Everyday I ache. It's not a complaint, just a fact of life.
As long as I keep moving it's not too bad, and that's not too difficult of a task with two young boys.
But when I do sit and put my feet up, it's pretty much guaranteed I'm going to be what is referred to as "stove-up," a term originating from the cowboy days when one had suffered physical abuse on the wrong ends of livestock hooves.
But these days it means I'm going to be so stiff that I look about 30 years older (funny how that number used to be a lot higher and keeps shrinking) than I actually am.
Fibromyalgia? Auto-immune disease that confounds blood tests? A form of arthritis that just hasn't shown wear on my joints? Some kind of mysterious "brain cloud" like Tom Hanks' character suffered in "Joe Versus the Volcano" (yes, I'm dating myself here)?
Though I've looked into it, taken and discarded the medicine (those nightmares from withdrawals were humdingers!) and generally looked into every natural cure known to man (my bok choy was tasty in my salad today), I have yet to feel like others around me who are my age look like they feel every day.
So, are they just really much better at hiding their pain than I am or is there something going on health-wise that comes genetically (NOW I know how my dad felt) or manufactured (death to high fructose corn syrup!)
I know I'm not the only one who is affected by unexplained pain coming at a younger age than expected. Maybe this is just growing old and I refuse to accept it. Afterall, my theme song pretty much is the line crooned by George Strait that goes, "I'm much too young to feel this damn old."
But at the end of the day, when I've kicked my feet up and am too afraid to move or just fighting through the aches and pains to keep up with the boys, I admit it scares me to look ahead 10, or even 5, years to where I might be. And, I know I'm not the only one in this boat.
So, tell me what has worked for your mysterious aches and pains? Should I just concentrate on losing weight and exercising (couldn't hurt!!)? Get over the oddness of various medications? Smell like Bengay? Or do I just accept the fact I cannot do the things I used to anymore (... Nah).
One thing is for sure, I'm not going to be jumping into any volcanoes!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Who knows what's going to wash up next?
Stories of sea serpents of yesteryear are a little more clear with evidence that, though rarely, washes up on our shores today.
Recently near Catalina Island, where I once sailed off-shore and didn't get seasick (yay!), the carcass of a 22-foot oarfish, which looks similar to a big snake (or should I say SEA SERPENT!) was found by a researcher.
Sightings are rare but do happen, including another 56-foot find in 1808 that is suspicioned to be an oarfish. The creatures come to shore when they are close to death, so carcass finds are more likely than a healthy specimen.
I find mysteries like this fascinating, considering the only think I ever knew to wash up on the shores of Catalina Island was myself when snorkeling (did I mention the water there is REALLY clear. :).
What else lurks in this wonderful world like gifts waiting to be unwrapped?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
So I think a lot about freedom
As the time of the Nov. 6, 2012, election approached, arrived and passed, I have been thinking a lot about the meaning of freedom.
Merriam-webster online defines freedom as:
"1 : the quality or state of being free: as
a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence."
Ahh. The absence of coercion or constraint in choice or action from the government. That sounds pretty good to me.
Let me explain.
I do not harbor any qualms about Barack Obama being elected president of the United States, just as I would not have had issues if Mitt Romney were trying that title on for size today.
Neither man was elected to be a savior. There is, in my mind, only one man who fits that bill, and Jesus was not running for office.
What does worry me is the direction our country seems to be taking, and those concerns were heightened as the elections across our nation unfolded Tuesday.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I am reminded of a line in my son's favorite movie series of all time: "Star Wars."
There is a part in one of the prequels that goes like this: "So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause."
Maybe it's the pioneer roots of the Plains states. Maybe it's just my upbringing.
It just seems that we used to rely more on ourselves and less on others.
Maybe I just finally grew up and paid attention. If so, I'm not sure of the moment that I awoke.
There always has been some sense of entitlement in this nation. But never before has it seemed so pervasive as it is today.
I was hoping for a sign Tuesday we are turning away from that, and we still want to stand tall and to fight for our freedom, the independence for which our forefathers secured, which makes us great even today ... to be principled and righteous.
The last few years of the economic downfall have been hard. And when it comes down to it, I have to admit I'm just a glass half-empty kind of girl.
So I think a lot about freedom.
There was a musical about Huck Finn of all things in the 1970s, and I always have remembered parts of one of the songs in that tale.
"Freedom: Man has to make his own."
Ahh. "a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action." That sounds pretty good to me.
But that's not right, either.
If we are to be humble before our God, we have to admit that we have an allegiance to our creator, that we turn toward him for our "constraint in choice or action."
Government serves a purpose, and there are those who are served well by it and by the compassion of a people that comprise it.
But when we begin to turn toward the government as our God, then the freedom that our true Father gave us is refused. We become lower than the animals for they know to whom to turn.
Independence is a gift we should not squander.
Somehow I pray we find that we as a nation find that path of freedom again; until then I walk it the best I can and never let my eyes stray for fear I, too, will lose the path.
Merriam-webster online defines freedom as:
"1 : the quality or state of being free: as
a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence."
Ahh. The absence of coercion or constraint in choice or action from the government. That sounds pretty good to me.
Let me explain.
I do not harbor any qualms about Barack Obama being elected president of the United States, just as I would not have had issues if Mitt Romney were trying that title on for size today.
Neither man was elected to be a savior. There is, in my mind, only one man who fits that bill, and Jesus was not running for office.
What does worry me is the direction our country seems to be taking, and those concerns were heightened as the elections across our nation unfolded Tuesday.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I am reminded of a line in my son's favorite movie series of all time: "Star Wars."
There is a part in one of the prequels that goes like this: "So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause."
Maybe it's the pioneer roots of the Plains states. Maybe it's just my upbringing.
It just seems that we used to rely more on ourselves and less on others.
Maybe I just finally grew up and paid attention. If so, I'm not sure of the moment that I awoke.
There always has been some sense of entitlement in this nation. But never before has it seemed so pervasive as it is today.
I was hoping for a sign Tuesday we are turning away from that, and we still want to stand tall and to fight for our freedom, the independence for which our forefathers secured, which makes us great even today ... to be principled and righteous.
The last few years of the economic downfall have been hard. And when it comes down to it, I have to admit I'm just a glass half-empty kind of girl.
So I think a lot about freedom.
There was a musical about Huck Finn of all things in the 1970s, and I always have remembered parts of one of the songs in that tale.
"Freedom: Man has to make his own."
Ahh. "a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action." That sounds pretty good to me.
But that's not right, either.
If we are to be humble before our God, we have to admit that we have an allegiance to our creator, that we turn toward him for our "constraint in choice or action."
Government serves a purpose, and there are those who are served well by it and by the compassion of a people that comprise it.
But when we begin to turn toward the government as our God, then the freedom that our true Father gave us is refused. We become lower than the animals for they know to whom to turn.
Independence is a gift we should not squander.
Somehow I pray we find that we as a nation find that path of freedom again; until then I walk it the best I can and never let my eyes stray for fear I, too, will lose the path.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Nothing to do? Don't even get me started ... too late
Nothing to do in Enid. Wow, how many times have I heard that line.
The simple truth in most instances is that line is a cop-out for adults who don't want to take their kids to do anything in Enid.
We may not be the entertainment capitol of the world, but there is plenty to do in Enid.
Here's a pretty good start at seeing not only what is coming up but what are staples in this city: http://enidnews.com/whats2do
Most of the time, I'm missing some event Enid has to offer because I'm attending another event.
Just this week there has been activities with the hometown theater (how many cities our size boast that?) and a haunted house and there were cemetery tours, several trick or trunk events that featured games and food, a downtown Scare on the Square extravaganza, not to mention how many homes turned on their porch lights and bought hundreds of dollars of candy and treats just so costumed munchkins can live the good life and make some Norman Rockwell-style memories.
And while some may say this week was an exception I would disagree. On a normal week there is a science museum and park where kids can spend hours playing and even "hiding" from parents in a park-style maze, parks where kite-flying and playgrounds will keep children happy.
OK, those are fine for little kids, but they are easily pleased. What about older kids? Those who people say tend "to get in trouble" because there is nothing to do.
Well, the sky's not even the limit in Enid, as there is an observatory where you can view the stars (again, how many cities boast that?) and that same theater that always seems to be readying for its next production.
There are two free — did I say free? Yes, I did — splash pads and a water park that is a good place to cool off in the summer. There are go-carts and miniature golf and regular golf and bike and walking trails. There are museums and area state parks and lakes and wildlife and hiking. There is talk of a larger community park and an off-road vehicle facility.
There still is a lot for children to get involved with in this city from church missions and youth activities to sports such as karate, YMCA leagues. There are professional activities such as summer internships and jobs.
There are skating and bowling, movies and video games.
It's not easy. It's much easier to stay at home and grouse about the city and it's poor selection of activities.
But, it's not true, and staying involved in local associations, charities, schools, businesses, non-profits and even government is much more fun and fulfilling.
The simple truth in most instances is that line is a cop-out for adults who don't want to take their kids to do anything in Enid.
We may not be the entertainment capitol of the world, but there is plenty to do in Enid.
Here's a pretty good start at seeing not only what is coming up but what are staples in this city: http://enidnews.com/whats2do
Most of the time, I'm missing some event Enid has to offer because I'm attending another event.
Just this week there has been activities with the hometown theater (how many cities our size boast that?) and a haunted house and there were cemetery tours, several trick or trunk events that featured games and food, a downtown Scare on the Square extravaganza, not to mention how many homes turned on their porch lights and bought hundreds of dollars of candy and treats just so costumed munchkins can live the good life and make some Norman Rockwell-style memories.
And while some may say this week was an exception I would disagree. On a normal week there is a science museum and park where kids can spend hours playing and even "hiding" from parents in a park-style maze, parks where kite-flying and playgrounds will keep children happy.
OK, those are fine for little kids, but they are easily pleased. What about older kids? Those who people say tend "to get in trouble" because there is nothing to do.
Well, the sky's not even the limit in Enid, as there is an observatory where you can view the stars (again, how many cities boast that?) and that same theater that always seems to be readying for its next production.
There are two free — did I say free? Yes, I did — splash pads and a water park that is a good place to cool off in the summer. There are go-carts and miniature golf and regular golf and bike and walking trails. There are museums and area state parks and lakes and wildlife and hiking. There is talk of a larger community park and an off-road vehicle facility.
There still is a lot for children to get involved with in this city from church missions and youth activities to sports such as karate, YMCA leagues. There are professional activities such as summer internships and
There are skating and bowling, movies and video games.
It's not easy. It's much easier to stay at home and grouse about the city and it's poor selection of activities.
But, it's not true, and staying involved in local associations, charities, schools, businesses, non-profits and even government is much more fun and fulfilling.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
No 'Innocence' in my mind
I did it. I Googled “Innocence of Muslims,” the "film" that set the Mideast on fire Tuesday, and watched a portion of it on YouTube, basically until I got sick of it (I'm surprised I got as far as I did.)
The main reason I did it was to see if it was something linkable on the newspapers main site. If you go to this story you will not find it there.
Guess that answers that question.
I actually laughed in some places, but not because of the storyline, which I generally did not get, but because it was such a cheesy film.
But the fervor it caused in the Islamic world is not a laughing matter.
Is this the fault of the filmmaker. As an American I say no. And along with that I thank God every day I am an American.
We have freedom of speech. It's a concept not known in some parts of the world, and maybe nowhere in the world to the extent it is here.
America allows me to express my opinion that religion may be worth dying for but it is not worth killing for and that if you think it is you are in the wrong religion.
Some say all religions have their faults, and I agree — we all are human and therefore come with faults — but killing another human being for a film, that really wasn't worth the money used to pay for it in my mind, is not a fault, it is wrong, it is cowardice, it is a sin.
Some say they are animals, but even most animals will not attack without cause, and a cheesy film and its excerpts on YouTube are not a just cause.
In poor taste? Yes, I think there are better ways to address the controversy of faith.
As an American am I angry the flag was treated as it was in Egypt Tuesday? Yes. As a Christian would I be angry if Jesus were treated in a similar film? Yes.
Would it be worth any life? Some say it one was worth it more than than 2,000 years ago.
And if more believed that then maybe there would be less of yesterday.
Hassler writes for the News & Eagle and can be reached at violeth@enidnews.com
Comment on this story here or at facebook.com/enidnews.
The main reason I did it was to see if it was something linkable on the newspapers main site. If you go to this story you will not find it there.
Guess that answers that question.
I actually laughed in some places, but not because of the storyline, which I generally did not get, but because it was such a cheesy film.
But the fervor it caused in the Islamic world is not a laughing matter.
Is this the fault of the filmmaker. As an American I say no. And along with that I thank God every day I am an American.
We have freedom of speech. It's a concept not known in some parts of the world, and maybe nowhere in the world to the extent it is here.
America allows me to express my opinion that religion may be worth dying for but it is not worth killing for and that if you think it is you are in the wrong religion.
Some say all religions have their faults, and I agree — we all are human and therefore come with faults — but killing another human being for a film, that really wasn't worth the money used to pay for it in my mind, is not a fault, it is wrong, it is cowardice, it is a sin.
Some say they are animals, but even most animals will not attack without cause, and a cheesy film and its excerpts on YouTube are not a just cause.
In poor taste? Yes, I think there are better ways to address the controversy of faith.
As an American am I angry the flag was treated as it was in Egypt Tuesday? Yes. As a Christian would I be angry if Jesus were treated in a similar film? Yes.
Would it be worth any life? Some say it one was worth it more than than 2,000 years ago.
And if more believed that then maybe there would be less of yesterday.
Hassler writes for the News & Eagle and can be reached at violeth@enidnews.com
Comment on this story here or at facebook.com/enidnews.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
California stinks ... tell me some real news.
I have fond memories of my one visit to the golden coasts of California: I was a senior in high school and on my last fling with classmates, many of whom had been a constant for the past 12 years of my life.
We were young, and we didn't care about politics, real estate prices and the cost of living.
Now, you literally couldn't pay me to live in California, because I couldn't afford it.
However, a major chunk of the population somehow has managed to do so, but I bet many are wishing this week they were somewhere else.
The reason: It really does stink. There has been a foul odor wafting across the beaches of southern California, and scientists seem to think the cause can all be traced back to global warming.
See story here
It is getting harder to refute the existence of global warming, as the ponds and lakes dry up and the season shift our part of the world.
While I am not convinced global warming is caused by man, I cannot say anymore I do not think it exists, because it is awfully dry out there.
It apparently can be smelled across California, and it can be seen and felt in Oklahoma, even in Enid: where I and a few friends and our children managed to bake while at an outside fundraiser this weekend and when everyday I visit my horse in his stall and wonder what color his hair used to be on a face coated with dust.
There has been turns in the earth's patterns before, and while some scientists cry this is different I can't help but hope for the return of frigid winters that kill the ragweed and the pollen and signal the return of normal climate in our neck of the woods.
But until that time, I worry ... like when our rural well site went dry last summer and we had to go deeper for a water source that for a decade had not been an issue. I worry when I see the farm ponds dry up, even deep ones that never had done so prior to the past two summers.
And while I know many local residents think the city doesn't know what it is talking about, I worry when I see sprinklers around town all for the sake of keeping a yard green. Why? In these times I almost see that as a scarlet letter. Maybe brown is the new green.
I worry when I see corporations using a large amount of our drinkable water when they could use their resources, perhaps, to build their own treatment plants. It's just easier and maybe in the shortrun cheaper to use up the aquifers, but what will the price be in the future. Maybe it's time for the city to rework its corporate contracts.
I admit I never thought too much before these past two summers about letting the water run while I brushed my teeth. It gave the hot water heater time to catch up, after all.
But these days I teach my son to shut off the tap while he brushes, and I'm sorry to say that it has come to that. I worry about his future, and what steps he will one day have to take for his kids.
Hassler writes for the News & Eagle and can be reached at violeth@enidnews.com
We were young, and we didn't care about politics, real estate prices and the cost of living.
Now, you literally couldn't pay me to live in California, because I couldn't afford it.
However, a major chunk of the population somehow has managed to do so, but I bet many are wishing this week they were somewhere else.
The reason: It really does stink. There has been a foul odor wafting across the beaches of southern California, and scientists seem to think the cause can all be traced back to global warming.
See story here
It is getting harder to refute the existence of global warming, as the ponds and lakes dry up and the season shift our part of the world.
While I am not convinced global warming is caused by man, I cannot say anymore I do not think it exists, because it is awfully dry out there.
It apparently can be smelled across California, and it can be seen and felt in Oklahoma, even in Enid: where I and a few friends and our children managed to bake while at an outside fundraiser this weekend and when everyday I visit my horse in his stall and wonder what color his hair used to be on a face coated with dust.
There has been turns in the earth's patterns before, and while some scientists cry this is different I can't help but hope for the return of frigid winters that kill the ragweed and the pollen and signal the return of normal climate in our neck of the woods.
But until that time, I worry ... like when our rural well site went dry last summer and we had to go deeper for a water source that for a decade had not been an issue. I worry when I see the farm ponds dry up, even deep ones that never had done so prior to the past two summers.
And while I know many local residents think the city doesn't know what it is talking about, I worry when I see sprinklers around town all for the sake of keeping a yard green. Why? In these times I almost see that as a scarlet letter. Maybe brown is the new green.
I worry when I see corporations using a large amount of our drinkable water when they could use their resources, perhaps, to build their own treatment plants. It's just easier and maybe in the shortrun cheaper to use up the aquifers, but what will the price be in the future. Maybe it's time for the city to rework its corporate contracts.
I admit I never thought too much before these past two summers about letting the water run while I brushed my teeth. It gave the hot water heater time to catch up, after all.
But these days I teach my son to shut off the tap while he brushes, and I'm sorry to say that it has come to that. I worry about his future, and what steps he will one day have to take for his kids.
Hassler writes for the News & Eagle and can be reached at violeth@enidnews.com
Friday, May 11, 2012
Shock value journalism
Let's step past the debate over whether a woman has a right to parent her child as she sees fit and talk about the decision Time editors made to run its cover photo.
The latest issue depicts a woman standing beside her her 3-year-old son, who is standing on a stool and apparently breast-feeding.
I say apparently, because in reality he is mugging for the camera, and that to me makes the entire photo staged for shock value only, a ploy that has worked judged on the discussion the issue is generating.
So the question arises: Is there purpose in today's society for shock journalism.
Time could have run a more accurate photo depicting a woman's decision to continue breast-feeding her 3-year-old. The editors chose not to.
Once in the journalism world, staging photos not only was frowned upon but banned by serious news agencies. Magazines have been a different beast, however, but still the rules would apply.
Now, there is a belief by some in the journalism halls that staged photos — and the more shocking the better — will sell content.
Would you be interested in this story without the photo?
The argument could be made that it has produced the desired attention. In fact, I would wager anyone who hasn't seen it (and I would be surprised in this day and age if there are any) will go Google it now.
It is an argument that does not stand up, no matter how much attention it brings to an issue, whether that attention is warranted or not.
Using the excuse that this photo was needed for attention purposes really is an insult to the American people: It's like saying you are not smart enough to realize the attention this story deserves, so we have to shock you into paying attention.
If that is the case, it shouldn't take a staged photo to do it. That is not responsible journalism.
The latest issue depicts a woman standing beside her her 3-year-old son, who is standing on a stool and apparently breast-feeding.
I say apparently, because in reality he is mugging for the camera, and that to me makes the entire photo staged for shock value only, a ploy that has worked judged on the discussion the issue is generating.
So the question arises: Is there purpose in today's society for shock journalism.
Time could have run a more accurate photo depicting a woman's decision to continue breast-feeding her 3-year-old. The editors chose not to.
Once in the journalism world, staging photos not only was frowned upon but banned by serious news agencies. Magazines have been a different beast, however, but still the rules would apply.
Now, there is a belief by some in the journalism halls that staged photos — and the more shocking the better — will sell content.
Would you be interested in this story without the photo?
The argument could be made that it has produced the desired attention. In fact, I would wager anyone who hasn't seen it (and I would be surprised in this day and age if there are any) will go Google it now.
It is an argument that does not stand up, no matter how much attention it brings to an issue, whether that attention is warranted or not.
Using the excuse that this photo was needed for attention purposes really is an insult to the American people: It's like saying you are not smart enough to realize the attention this story deserves, so we have to shock you into paying attention.
If that is the case, it shouldn't take a staged photo to do it. That is not responsible journalism.
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