Highs and Lows - January 2022

Thanks to this writing challenge I was able to document this month...

Shawl is finished

Cold Temperatures

More snow

Big win at the Rivers Casino

62 hats for the American Heart Association

43 care kits for the homeless

Snow

Goodby Christmas

 

January 29th

 Goals for the Next 30 Days:

Losing 5 lbs.

Walking Hazel every day

Drinking less alcohol

Getting our Will papers organized so when Bill get home, we can go see a lawyer.

Praying more:

    Mom - Health

    Bill - Health

    Stacey - Decisions

    Karen - Peace

    Linda - Hand

    Juli - Decisions

    Jessica - Decisions

    Justine - Baby?

January 28th -

 5 things that make me laugh out loud:

 Bill's Dad Jokes

Julianne's odd sense of humor

Derry Girls

Marvelous Mrs. Mazel

Videos of babies and puppies

A Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

I took a bad fall 2 months ago.  I could blame it on the Long Island Iced Tea, or the uneven floors in the restaurant, or even my bad knees.  But the true culprit is being 63 years old and wearing stiletto shoes.  Oh my, they are beautiful shoes!  Black suede, 4-inch stiletto heels, with a small platform.  

Totally embarrassed, I got to my feet, the pain in my knees was excruciating.  I hobbled out to the car, sat down, and held back my tears.  We walked gingerly into the concert.  I was relieved to sit down again.  After two hours of sitting my knees stiffened up and again the pain was beyond anything I ever felt. This time the pain radiated down to my feet and ankles.  Of course, I was still wearing the beautiful black high heels.   

I have to admit whiskey did alot to numb the pain that night.

Did I get rid of those shoes?  Nope, they are still in my closet, waiting.  Did I learn a lesson?  I sure did, but I can't promise that I will never do it again.  Let me tell you about my sparkly silver shoes...

#23 Write a Letter to someone...

 I'm writing this letter to whom it may concern...

I probably shouldn't be writing this now because I am in a bad mood.  More like a state of displeasure.  Maybe the doldrums or a fit of pique.  It is cold and snowing outside and I am feeling irritable.  

Will I have to cancel my classes again tomorrow?  If I do, I won't be the only one suffering a depression.  My class won't be able to exercise which will release the endorphins that create a good mood and feelings of well-being.  We won't be able to meet with our friends and socialize which produces happiness, bliss, and exhilaration!

My mood is also glum because I haven't seen my daughter Jessica since October when she moved out of state.  It might be petty, but I need to be with my girls or I become vexed with my circumstances.  I begin to pout, nag, and generally become a *itch.  You just ask my husband...he'll tell you!

So what can I do to get out of this ill temper?  I'm doing it right now.  Yes, writing is helping to blow away this blue mood.  I'm feeling relief and a sense of lightness as I confess my annoyances.  I'm reaching a state of contentment and dare I say, euphoria.  If you could see my face, you would see a slight smile, a little upward curve at the corners of my mouth.  

I hope you can find something that lightens your mood and brings you joy on a gloomy day too.

Three Lessons I want my Girls to Learn:

 

The first lesson my girls need to learn is that family is the most important.

The second lesson is that God is with them through the mountains and the valleys. (this probably should be the first lesson.)

And the third lesson is that marriage is hard sometimes.  You need to learn to give and give and give.  Your time, your attention, your love until it's all used up and then give some more!

My First Love

 Bill Prutz, my first my last, my forever love.

I first noticed him at lunchtime in the Senior High Ag Room hallway.  I was a Sophmore and he was a Senior.  I'm sure he didn't notice me.  I would see him occasionally in the halls, but I really started to stalk him (as Juli would say) during baseball season.  My sister Linda would ride our bikes 1/2 mile. down the road to Kendi Park where the baseball team practiced. We had minimal interested in baseball, but we did have an avid interest in boys.  Still at this time I wasn't sure if he noticed me. 

Later that Fall, my girlfriends and I were eating french fries and drinking milkshakes at our local Drug Store lunch counter when we struck up a conversation with one of Bill's friends, Jet Jacquilard.  I happened to mention that I thought Bill Prutz was cute and would like to get to know him.  

On December 6, 1974, I got a phone call from Mr. Bill Prutz...WOW!  He told me that his friend said that I would like to meet him.  We talked for a while and he said he would like to take me out but he had to work next week.  Could he call me back and we could decide where and when we could go out on a date?

So, my first love, also my first date, has become my last love and probably my last date. And I would have it no other way!

30 Facts about me:

1.  My name is Joyce

2. I'm married to Bill

3. I gave life to 3 daughters.

4. I love my job, most of the time.

5. My parents are still alive, Thank You Jesus!

6. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother

7. I have 2 dogs right now, Hazel and Molly

8. My hair is white

9. My eyes are brown

10. I love chocolate

11. Village pizza is my favorite

12. My 2 son-in-laws are pretty awesome

13. I like to listen to Christian Contemporary Music

14. I love to take baths

15. I love the beach

16. I love to visit my daughter in Colorado

17. I can't wait to visit my daughter in Tennessee

18. I love to read

19. I love to crochet

20. I am a Christian, I should have said that earlier.

21. I enjoy learning

22. I enjoy writing

23. Someday I want to get in my car and drive anywhere. No plans...

24. I love to bake

25. A cup of Buttermint tea with honey makes me happy

26.  So does a glass of Fireball on ice

27.  I enjoy riding bikes with my husband

28. I enjoy doing many things with my husband

29.  Staying healthy is important to me

30. Red is my favorite color

Day 16 Something I miss...

 

I miss my girls.  They were such a big part of my life for so many years, Now they are gone.  When they were little we would go shopping, visit grandmas, go to church.  In school, the were busy with Girl Scouts, swimming, dancing.  As they got to High School I would take them to swim practice, band practice, football games.  Then they learned to drive and they didn't need me so much anymore.  But along came Julianne.  Yeah!  Back to shopping, visiting, and practices.

Today Jess is living in Chattanooga, Justine is in Denver and Julianne is in Latrobe.  It's just me and Bill.  At least we have place to visit.

Why Yoga? (Mature Living)

 

Why Yoga?

Hi, it’s Joyce from the YMCA of Laurel Highlands. 

Last year in the June / July issue of Mature Living magazine I explained to you why yoga is important to me and should be for you too.  I still believe this to be true, that is why I’m going to give you more information. 

I just completed another online yoga workshop.  This time there were 6 participants, and our instructor was from Minnesota where the temperature was -14.  But I digress!  Anyway, it was a Senior Yoga training, so it was perfect for me since I teach Seniors (Active Older Adults.)  To be honest, I really didn’t learn any new poses but what I did learn I want to share with you. 

Yes, yoga is a great way to exercise.  Even more important are the benefits our bodies can expect especially as we get older.  These include:

Reduce our need for medications, especially blood pressure medicine.

Improve our bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Yoga enhances our concentration and determination which will build up our willpower to live a healthier lifestyle.  (Eating better food).

Of course, it helps reduce anxiety and stress. 

We can increase joint mobility and build muscle strength, which will improve our balance.

Yoga will improve lung function, so it’s perfect for people with asthma, COPD and other breathing problems.  Keep in mind, you must start slowly.

And finally, is better brain function.  That’s right, the combination of breathing, movement, and meditation will improve cognition skills like memory and coordination.

I know, right?  Why aren’t we doing this every day?  Imagine if we started next week, how much better we would feel next year.

I teach 3 yoga classes each week at the YMCA.  On Tuesdays at 10:45 I’ll be in the Dance Studio with my Seated Yoga class.  This class is perfect for anyone.  We start in our chairs with breathing exercises then I remind my class that they can remain seated or stand beside their chair as we do strength and balance poses.  We return to our chairs for deeper stretches and meditation.  On Thursdays at 10:45 I have developed a Christian Yoga class.  We use Christian Contemporary music and end our time together with prayer.  This class is more advanced as we hold our poses longer and get up and down from the floor.  Now on Saturday at 8:15, my class has nicknamed this “Crazy Yoga.”  It is more vigorous, and we might even do a flip dog or two.

I challenge you to visit the YMCA and try one of these classes.  If you’re not a member your first class is always free.  I can promise that you will feel better walking out than you did walking in.

Days 11, 12, and 13

 11.  Something I always think, "What if?" about?

I live my life with no regrets.  I married my High School sweetheart, I have 3 healthy daughters, I have a great job, money in the bank, 2 wonderful son in laws, I really have no What ifs? 

Okay, what if I won $1,000,000?  In today's world that won't go too far.  I watch the show Lottery Dream Home sometimes.  I see these people looking at homes that cost a million bucks.  If you spend the whole lot on a house, how are you going to pay taxes, utilities, furnishings and appliances?  

Yes, I would love a house on the beach or a cabin in the mountains.  I would love to give my kids money to pay off their college loans and mortgages too.  So maybe I should ask, "What if I won $10,000,000?"

12.  Write about 5 blessing in my life.

1.  Jessica Lynn, my first born, my big girl.  She grew up way too fast and moved away as soon as she could, but she found her way home, married a wonderful man and then moved away again.  She is smart and talented.  I hope one day she will realize just how special she is.

2. Justine Nicole, the middle child.  Actually, she was the baby for 13 years.  She was easy going, smart, funny, and a joy to have around.  Until I found out I was pregnant.  Then she became a beast. she has reverted to her old ways and is once again a beautiful, fun loving woman.

3.  Julianne Marie, the miracle baby, the answer to many prayers, the piece that makes our family complete.   She is an old soul with a heart of gold. She will do great things.

4.  Anthony Michael Kern, my first experience with a teenage boy.  To say he loves my daughter Justine is an understatement!  They have been together since they were 16.  They have traveled the world and seen things I can only dream about.  But unfortunately, all is not perfect.  they seem to be unable to have a baby.  Only God knows why? when? and if?  

5.  Keith Richard Henry, my second experience with adding a male to our family.  He is a great provider for Jessica and loves her and puts up with her many moods.  He was a great golfing buddy to Bill until they moved to Tennessee.  I hope we can stay close and have fun times together as we travel back and forth to visit.

13.  What are you excited about?

I'm excited about tomorrow.  Bill has been in Calvert Cliffs, Maryland since January 3rd.  Tomorrow he will be home for 2 weeks. This is not unusual.  Every January for the last 30+ years he has had to leave home and go to a nuclear power plant to service it.  He works in tools and motors and I guess they need to be updated every two years.  He is nearing retirement and hopefully soon won't have to go.  I look forward to being together, eating pizza, and having a whiskey with him.

Something I feel strongly about:

Pro Life, is something I am passionate about.  It started as a cause at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  Once a year we would gather on Everson Bridge, hold signs and hopefully make people understand that each life is precious.  Then as my girls got older, I wanted them to realize that each baby is a gift.  I would take them on a bus trip to March for Life in Washington D.C. so they could hear the speakers and see that many people believed the same way. I also invited my Girl Scout Troop to see what all the controversy was about  I still believe that each child is a gift, and that life begins at conception.  I got a wakeup call when we found out that Justine was pregnant in December of 2020 and our baby died in her womb in February 2021.  I get sad thinking about all the babies thrown into the garbage because women don't realize how blessed they are to be able to carry their babies and deliver a precious girl or boy to love and cherish.

Words of Wisdom!

 

January 8

 Something I struggle with:

Alcohol

Sugar

I know they are both very bad for my body.  

Today, I took a Senior Yoga Training and the teacher reminded us that as we get more serious about our yoga practice, our eating habit and ways of viewing our lives will change.  We should become more interested in what we put in our bodies and how we take care of our world.  In the 10 years that I have been teaching yoga I have cut back on processed food.  I have also been forced to back off of gluten and dairy products.  But I struggle with cakes, cookies, and chocolate.  I know sugar is the "White Poison" especially since my dad has Type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, Covid has made me increase my consumption of alcohol.  Staying home has introduced me to my good friends, Jim Beam and Captain Morgan.  I also know that alcohol is deadly to my liver.  I can blame stress, worry, and grief but ultimately, I'm to blame.  

I will try my best to take better care of my body in 2022.  It has to last me a lifetime and I hope that will be a long time.

Graves Into Gardens ft. Brandon Lake | Live | Elevation Worship

Amanda Cook - You Make Me Brave (Official Live Music Video)

Another In The Fire - Hillsong UNITED

Anne Wilson - My Jesus (Official Music Video)

CAIN - The Commission (Official Music Video)

TobyMac - Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)

Stars Go Dim - Heaven On Earth (Official Lyric Video)

Jeremy Camp - Dead Man Walking

Day 6 - Five ways to win my heart.

 My heart was won over 40 years ago by a young man who gave me a diamond necklace on our first date.  But that wasn't how he won me.  Yes, he loves to spoil me with gifts but what I love best is when we talk.  Memorable times include, at our beach, on our back deck, and at Bedford Springs.  I also love when he kisses my neck or squeezes my bum for no reason at all.  Love doesn't have to be a big night out if we can enjoy each other at home.  I need to feel loved and cherished.  Like I'm the most important thing in his life.  He makes me feel protected, secure, and most of the time loved. 

 Thank you my love!

 

List 5 places I want to visit

 My dream is to visit all 63 National Parks.  So far I have been to 7.  I hope to add 2 more to the list real soon.  My daughter just moved to Tennessee.  I would like to visit and see the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and Mammoth Cave, (from the outside.)  I'm not a big fan of dark caves!

My other daughter lives in Colorado, which is why I have been to Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, and Gunnison National Parks.  Hopefully we will visit Mesa Verde in the near future as well.

After my husband retires, we hope to travel across this beautiful country.  I think a trip down Route 66 would be fun.  We could begin in St. Louis with the Arch and end in California seeing Saguaro and Joshua Tree National Parks along the way.

I hope I live long enough to enjoy them all, but I take comfort in knowing that if God made the Earth so beautiful, imagine how spectacular Heaven must be!

Day 4

Write about someone who inspires you.

My mom inspires me.  Catherine Cavanaugh was born the second daughter in a dirt-poor family.  She went to school until 8th grade then found a job so she would be able to help out her family.  She married a young man fresh out of the Navy and started a family soon after.  They didn't have much, but luckily, they had family.  They were able to place their small trailer in dad's family's yard until they could afford the "big white house" on the corner.  

My mom was sick with rhuematic fever and her family helped out with the 4 young ones during that time.  When she was better, she stayed home and made sure we had clean clothes, clean hands, and full bellies.  Catherine is known for her delicious baking.  Her grandkids love her chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies.  

But that is not why she inspires me.  Mom worked for years in the housekeeping department at Frick Hospital.  The ladies there were not always the most agreeable.  Some were downright nasty.  But not my mom.  I'll bet those women didn't want to be around mom.  They probably sneered at her smiling face.

Now mom didn't have it easy at home either.  My dad was a tough task-master.  I remember when he got home from the hospital after his" heart attack," he would go around the house and pick up the smallest speck of dust on the carpet.  And yes, we did have plastic covers on our living room furniture.  He didn't allow us to "carry on."  Dad also wasn't very demonstrative in his affections.  Let's just say, he would let you know if you were doing something wrong but never said a word if you did something well.  (He's mellowed a bit now) Mom handled that as well.  

Mom was always there for not only us but for her friends, neighbors, and family as well.  She was and still is liked by everyone she meets.  She is helpful and kind.  She volunteers at church and with the Senior Citizens too.  The amazing thing is...all her kids have come to know and love Jesus as their Savior and she didn't have to preach it, she just lived it!  Yes, my mom is my biggest inspiration.  I hope someday, I will inspire someone too.

Day 3

 What are my 3 pet peeves?

1.  Liars.  I detest liars.  This includes exaggerating and making less of something.  I don't like always or never statements. Once I catch someone in a lie, I find it hard to trust them again.

2.  Whiners.  When someone you love is always complaining about their lives, or their job, or their family, I want to tell them to suck it up.  That is not a popular opinion right now.  Now we are to coddle them, empathize with them and tell them it's not their fault.  Well...sometimes it is their fault.  They made bad choices, they did wrong things, they messed up.  Instead of whining, they need to fix it, and realize that we all have something.  Someone in our family is sick, a friend just passed away, someone can't get pregnant, or someone is on the verge of suicide.  

3.  Lazy people.  I have worked since I was 18 years.  I was blessed to not have to work full time while my daughters were growing up, but with a husband that worked out of town, I needed to be home with them.  I still don't work full time hours, but my job is alot.  When I see so many businesses looking to hire workers and know of so many people staying home collecting unemployment, it makes me angry.  My daughters all have full time jobs, they have all worked since they were 16 or 17 years old.  I just can't understand why parents don't "make" their kids go get a job.  There is something so satisfying about a job well done.  

January 2, 2022

 Wow, 2 days in a row!

The prompt for today is:

Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot.

Years ago, Donna Bing told me that she gets more out of my Stretch Your Faith class than she does at church.  That made me feel good and sad at the same time.  At the end of class I read from a devotional and ask for prayer requests.  I like that she was inspired by that, but sorry that she didn't have a church that could give her what she needed.  Just last month, someone told me basically the same thing after my SS/AAHA class.  She said she learned more at the YMCA than she does at church. 

I'm proud that God uses me to share insight and wisdom to the people I teach in my classes.  I'm humbled that He has put me in these situations to grow His kingdom.  As I look back, I see the path He prepared for me starting with Energy in Motion.  Thank You Lord for leading me to where I can "Show People Jesus."

January 1 2022

 Here I go again.  A new year and a new promise to write daily in my blog.  

I noticed that my last post was in August.  Pitiful, disappointing, and utterly embarrassing!  And I call myself a writer.  Shame on me.

So once again I am going to try to write daily in this blog.  

I started a Writer's Club at the YMCA of Laurel Highlands.  Each month we have a 30 Day Writing Challenge.  I will make a point to open my computer and put the daily prompts there.

Day 1 List 10 things that make me really happy.

1.  My relationship with God.  I love Him, He loves me.

2.  My mom and dad are still with us. At 83 and 88 respectively, I am lucky to have them in my life.

3.  My daughters make me happy and proud.

4.  My job makes me happy.  Being able to work at the YMCA is a blessing.  I am able to use Christian music and devotionals as part of my classes.

5.  My husband makes me happy, most of the time.

6.  Listening to Christian Contemporary Music makes me happy.  My favorites right now are Maverick City, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship.

7.  My dogs make me happy.  It's good to be loved unconditionally.

8.  My family makes me happy.  Even though we are very different, we still share memories from our childhood and dreams for our future.

9.  A hot bath makes me happy.  Soaking and reading in my jacuzzi tub is a luxury I take advantage of as often as possible.

10.  A nice cup of tea can make me happy.  Sometimes a hot tea in the morning is just what I need to get the day started, or in the evening a cup of mint tea is the best medicine for a busy day.

There, I did it!