Love Always Wins~~WHY I KEEP TRYING

My daughter and I combined households a few years back and it has been amazingly wonderful. You see, everyone who knew us was sure it would be a disaster. She and I are quite alike. In fact, so much so that during her teen years, in an argument with her, I shouted "I cannot win an argument against myself so I don't know why I keep trying!" Well, here is the success story of my efforts.

Everyone has amazing kids. We all adore our children. Families are wonderful. My story, I feel, is exceptional. But don't write me off just yet. Read on and decide for yourself.

In January of 2007 I was diagnosed with severely sensitive asthma. Not chemical sensitivity. Not allergies. ASTHMA. Plain and not-so-simple. I had suffered from flu, sinus infection, head cold, bronchitis, pneumonia and never seemed to recover my breath. So I had to see specialists to determine what was going on.

We, my daughter & I, lived in Grant City, MO. I had no vehicle. So my daughter, Lenise was left to assist me as my boys lived quite far away. Her car was not reliable and numerous trips to Kansas City for testing resulted in too many near misses with asthma attacks during the trip. The exhaust from vehicles, smoke from fires and other things were not filtered out as her car had no recirculate. Also, it was prone to break down.

This scared us both as the trips were necessary, Well, she had really been needing more reliable transportation anyway so we eventually combined households and helped each other so that she could purchase a new car that was safe for me to travel in. The next few tens-of-thousands of miles were used in seeking medical care for me. (sure we had issues with my breathing from all the gunk in the new car, but that is another story altogether)

Now here we are, December of 2012. Through many trials and errors we have learned how best for me to keep safe. Lenise is ever conscious of risk factors and so am I. We've learned the hard way. The cold winter air is risky for anyone with respiratory issues; but ever more so here as I have a few bad experiences with scraping frost, ice, &/or snow. With this in mind my daughter purchased a windshield cover for her new car that I drive so that I do not have to stand in the cold and scrape the window, risking a severe asthma attack.

Now, with the snows and even colder temperatures here she has a new fear. The extremes are too much for me for more than a couple of minutes. So today she says to me: "Mom, please, I don't want you outside in the mornings trying to remove snow or ice from the car. Please wake me so I can get it for you" (Tears of the reality of how loving my girl is well up in my eyes) You have no idea. My daughter works mostly nights, not getting home or supper until almost midnight. She also suffers from Chronic Fatigue and Insomnia so she really needs to stay sleeping when she does go to bed! Another thing, I LEAVE FOR WORK AROUND 6:00 am. If this doesn't make sense why I find it so amazing, don't ask. You either get it or you don't . I get it. SHE LOVES HER MOMMY! She loves me so much she's willing to make all of these sacrifices for MY WELL BEING; not hers.

This pulls, rips, tugs, yanks, tears at my heart-strings. I feel my heart swelling within me at the enormity of her love. I just had to post this to a blog. Things this wonderful don't come along just anywhere. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY DAUGHTER. LENISE SCOTT! I love you baby.

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An Ounce Of Kindness~A Pound Of Cure

I quite literally cannot believe the kindnesses of others. When you have health conditions that "impose" on others it can be quite humbling. Take for instance a person with diabetes. Friends, relatives and/or neighbors offer sugar free treats. For ones who are dieting, low calorie or special foods that fit into the nutrition needs of another. In my case, it's asthma. I have excruciatingly, hyper-sensitive asthma. Not allergies. Not chemical sensitivity. Just plain asthma.

With all health conditions, there is no "one size fits all". I cannot stress this enough. THERE IS NO "ONE SIZE FITS ALL". Because, all of us are different. What hurts some amuses others. What offends one, entertains another. What one can do with certain ailments, others cannot. There is no "one size fits all".

In my case, that is ever so true. My asthma has limited me in ways others are not. But that is okay. I have loving family, coworkers and even neighbors who are considerate to this issue. My own sister and brother-in-law gave me a home when I needed it and even changed their routines to accommodate my needs. They adjusted their bathing and showering routines for when I was away so as not to suffocate me. They put away their scented candles and potpourri. They even took the dryer bar out of the dryer so as not to afflict me. Their daughters, my beautiful nieces, did the same. That was significant to me.

Then at work; both of my jobs in early childhood education. My coworkers avoided being too close to me when at work if they knew they had a fragrance or some-such-thing on that suffocated me. Or, if they know they are going to work closely to me, or in a confined space, they take that little extra effort NOT to put on hairsprays, colognes, or other beauty aromas. And why? Because they do not want to suffocate me. They are kind. They are considerate. They are thoughtful. They care about the well-being of others over their own personal preferences.

And most recently; my neighbor and I share a laundry facilities in the basement of our apartment house. The facilities are mine, but I was unable to get them into the basement. So, I asked for his help in exchange for use of the facilities. His laundry detergent was very strong and I had to leave a time or two so I asked him if he would mind changing laundry soaps. The first time the dryer vent had come off so we had that fixed but the next time he did laundry it happened again so...you cannot imagine my surprise. He just went and purchased special laundry soap so as not to choke me. I know many will think "it was to his benefit" or "it was the least he could do" but you are not acquainted with him. I do not believe selfish gain was his purpose. I truly believe that he, like my family and coworkers, cared enough to be thoughtful.

Their ounce of kindness has provided pound after pound of cure for me. And I strive to do for others equally as unselfish. Well, this is all for today. What kindness have you experienced?

Smile At Her Son!

One afternoon I was at the local pizza hut with my children and my youngest boy says to me: "Mommie, that lady over there is frowning at me." As I looked to where he was gesturing I saw an older lady sitting across the dining area, in alignment with my son's view. She did have a frown on her face. She looked to be scowling, almost disapprovingly at us, at my son. He was about 3 or 4 years old at the time. He has my father's smile. Big and cheesy and contagious. Just like daddy's was.

I though for a moment and said "Bear, maybe she's not smiling because she's sad or something happened. Maybe she needs someone to smile at her." My son says "Why mommy?" I said "because sometimes people can't smile 'cause their smile is broken and if you give them a smile from you it fixes it. Why don't you try smiling at her and see what happens." So my little guy looks up, gives the biggest, happiest, warmest smile you ever saw; from ear to ear. Then he gives the woman a little finger tips wave as well. And the next thing I knew he bursts out to me: "It worked mommy! It worked! She smiled at me!" He was so delighted that she smiled I almost wept over the sentiment of the whole thing. My son discovered the power of a smile that day and a woman went on with her day obviously a little bit brighter.

I remember my Grandpa Hunter singing a little "ditty" over the years about smiling, especially if I wasn't! "IF IT'S ANY TROUBLE, IT'LL GO AWAY ON THE DOUBLE, IF YOU S-M-I-L-E. SO CHASE AWAY YOUR TROUBLES AND BE HAPPY IN A DOUBLE WHEN YOU S-M-I-L-E" That's it, that's the whole ditty; at least that's all of it I can recall. Either way, it worked. You couldn't help yourself. You smiled, even if it was because the thing seemed so ridiculous. Or maybe it was that silly look he got on his face and the way he looked over the top of his glasses at you while he sang it. But you smiled nonetheless.

So remember these things the next time you are not smiling and reach out to someone who helps you smile or laugh. You truly cannot laugh or genuinely smile without being effected. And when you see others without smiles, or a pleasant expression; SMILE AT THEM. You will make their whole world better even if you never know how or why.

My son smiles that big ole grin to this very day. And it's still just as infectious and adorable as when he was little. What is your smile story? If you would like to share it you are welcome to do so in the comments area. I would love to hear about it. Or, if you rather, you can send it by private message to me on Facebook. But no matter what, please, S-M-I-L-E.



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Resisting the Pull

My sister, Miss Trisha Hunter, is quite the social media whiz and has many endeavors online. Two of which I have become involved in. One, the Fashionista Fun by SensaFashion, led to yet another blog, my own, which you are now reading here. This in turn has led to my involvement with yet another of Miss Trisha's endeavors, the My Life As A Femal Robot website. 

As I come home from work I find myself logging onto FB, reading all the latest posts, putting my 2 cents in, catching up on the game I play, then being lured into posting a blog that I am no longer expected to do but cannot give up. So I spend near into 3 hours dallying online and off doing bits and pieces around home as well. Then I realize as I log onto this site as well, I find myself having done EXACTLY what this site is all about NOT doing....Being A Female Robot.

So now I look into myself and reflect on what it is I am really doing. Am I being an electronics/social media robot? Or am I just filling a void of otherwise unspent time staring into the media world of television or movies instead? In which case, isn't that just the same as "picking your poison"?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Where do you find yourself in this regard? How are you resisting the pull? Or are you? I am quite interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas.

Follow the links above and check out the sites, see for yourself.

Remember, in all things. we are

A Work In Progress

Popularity Is Overrated

Being popular is overrated by those who are not popular. I grew up insecure & timid, with little to no self-esteem. I would look upon the so-called popular kids in my school and ask myself "What makes them any better than me?" They were not more attractive. Their personalities were not more endearing. They didn't really dress any better than I did. They certainly weren't more kind or enjoyable than I was. So I never quite understood what made a person popular.

Many years later I reentered the world of education. I was given a glimpse of insight about the "popular" girls or guys. And upon closer inspection I noticed that they were indeed my equals not my superiors. They too had their own set of issues and woes. They had grief, sorrow, loss, insecurity, uncertainty, worries, problems, hope and dreams; just as I did.

Did this have an impact on my outlook in regard to myself? YES IT MOST CERTAINLY DID! I realized that they didn't really think they were better than me, they didn't look down on me, or truly dislike me. They just had their own life to concern themselves with. It wasn't, as I like to say, "all about me" at all. In fact their "air of superiority" had nothing to do with me. It was just their way of surviving. Their way of keeping their head above water. They knew how to "fake it 'till you make it".

I took this insight and used it on myself. I stopped second-guessing what others thought, said or felt about me. I focused on "it ain't nothin' but a thing". That was my inward quote; My moral booster. I stopped thinking of myself as inferior to others. I accepted what I had always told myself but couldn't quite believe, was afraid to accept. That there is nothing wrong with me and/or who I am. It's all an interpretation that I had been conditioned  to see, think, believe and feel about myself.

That was my undoing throughout my childhood and early adulthood. I was my own worst enemy. Mom told me that. My sisters pointed it out to me. Numerous others tried to convince me. But I just couldn't, wouldn't, was afraid to dare think it. Overcoming this one not-so-minute issue released a whole new me. I found myself smiling at people with confidence instead of in defeat. I started chatting briefly to folks instead of keeping quiet in fear of conjecture. I started developing the ability to "fake it 'till I made it". And you know what happened? I MADE IT! I made it real. I made me. AND IT WORKED. I'm healthier, happier and friendlier than ever before.

I like who I am. I like what I have become. I like me. And it feels good. And it's about time too. Love to all of you who take the time to read this and reflect on it. I hope it helps you to find better things about/for yourself and those in your life.

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Verbal Bash/Emotional Crash (The saga continues)

There are actually so many things vying for my attention, begging to be written about that it's been difficult to find a starting point. Alas, as with all things, I have to start somewhere. Here we go then...Nameless and Clueless are no strangers to personal issues and their own issues are impeding on their ability to function properly.

Let me back that up just a little bit. See, these two unwitting participants of my cranial workings had another Verbal Bash. However, this time the Emotional Crash was much more severe than before. The Crash wrecked beyond the typical anger, hostility, and aggravation; it wrecked to the point of embitterment, hopelessness, devastation and defeat.

There were other exchanges that occurred since our last visit with the two parties. Once again Nameless attacked Clueless. Once again Clueless was, well...clueless, shocked, angry.

Clueless lashed back at Nameless with vehement confusion and anger, inquiring into the source of the attack. Nameless confirmed the attack and lashed on bitterly one more time. Fed up, finished, and wounded in spirit, Clueless turned away and moved on with the day. Later that same day, Nameless would accost Clueless one more time and the result was quite intense. Clueless went home full of agony and defeat. Feeling completely overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Clueless assured Nameless that the never-ending tantrums were quite intolerable and unacceptable and that they needed to resort to "professional only" conversations. Clueless sat stewing & seething with anger over these unprovoked  assaults.

Determined to "show Nameless", Clueless held all thoughts, feeling and ideas inward. Shutting out Nameless and therefor vindicating the stand taken. This position in their interactions continued silently for a few days until Nameless apologized to Clueless for being unkind. Then Nameless went on to ask if it would be okay to ask Clueless a question. Clueless conceded and allowed Nameless to continue. 

Nameless had questions about the Bible and knew that Clueless was an avid study of the Scriptures. Feeling chastised for losing focus on their integrity and their Christian duty to "love thy neighbor", Clueless warmed up to Nameless and helped Nameless understand the things asked and show where to find the answers in the Bible as well. Nameless was quite intrigued and very grateful for the insight and thanked Clueless with heartfelt gratitude.

This has, for now, ended the saga. We bid it farewell and pray for all the best to come for our unwitting players of the Verbal Bash/Emotional Crash.

 This is a true and concise accounting. It is based on real events and people. We are quite proud of our dear friends and thank them for their assistance in this blog. Even they are: "A Work In Progress".
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Life Is Up In The Air

So sorry to those who are following or just checking in ever so often. There has been so much going on that my head has been spinning as if there were a whirlpool inside it. So much has been happening. So many issues to contend with. So many thoughts flying around. So many emotions. It has been impossible to sort it into something coherent and to decide where I would even begin.

I do so want to share these latest events but it will have to wait a bit longer. I am currently ill from all the dust stirred up by my latest move to the apartment next door, add to that the increased exposure to cleaning supplies and mix those with asthma...well...it's a bad combination. Mix it with MY SUPER SENSITIVE ASTHMA and it's virtually lethal. But more about that in a later post.

Just to give you a taste of what's to come:

1. Another "Verbal Bash/Emotional Crash"

2. Forgiveness In a Mother/Daughter Relationship

3. Moving Mania

Thanks for checking in. I promise not to put off these blog posts for too much longer. I just need time to settle in and recover my health.

Love you all!

Corrina L. Hunter

Verbal Bash/Emotional Crash

I was made privy to an incident where folks clashed with one another. Both parties were clearly agitated. The irony was that they both suffered the same ailment...frustration, fatigue, confusion and chaos. The interesting part is how they handled themselves. The frustrated party, Nameless, had been pushed by circumstances beyond their limit and was completely devoid of all tolerance. The naive party, Clueless, made a reply to something Nameless had said and Nameless unleashed on Clueless. This left Clueless not only more clueless but aggravated, angry and hostile. Fed up and put out joined the exchange adding a new level of heat to the words that passed. 


Now, we must give credit where due. Clueless was shockingly able to stifle further heated replies while Nameless lashed on. Clueless' refusal for rebuttal stifled the potential explosion. However, this sparked an inner chain-reaction in Clueless. Clueless harbored anger and resentment and inwardly schemed to "get even" on this one; So far as to planning just how this silent retaliation would subtly play. The two kept their further words inside themselves allowing the air to settle a bit. 


After a brief separation to alternate areas of involvement the two came together once again. No words were spoken. Not a remark was shared. This lasted for a significant time. Eventually, as many disagreements go, Clueless finally approached Nameless about "why?"  the issue. Nameless had obviously been tense, awaiting a rebuke, because Nameless' shoulders dropped significantly and a big breath or ?relief? was expelled. Nameless did not justify their actions nor did they make excuses for them. Instead, Nameless conceded that their was error on their part and offered a very reasonable explanation for what had caused the dispute. To that end, Clueless "got a clue" and accepted the reply with dignity and respect. Seeing no need to extract the previously expected "apology for the earlier in-justification".


The result, both parties were relieved, relaxed and emotionally crashed. Happy to have the air cleared they were able to pursue the rest of their explorations in peace and harmony. This is a true and concise accounting. It is based on real events and people. You do not, however, have the slightest idea who the players are nor their specific parts in this event. That is OK. As Clueless learned here, you don't have to "know" something to accept it and move on. 


We are quite proud of our dear friends and thank them for their assistance in this blog. Even they are: "A Work In Progress".
 

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Facing the Challenge~~Getting Coherent

I am going to take immediate action on the advice of my Social Networking sister Trisha. She says I need to/must have organization to my blog. I agree with her but was anxious to get started. Now it is time to get a theme or pattern going so that readers know what to expect, if & when to look forward to the next post and so on...


Those who know me well realize that this is not an overnight sensation for me. I have a limited attention span, think spontaneously about a myriad of different subjects and rarely slow down mentally. That being said: It's time to put my "responsible girl pants on" and get focused. I'm smiling at this as it will be rather interesting and most likely amusing from my standpoint as I will be the main one (and hopefully the only one) to know how hectic that is going to be. :D (minus friends, family and coworkers)


The next challenge will be narrowing down and categorizing my subject matter, setting a schedule for each area and selecting the appropriate information for each area. I am insightful in a number of areas but would like to select the situations that will best meet the interest and needs of those who read. I desire to have an impact on others. A source of hopefulness and encouragement with lessons, experiences and anecdotes. Words that will amuse, please, that pull at your heartstrings, that make your heart swell, provide peace of mind. There is little I prefer more than offering comfort to others and joy to their spirits. If you feel that you know me well enough to offer suggestions for content subjects please don't hesitate to share it with me.


Subject matter is looking to be along the lines of:
1. Friends & Family~Relationships
2. Health & Beauty~Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social & Inner/Outer Beauty
3. Communication~How & What Types
4. Memories~Right, Wrong & Otherwise

 

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Automotive Ailments & "Used to Coulds"

Years ago, a very loving friend taught a single, poverty level mother how to work on her own car. She was able to master changing the oil, replacing brakes, master cylinders, alternators, voltage regulators, spark plugs, brake lines, CV joints, radiators, adjusting carburetors (the things that fuel injectors replaced)...a few other minor repairs. She learned these things to preserve what precious little income she had. 


With great sorrow, this is a lost ability now. Health and modern mechanics, the new computer chips, and other circumstances no longer allow her to do these things. Things that once brought great joy and a sense of pride, of accomplishment. These things have not, however, hampered her ability to discern certain symptoms common to automobiles. The latest of these issues is the ALTERNATOR. Vile and vicious situation when they no longer work properly and the brushes wear down. 


Another issue is the fact that modern vehicles MUST be connected to a computerized machine and have diagnostics run on them to help determine many mechanical issues. So much for the "shade tree". It's off to a garage attached to a business, which in turn, is attached to $$$ per hour for labor alone. Parts are another issue entirely. The prices these days for the simplest parts are astronomical. Major parts are... I can't say it. It's painful, scary, heart-wrenching, and budget blasting.


I must apologize to my readers, this entry today is merely a collection of thoughts and woes. I just had to get these things out of my head, said and done with. There was a time in my life when this would not have been any concern at all for the parts were much more affordable back then and the labor cost little more than a jug of tea, a pot of coffee and a good home cooked meal. 


Herein lies the problem. I "used to could" do this for myself with a little help. "Used to could". :) Now, I must rely on professionals that come with fees beyond my capacity. (sighs) I will have to do a series of blogs enlightening you with the humorous antics involved with past automotive repairs.


Yes, I am that mom, and I am so grateful for what I have had and appreciative for what have now. 

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Down Time

So, I was considering how people spend their "down time". In all honesty, I 'm not sure we actually experience that these days. In my so-called down time I am actually doing something. I look over my FB pages, I play the app games, I read what others post. I research information for my blog on Fashionista Fun by SensaFashion. This means looking over pics and pinning them to my Pinterest Board. I also work on the writing part. NOW, here I am posting for my own personal blog. At other times I look over text messages.


What actually is "down time"? Merriam Webster defines it as: Definition of Downtime

1

: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs

2

: inactive time (as between periods of work) <napping during our downtime> <an injured athlete facing months of downtime>

This "downtime" was once considered a part of one's daily activities. Now, it is a long, lost, luxury that few know how to appreciate or utilize. I rarely see an individual who isn't using a cell phone, mp3 player, ipad, itouch, kindle, netbook, computer, bluetooth or any one of the numerous other devices available in these, our times of "technology".

Okay, so we know what downtime is, how it is consumed, but what about how it USED to be spent? I recall sitting on a porch swing, a yard swing, a glider, or on lawn chairs outdoors, visiting with family as we swung our feet or swayed. There was mutual sharing of verbal communication. Talking. CONVERSATIONS. One person spoke, the others listened, folks took turns responding to the first statement. Histories were shared, stories told, sun tea and lemonade sipped. Kids laughed and played around the yard. (pardon me, I cannot see for the moistness brought up by these memories) You had near on 3-4 generations there. All gathered together just because you liked being with one another. 

This is probably a lost art, this ability for "downtime". The marvelous lack of better things to do. Now, I have said my peace. I think I will actually go do "nothing" and enjoy a little "downtime". 

Thanks for reading, listening, caring.

Still a "WORK IN PROGRESS".

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A Work In Progress

Well, as some of you may already know, I am new to  this blogging era. Here is my first piece of work, in progress. I would like to produce a magnificent article that wow's and energizes you, one that has you wanting to check back in to see what's next. This probably won't happen, but that's okay, I got you to at least take a look at this one. 

I really have my youngest sister, Trisha Trixie to thank for this marvelous expedition into the www. She has shown  faith in my abilities from a technological standpoint since she first ventured out into her own company online. 

It is from this experience, her hiring me to do her content editing, that I have developed a love and interest into the tech world. I was recently recruited to provide content to her blog:

 Fashionista Fun by SensaFashion 

That was all it took. A few blog posts later had me wanting to create and fortify my own personal blog as well. So, with a little mixing of the minds between Trisha and me, I am on my way. :)

Please be sure to add your comments, good/bad/or otherwise. I always appreciate input and constructive criticism that is not harsh.

Remember though, this is 

"A WORK IN PROGRESS".

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