Saturday, November 19, 2011

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Okay now for the important stuff.

While Toby and Reba are some of my favorite Okie singers?

Oklahoma lost.

Hey LSU? About that BSC title?

Roooooooooollllllllllllll....
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6 days 'til Thanksgiving

36 days 'til Christmas


but most important


8 days 'til the Iron Bowl.

Priorities people.

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Factoid


This post,

http://12dotsandablot.blogspot.com/2010/09/needed-break.html?showComment=1321693404623#c4269841658222189699


is the most read post on my blog.

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Happy birthday to the guy who wrote this song. (Happy day after birthday actually.)

I know that there's all kinds of important stuff in the world to write about but this just seemed like a better idea.

Hugs,

Ann.

PS

Added new MOVES to tai chi already done list. And going to gym. LOL Fun, fun, fun...

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

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Please note 85 moves out of 108 and another 6 weeks to work on it ain't bad at all.


Although there is that one move were you have to do a leg type lift.

Ack.


Keep calm.

Carry on.

Hugs and twinkly lights!

Ann

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And now about that Harold and Kumar movie. LOL and wow. Do not take your mother.





Oh wait- Pup did take his mother. LOL.


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LOL , yeah I know. Sappier than pine wood, but, really, isn't this the truth?

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Hug a friend, a lover, or another.
Give yourself hug too for making it through.

Happy day.

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Dear  Dad,

We're okay. You  scared me this past winter. I'm glad that you're okay. I thought that you might die and we'd never be able to make peace with each other or that I'd ever hear you say the words, "I love you." Then you did and you  hugged my neck. It started me one a journey to actually live my life again. And I am. From the tai chi to the boat to how I relate to Pup and WB. It freed me. Sailing isn't the impossible. Pup will be okay. And I made myself laugh. Now when folks are cranky or life tries to dump it's unhappy in my lap? I say no thanks.

I'm sorry that we aren't around each other more but I doubt that it would be as I'd hoped. But I can send you post cards from my "travels" and hope that you both have the family that you need.

Dad, I always think of you when I see this video. When I'm able to hear the stories of your life, when I think of everything you've done, when I remember telling the rehab lady about your exploits hoping that she would see past the things you couldn't do and see the things you still would be able to do, I was in away willing you to stay a bit longer. If she could see and know the things that I knew about you, she'd do what she had to to bring you back past the despair or what you couldn't. To look at you know I know that you still have worlds to find.

I was willing for you to see it too. It was the first time that you didn't fight. I didn't want for you to give up.

"Sky diving... I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu..."

I got a second chance too. It's as if there's a big world for me to see.





Such a gift.

Worth more than gold.

Thank you.

Hugs,

Me.

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Whenever I want to feel pitiful and self absorbed sad, I think of this week long ago when the day was sunny and all the world seem to lay before me. After a long slug through bad medical care I thought that there was hope for one brief moment. Then? It seemed as if winter came and never left.

Then one day...

Some hard things take a while to leave us. Maybe they never do. Not really.


In the following blog posts I write about Zen moments and plans for the future. If you know me you know that this is a long time coming. This will be the first time in many many years where I can finally make my own self laugh out loud. While it still hurts to look at the past, I can see a future too.

Someone asked us how we'd stayed together for so long. I wonder that myself but then I asked WB how it was possible. Then he told me.

We've seen some tough times. Maybe we're together still because neither of us, no matter how hard we tried would let go.




For my sweet baby. I love you even though we never got to say hello.

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

I'm a long while on this Earth but when my time comes?

I like this song.

This exact song.

Found it on Youtube and wanted to save it here.




Now back to Happy.


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Please.

Do not hate me because I'm (finally) having a very good day.

If you'd had as many bad days as I've had?


You'd understand why today's good day is so important.


And please?





Don't eat the daisies.


Management.


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Friday, November 11, 2011

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Happy Veteran's Day.


And now?

Postcards from Happy.



Dear Gentle Readers,

Well first off? I've stopped reading my horoscope. I only read it to point out how wrong the predictions are but didn't have time to read it for at all last week. When I went back and read it, it seemed like such a colossal waste of my time that I just stopped. It's not even close to what happened. Not even close. I figure that will add 10 minutes to my day, an hour and 10 minutes to my week, four hours and 40 minutes to my month, and 48 hours, 480 minutes to my year. That's a total off 55 hours to my year or 2 days and 7 hours of my life per year.


Add to the "already done list" Saved time, added days to my life, and stopped reading horoscope.

As of this week I have hit the tiger right and left. Except for one move, the next 10 moves or so in tai chi class are actually repeats. Hurray for repeats and hurray for a great substitute teacher. Don't get me wrong; I love my regular teachers. It's just nice to have a change up and this sub is great.

Add to my "already done" list. Appx 46 moves out of 108 in Taoist tai chi. Maybe more since some of the remaining moves are repeats. Yay.

If you remember last summer I tried an experiment with how I handle my life. Instead of endless "to do" lists I started writing "already done" lists. I'd wake up each morning and I'd say, "What can I do today that will make today feel like a success?" I wouldn't even write things down. Instead I'd just start doing what I thought I would like to do and then write down what I'd done on my "already done" list. The experience was wildly successful. The resulting "already done" list included things I'd hoped to do for years but hadn't and things that I'd never dreamed that I could do.  I began doing things that I'd always wanted to do but didn't because I thought that there were other things I needed to do first. Hurdles. I was most amazed at WB and Pups reactions. I thought that they'd be all kinds of unhappy with this new way of doing things but I soon found out that they were fine with it. Apparently it's a very masculine trait to say this is what I'm going to do and then go do it. It's what climbs mountains and builds sky scrapers. I'm two months into tai chi class and going to the gym to - wait for it - lift weights because of this new way of doing things.  I'm still a slacker in that I know how to sit out in the Zen garden in a hammock and enjoy the quiet or goof off (we did go see the Harold and Kumar movie. More later.) I'm just doing my own thing. I'm not asking for a consensus. Nope. Instead I'm saying, "This is my my life. Have a nice day."  The people who love me are fine with it and the rest? Meh to them.

Add to my already done list? I'm calling it, "A Year of Being Physical"

Already going to tai chi.

Already going to the gym.

You see I have a plan for my life.


So far?


It's working.


Step one.

Learn 108 movements of Taoist Tai Chi. This is to improve flexibility and balance. I also tried to include graceful movement. Yeah, yeah, I know but I can try to be graceful. The idea is to use the tai chi as a warm up and coool down before a physical activity. No I don't care that right now I still look a bit goofy.

Why?

Because I've been doing the moves that I know and guess what? I am actually using them to warm up and cool down at the gym. It's working for what I've intended it to work for.

Yayayayayayy!


So far no one is laughing or pointing.

Actually they're very supportive.

None of the, "Psst maybe you shouldn't be trying this."  Instead?  "It's good idea and here's other things you can do as well."   Have there been folks who say, "Maybe you should wait?" Yep but I'm thinking that even if it's good intentioned? It's not the best advice for me.


Add to "already done" list?


Go to the gym.

Actually do cardio and lift weights.


Yes, me, the veteran slacker.


Everyday.

LOL I know, hard to believe.

I'm saying thank you to the people who I've talked to about this. My favorite bit of advice came from a very nice complete stranger who told me, "When you do go the gym? You see the folks who are buff? They didn't come that way. We all have to start somewhere." I could hug that guy's neck. When I see the people who are in great shape, I tell myself to keep up the good work.

"But" you say, "What about the fencing?"

"Well, " I say, "I tried on a fencing jacket tonight and between the gear that I can borrow from Pup and the gear that I can use from the fencing club, I should be starting beginning classes soon. I'm going to make the best of the time freed up when they stopped the tai chi tutor sessions to rearrange my schedule and viola', it would seem that it's an even better fit than the all tai chi.


Add to "already done" list


Better schedule of physical activity than before.


Equipment and set up to take fencing.




Like the song says ---




Now then before anyone starts to think, "Ah geeze, another slacker lost to clean living? Naw. I'm still slacker. It's just after years of being other folks "emotional dumpster" I've come upon a new way to look at things.

I just tell them, "Everyone's got a priority and this is mine. Have a great day."

And?

In the words of Hannah Murphy?

"Having fun is THE best revenge."


LOL I'm so happy that cranky has a girl friend, pups growing up, and WB? He actually went with me to the gym.


Double LOL? I was even invited to church and met a pretty famous person who seemed nice.


It's all good.

Love, hugs, and kisses,



The Zen Happiness Experiment thing? It worked.


LOL After many many years?  I got my own self to laugh.

Now that is something.

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Friday, November 4, 2011

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Dear you,

I can hear you.




It's been a while.

Merry Christmas,


Ann

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If you're from the future? Say before April 27,2012?
Keep reading till you find the link back..


We gotta get you a... LOL. After years and years of not being in a good place to commit to anything other than Pup it would seem that it might actually be my turn to be --- in love?

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

Well that would be funny.

Good but funny and all kinds of ironic.

Oh yeah... Dear Mom and Dad,



Sorry I'll miss all the excitement for the holidays. Sorry I'll miss all the "fun" but well --

Substitute boyfriend for girl friend and...





lol -- There's folks who've invested alot of time trying to convince me and the world that I'm one colosal fcuk up. A slacker.

But -- well -- I think I'll be okay ...



LOL


In other news. Pup and I are thinking about making the new Harold and Kumar 3D movie a Christmas tradition. I'll have to see it first.

Hugs.


Now back to the future with ya'

http://12dotsandablot.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post_9069.html  Click me


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,,,

Dear Gentle Reader,

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Hmm. Random.

Have been having fun and not so much fun while gone. Got Sunday's obligation over and done. The good news was that WB went with me to keep me company. The better news is the day is over and we made it through in good shape. The bad news? LOL Not really any because it's over and I no longer have the "big O" (obiligation) to annoy. Yay!

For the funs stuff?

Well we got through some of the kicks in tai chi and I must say they weren't near as bad as I thought they would be. This isn't braggin it's just sheer relief that I could stand on one foot with hands in the air and then turn and kick. It's fun and MUCH better than what I had to do Sunday which frankly felt like a waste of time.

Next up in tai chi? According to the list it's something to do with a tiger. Looks like fun.

Halloween came and went with a lovely surprise. Growls and strange noises in our woods but all the pups and chickens were stil here the next morning. Whatever was walking in our woods believed us when we said aloud that the police were on speed dial.

And for the record? They still are.

The weather is turning cold but the wind on the lake is up. Good if you like to sail.

While there are some parts of life that are still a bit cranky? I'm happy to report that one of the cranky people now officially has a girl friend. This is a relief as he's now preoccupied with her and I no longer have any obligations. Can visit the lake in peace and finally enjoy it.

That's probably the best news.

Have boat work and yard work and other stuff to do. Hot weather is behind us for a while and I have plans for work here. Have met some nice folks and looking forward to seeing what will happen. Enjoying the tai chi very much. Only 65 of the 108 moves to go. Will be taking fencing classes soon. I love being a beginner in this stuff. No worries. And the holidays will soon be here.



Took awhile to get here but you know what?

Life is good.

AuthorAnn


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Thursday, October 27, 2011

108 taoist tai chi movements





1 Opening of Tai Chi
2 Left Grasp Bird's Tail
3 Grasp Bird's Tail
4 Single Whip
5 Step Up and Raise Hands
6 White Stork Spreads Wings
7 Brush Knee (left)
8 Strum the Pei Pa
9 Brush Knee and Twist Step (left)
10 Brush Knee and Twist Step (right)
11 Brush Knee (left)
12 Strum the Pei Pa
13 Brush Knee and Twist Step (left)
14 Chop with Fist
15 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
16 Appear to Close Entrance
17 Cross Hands
18 Carry Tiger to Mountain
19 Diagonal single Whip
20 Fist Under Elbow



21 Go Back to Ward Off Monkey (right)
22 Go Back to Ward Off Monkey (left)
23 Go Back to Ward Off Monkey (right)
24 Slanting Flying
25 Step Up and Raise Hands
26 White Stork Spreads Wings
27 Brush Knee (left)
28 Needle at Sea Bottom
29 Fan Penetrates through the Back
30 Turn and Chop with Fist
31 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
32 Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail
33 Single Whip
34 Wave Hands Like Clouds (five times)
35 Single Whip
36 Reach Up to Pat Horse





37 Separate Foot to Right
38 Separate Foot to Left
39 Turn and Kick
40 Brush Knee and Twist Step (left)
41 Brush Knee and Twist Step (right)
42 Step Up and Punch
43 Turn and Chop with Fist
44 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
45 Right Foot Kick
46 Hit Tiger at Left
47 Hit Tiger at Right
48 Right Foot Kick
49 Strike Ears with Fists
50 Left Foot Kick
51 Turn and Kick
52 Chop with Fist
53 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
54 Appear to Close Entrance
55 Cross Hands
56 Carry Tiger to Mountain
57 Whip Out Horizontally
58 Parting Wild Horse's Mane (right)
59 Parting Wild Horse's Mane (left)
60 Parting Wild Horse's Mane (right)
61 Parting Wild Horse's Mane (left)
62 Parting Wild Horse's Mane (right)
63 Left Grasp Bird's Tail
64 Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail
65 Single Whip
66 Fair Lady Works Shuttles (left)
67 Fair Lady Works Shuttles (right)
68 Fair Lady Works Shuttles (left)
69 Fair Lady Works Shuttles (right)
70 Left Grasp Bird's Tail
71 Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail
72 Single Whip
73 Wave Hands Like Clouds
74 Single Whip
75 Creeping Low Like a Snake
76 Golden Cock Stands on One Leg (left)
77 Golden Cock Stands on One Leg (right)
78 Go Back to Ward Off Monkey (right)
79 Go Back to Ward Off Monkey (left)
80 Slanting Flying
81 Step Up and Raise Hands
82 White Stork Spreads Wings
83 Brush Knee (left)
84 Needle at Sea Bottom
85 Fan Penetrates through the Back
86 White Snake Turns and Puts Out Tongue
87 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
88 Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail
89 Single Whip
90 Wave Hands Like Clouds
91 Single Whip
92 Reach Up to Pat Horse
93 Cross Hands to Penetrate
94 Turn and Kick
95 Chop with Fist
96 Brush Knee and Punch
97 Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail
98 Whip to One Side
99 Creeping Low Like a Snake
100 Step Up to Seven Stars
101 Retreat to Ride Tiger
102 Turn Around to Sweep Lotus
103 Draw Bow to Shoot Tiger
104 Chop with Fist
105 Step Up, Deflect, Parry, Punch
106 Appear to Close Entrance
107 Cross Hands
108 Closing of Tai Chi

The Ca Co Co Nut Club 1 AM

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Just you, me, and a little club in the middle of cyber land...


(aka my tai chi class)





Number 5?

An no not LouBega ( who is fantastico)

Instead?








Sha- boom - boom - bayabee...





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Never, ever, drink 7 up, eat pizza, drink 7 up, eat ice cream defrosted in the microwave, and then drink 7 up in the middle of the night and expect it not to go badly.

Something is going to end up causing fizzing for the rest of the night.


Need music...




Sounds Halloweeny..


Nitey night.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Allert. Alert. Hey you!

Today is National Make a Difference Day. Today? I'm going to make a difference by smiling at everyone and saying, "Hello" to people.

What are you going to do?




If you are here to wonder like I do if God ever had a hang nail? Skip this post and go to the next.

If you are from Ireland and your name is David?

Hang on a sec.

And read this.

Dear David,

I am sorry.

There I said it and it only took 10 years give or take to do so.

You cannot seriously still be mad at me.

I am funny. I am sweet. AND?

I have my own sail boat.

:D

I'm also well on my way to becoming a tai chi "swan". Graceful would be my new middle name.

If you're from Ireland but are not named David?

Welcome anyway.

Regards,

Writer Ann

Now then, what if God was one of us?

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"...I wonder, if we're made in Gods image, did God ever have a hang nail or a migraine or maybe labor pains? Did he or she ever pull  an all nighter ?

Or cry?

Would you trust God more if he or she did experience the pains of being alive or  would you rather God was above the suffering?..."



from

Recoil and Pain

by

C Anne Ford

10-25-11


PS I'm not sure that this is Alanis Morrisette but the song fit.


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