delta to shop the speciality stores. She feels that same nostalgic feelings of shopping locally from friendly neighborhood vendors. The personal service that is offered in the local stores is hard to duplicate in large metropolis. She still has her favorite stores in the mall but for unique items, she comes home.
What can we do to help our community business? We are in an economical crunch. What are you doing to help?
A couple of ideas to spur the local economy.
Shop you local grocery store - not the mega market
Visit the specialty stores for clothing, jewelry, and what-nots.
Ask the local stores for certain items that you are looking for-they can order
Be willing to try different brands.
Patronize the legitimate business not the knock offs.
Lets keep our community special by keeping it open.
Peace, faith, and love.
tmt
Monday, November 2, 2009
Change
One year ago what were you thinking? Big election year. Welcomed or feared. What is your reality?
For me, change is welcomed. I try and view change with a positive attitude. Change of the guard whether at the top or the bottom is what ever you make of it. If you want to gripe for the next four years because your candidate did not win, that is your prerogative. This is counter productive for me. Besides, what will it get you - stomach ulcers, nervous conditions, or intolerance to others?
Everyone deserves a chance to try. If this administration does not deliver on promises, then you can choose to vote differently next time. But what if they do well? Will you get behind them and give them your support?
Our country is based on democratic values. A democracy is only as great as it's citizens. I think I'm great, so there's one. What will you be? If we continue to bicker, who would want to be our neighbor or friend. We have to solve our own problems before anyone will take us seriously.
Tolerance, faith, pride and respect is what I plan on practicing today, and hopefully tomorrow, too. What will you practice?
Love, Faith, and Peace.
tmt
For me, change is welcomed. I try and view change with a positive attitude. Change of the guard whether at the top or the bottom is what ever you make of it. If you want to gripe for the next four years because your candidate did not win, that is your prerogative. This is counter productive for me. Besides, what will it get you - stomach ulcers, nervous conditions, or intolerance to others?
Everyone deserves a chance to try. If this administration does not deliver on promises, then you can choose to vote differently next time. But what if they do well? Will you get behind them and give them your support?
Our country is based on democratic values. A democracy is only as great as it's citizens. I think I'm great, so there's one. What will you be? If we continue to bicker, who would want to be our neighbor or friend. We have to solve our own problems before anyone will take us seriously.
Tolerance, faith, pride and respect is what I plan on practicing today, and hopefully tomorrow, too. What will you practice?
Love, Faith, and Peace.
tmt
Sunday, November 1, 2009
First Day of the Month
Many people use the first as cues for different things. Heart worm med for dogs, pay bills, start diet, new exercise routine, etc. What does the first of the month mean to you?
For me, especially November, it means birthdays! My family has seven birthdays currently in the month of November with three of my friends also having birthdays in November. So for a 30 day month, 1/3 of the month will be spent celebrating. Whoohoo! Cake, pies, and alcohol--Oh My!
This year it would be nice not to have to go into the holiday season in the hole. Already behind in my healthy choices. My goal is avoid bad circumstances that may potentially leads toxic situations. Moderation.
From my Weight Watcher education, plan on the special events. Don't let it catch you unaware. Make smart choices that other 20 days of the month. Increase intensity of exercise to compensate for increase in caloric intake.
So for my first of November cue, Moderation is the code word.
Can you do it?
Peace, Truth, and Love
tmt
For me, especially November, it means birthdays! My family has seven birthdays currently in the month of November with three of my friends also having birthdays in November. So for a 30 day month, 1/3 of the month will be spent celebrating. Whoohoo! Cake, pies, and alcohol--Oh My!
This year it would be nice not to have to go into the holiday season in the hole. Already behind in my healthy choices. My goal is avoid bad circumstances that may potentially leads toxic situations. Moderation.
From my Weight Watcher education, plan on the special events. Don't let it catch you unaware. Make smart choices that other 20 days of the month. Increase intensity of exercise to compensate for increase in caloric intake.
So for my first of November cue, Moderation is the code word.
Can you do it?
Peace, Truth, and Love
tmt
Lifestyle Makeovers
Welcome to Lifestyle Makeovers!
This is a blog site created by me as an outlet for my opinions regarding health, economy, environmental and community issues. As most of my family and friends already know, I am full of worthless wisdom about everyday issues and events. However, my forte is in health promotion and lifestyle enhancements. I would like to use this blog as an extension of my knowledge and expertise to help others who may struggle with making good decisions. Decisions about food choices, product purchasing, lifestyle alterations that will promote healthy living for the individuals is the my motivation of this blog. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to visiting with everyone on these topics.
Truth, Peace and Love!
tmt
This is a blog site created by me as an outlet for my opinions regarding health, economy, environmental and community issues. As most of my family and friends already know, I am full of worthless wisdom about everyday issues and events. However, my forte is in health promotion and lifestyle enhancements. I would like to use this blog as an extension of my knowledge and expertise to help others who may struggle with making good decisions. Decisions about food choices, product purchasing, lifestyle alterations that will promote healthy living for the individuals is the my motivation of this blog. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to visiting with everyone on these topics.
Truth, Peace and Love!
tmt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
