Smile!

Okay, this picture is here just so there will be a better picture at the top of the blog than that wretched wheelchair. It was taken in NC on the same climb that resulted in the picture of Todd on the mountain top. But not the point of this post.

The job David does requires him to talk to 40-50 people by phone every day. He gets all sorts because there are all sorts of people in the world. Some are pleasant, some are bitchy and mean and some are just--well-not too smart. When he gets something interesting he hauls his butt to the wheelchair to find me. Once, in answer to the question regarding joint pain, a poor woman chuckled and said "I hurt everywhere under my hair". It made me chortle 'cause I feel the same way some days. Another, when asked for his height and weight said "I'm full grown". He was 6' 5" and around 300 lbs. Made us laugh. 

I love when I get unexpected smiles. One of those happened in the parking lot of the grocery store. I passed an elderly gentleman (more elderly than I) and just nodded and smiled at him. He stopped me to say thank you. For a smile. He smiled back and we went on our way. 

I have also discovered that even the kid at the drive through window appreciates a smile and thank you. (It also makes for better service.)

Here's what I wonder. Why is it a surprise when someone is kind?? Don't know the answer to that but I have my suspicions.

I have posted elsewhere a quote from a friend of mine; "Be kind, for everyone you meet is enduring a mighty struggle". That struggle may be as insignificant as a flat tire or as consequential as a terrible illness or death. 

Anyway, there is a reason for the main title of my little blog. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much.

And smile!

David's Wheels

I am David's best friend. I am old. I am worn out. I am dirty. (Am I tilted?) I get David wherever he needs to go. I take him all around the house so he can do more for himself. I take him to get a haircut, to check the mail, to take out the trash. And if he's very good, and if the weather is fine, I take him to the grocery/deli in our neighborhood. I am a convertible with green technology and emit no hydrocarbons. I am abusive to furniture (see dings on leg of chair) and walls, but am forgiven for my trespasses because I am indispensable to the sanity of my family.  David may be broken and unable to be repaired, but not me. I have been through two batteries, two new tires and one motor, but I keep on going--because I must.  I am David's wheels.

In Memory of the Oscars--What is Your Favorite Movie?

In memoriam, since the Oscars are dead to me, my favorite movies recently viewed. The list is not of current movies because I wait for DVD's. (In no particular order, except as my memory allows.)

1. The Lives of Others: This story is set in East Germany in 1984. It chronicles life under the totalitarian regime before the wall came down. It is stunning to see life as it was lived then. It's in German and subtitled--but don't be scared, you get used to reading and watching. DO IT!!  
2. The Devil Wears Prada: I know, I know, a cheesy chick flick. But David and I both laughed our butts off. The two best words in the movie--"That's all".
3. John Adams: The HBO series is so educational and real. I mean, really, check out their teeth. Don't let the length or the thought that is may be a documentary deter you. It is compelling and entertaining.
4. The Holiday: Two women change places for a "fortnight" and find themselves. The ultimate fantasy movie for anyone who wants a change. Also--a chick flick. Don't knock it--I am still a chick.
5. The Princess Bride: Very old but a classic. Great lines-"He's only mostly dead", "My name is Indio Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die", "As you wish".
6. Immortal Beloved: The story of Beethoven cloaked in a love story. Beautiful music, beautiful film.
7. Sense and Sensibility: The great Jane Austin story. Loved the dialogue, so very old British.
8. All of the Die Hard Movies: Two words--Bruce Willis.
9. We Are Marshall: A sports movie, a tearjerker and Matthew McConaughey.
10. Moonstruck: Another classic. I watch it every time it comes on the tube. Cher before she got weird--(okay weirder). Also the angst of Nicolas Cage is a joy to behold.
    

Okay,  I will now wait for you to tell me how wrong I am and to add your favorites.

Where In The World is Todd?

Todd is the second and last of our offspring. He is now living in North Carolina, where he spent the first 2 years of his life while David was at Duke attending anesthesia school. He started out in Myrtle Beach and was transferred to Charlotte where he remains. He LOVES Charlotte. He does not love his job as well. He is the manager of a granite import and supply company. He started work for this company in Memphis and worked his way up until they wanted him to open new franchises. 

This was taken recently during a trip to Flat Rock, NC. He climbed up there!!

I'll post more pics of Charlotte later. It really is a great city.

Ghetto-Fabulous

An intro to my eldest She is a 3rd grade teacher in a part of Memphis called Whitehaven. Except it's not. Her school is a Title 1 school in what is politely called the "inner city". She loves the teaching part and hates the bureaucratic part. There is a new superintendent who thinks he must try all kinds of new innovations that are mostly just more work and documentation for the teachers. We talk her off a cliff every week, but she remains standing and for that we are proud.

Cami's Kids

In The Beginning

So it begins. I don't do much, but sometimes I have stuff on my mind. Here is where I'll share.

I am hoping for a chance to communicate with my family and friends without using up their band width.

Here is where we live. Just across the street from the Mississippi River with a view of Arkansas on the other side.