Treasures Everywhere

Lately I have been finding treasures everywhere. Some have been sent to me in the mail and some have been found at my favorite place in the entire world. Craigslist. I adore craigslist. If I could, I would marry Craigslist and have lots of little baby craigs, or would they be baby lists???? My hubs on the other hand, does not love Craigslist. Mainly because everytime I find a new treasure he has to go and pick it up. The last two treasures have changed his life. The first one was so heavy that he can now sing in the Vienna Boys Choir, and the second treasure has him crawling rather than walking upright. It was even heavier! I told him to get over it. Ancient Man took thousands of years to walk upright, he should be there in about a week and 20 or so muscle relaxers. The treasure I got in the mail, was an envelope stuffed chock full of vintage doilies. My absolute favorite. I collect vintage linens, and this wonderful "secret" friend knew that and sent me this wonderful treasure. My second treasure is an absolutely gorgeous distressed white dresser which is now being used to house our HUGE big screen tv. I live in Southern CA and we have earthquakes. When the last one hit, the first thing that hubs did was run to the HUGE big screen tv. He done good. That thing cost a bundle. Tried to find a big screen on craigslist, but no luck. The third treasure is a handpainted China Hutch. That is the treasure that finally sent hubs over the edge. When he managed to peel himself off the floor, he said some very not nice, or politically correct, things to me. I have forgiven him. Not sure if he has forgiven me, but he can't run after me, since well he can barely walk, so it really doesn't matter. Anyway, without further ado, here are my treasures:)

I am old, but not old enough

I know that title makes no sense. Unless you have just hit AARP age, but are still not old enough to get the senior discount. I actually started getting stuff in the mail from AARP two years ago when I turned 50. Today I am 52. Not only does it suck to have your birthday on Tax Day, but I still am not old enough to get the senior discount. Sometimes it is offered to me, and even though it irritates me, I want the discount people! Today my friend wanted to take me out to breakfast for my birthday. We had enough time, so I figured what the heck. I am not going to turn down a free breakfast. We hopped in her car and headed out to Denny's, where America eats breakfast. It is right next door to Walmart, where America shops. I was all happy and glowy and ordered that yummy Grand Slam, with extra sausage. Heck with the calories, it is my B-Day. Calories do not count on B-Day's. It's true, just like drinking diet soda with a meal cancels out all the other calories. I am positive this is a fact, although my hips and thighs are not on board with this. Well I am always up for a discount, so I told my friend that I was going to ask for the senior discount. Mind you, my friend knows my age and she made "the face". This must be a universal face because my mother makes that face when I have done something I am not supposed to. Even though I am 52, she still makes that face. I saw "the face", but I ignored it. I looked the other way and when the waitress came over I bravely said "we would like the senior discount please". Well the little waitress who could not have been more than 12, asked me for my ID. WHAT?????? Matters go worse when she told my friend she was ok. OMG I am definately up a creek without a paddle now. Not only have I been caught, but my friend is now really really pissed off at me. "The look" has now changed over to "I am never ever taking you out again" look. Well needless to say, I did not get the seniour discount. Apparently you have to be 55 to get the senior discount. If that was not enough of a slap to me, after my friend dumped me at my car, I decided I needed another cup of coffee to drink on the way to work. Apparently I was dropped on my head more times than even my mother has admitted to, because I asked for the senior discount again. They gave it to me, but I think it was because they felt sorry for me, or were scared of me. 6 of one, half dozen of another. Little did I realize that I could have gone across the street to Starbucks and gotten free coffee because it is Tax Day. On top of all this, I have not filed my taxes yet. Do you think the IRS will give me a senior discount???

My Father, My Friend

I have been away from blogging for a few weeks. My father and best friend passed away on March 20th. He was 79 years old. He was scheduled for a very routine gall bladder surgery, but never made it to the surgery. He had a massive heart attack, was revived and on a ventilator for three very long days. This was a very heartbreaking time for my family. I was with him at the hospital waiting for him to be taken to surgery. He was laughing and joking. He told me to go on home and just come back when he was in recovery. We had been at the hospital all morning, and it was going to be another two hours before they took him. This was at 3pm. I went on home and when the phone rang at 5pm, I thought it would be my Mom and Aunt telling me he was just going into surgery. Instead it was my mother crying and saying that Daddy was not breathing. Than my Aunt came on the line and said he was gone. I don't remember much after that. My dear husband said I screamed and passed out. When I came to I started throwing up. The phone rang again and it was my Aunt saying they had revived him and to come to the hospital immediately. This was the longest ride of my life. When I got there and saw him, I knew in my heart it was not good. For three days I sat with him, talked to him, held his hand, and kissed him. Unfortunately it was his time to go, and at noon on Saturday, March 20th we said our final goodbyes and Daddy went over the bridge. Just a few weeks before this, my husband and I were saying that we should be prepared, as our parents were nearing or in their 80's. I had no idea this would become a reality. It has hit me like a ton of bricks, but I have to be strong for my Mom and daughter. My parents would have been married 60 years in November, just 4 days before my Dad's 80th birthday. My dad was a wonderful man. He was raised on a farm, one of 12 kids. He was old-fashioned and he never ever met a stranger. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone. I never ever heard a harsh word from him my entire life. I have many many stories to tell about my Dad, but I am not ready yet. Hopefully I will be soon and can share them with everyone. Until than, go in peace Daddy and someday I will be with you again.

Norman E. Bolia

November 9, 1930 - March 20, 2010

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend

I will love you always.