2016 JULY "From My Perspective"

                                      2016 July FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Have you ever wanted to tell someone off, but remain a lady or gentleman?  I have many times.  Here are some “gems” I’ve learned along the way to “Gotcha-ville”:  “You’re just a few fries short of a happy meal.”;  “Your mother was a back alley frequent flyer, wasn’t she?”;  “Your family tree has no roots and grows straight up.”;  “I listen to your answers and statements and my ears hurt.”;  “If you were my child, you wouldn’t be.”;  “I didn’t say you were stupid, you’ve opened your mouth and proven a suspicion.”; “You’re a conundrum, a curmudgeon, and categorized as floccinaucinihilipilification.”  “What did you say?” they questioned.  “You heard me,” was my retort.

Did you know there is license in silence, bras in bars, sole in sloe, spices in Pisces, and a reed in a deer?  There are many more; can you think of them?

“You don’t get to success without a series of failures.  Set-backs are a set-up for a come-back.”  Steve Harvey

I wondered about the difference between muffins and cupcakes.  Here is what I found:  While no single criterion distinguishes a muffin from a cupcake if you do not adopt the technical definition above, the following trends exist:

• Cupcakes tend to be sweeter than muffins; there are savory muffins such as cornbread
• Cupcakes are often iced or frosted, whereas muffins tend to have no topping, or a simple crumb topping
• Cupcakes usually have a head or top no larger than the body of the cupcake; muffins are often encouraged to overflow their baking cup, so that their top is larger in diameter, giving them somewhat of a mushroom shape
• Cupcakes are almost always, well, cupcake shaped; muffins can be made as just muffin tops
• Cupcakes are almost never crispy or crunchy; muffins are often encouraged to brown and develop texture, especially on the tops                                                                                                                              YOU’RE WELCOME!!

I remember I accidentally burned the toast. I announced it and was told by my Beloved, "Bring it to the table with some of your homemade jam, please." I did and apologized again. He said with a smile on his face, "This is the most tasty burned toast with home made jam I've had all day." I told him he'd not had any toast all day. He said, "I know that, but this is the first and the best of the day." He smiled; I hugged him.

“You either get bitter or you get better.  It’s that simple.  You either take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to tear you down.  The choice does not belong to fate, it belongs to you.”  Josh Shipp

Did you know that Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina hosts the annual Hollerin’ Contest on the second Saturday in September.  This is an old way of communicating over the mountain tops and hollers before the widespread use of telephones.  Yes, y’all, some places couldn’t get telephones and the poles put up because of the mountains.  The technology just wasn’t like it is now.  Think of Switzerland and the yodeling done from mountain top to mountain top.  That, too, is an art some of my readers are not familiar with.

There is one word which defines the refreshing odor of the air after it has rained.  Here it is and all you need to know about the word:  PETRICHOR   PRONUNCIATION:  (PET-ri-kuhr) MEANING: noun: The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell. ETYMOLOGY: Coined by researchers I.J. Bear and R.G. Thomas in 1964, from Greek petros (stone) + ichor (the fluid that supposedly flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology).   (from: A Word A Day)

“Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all.”  Thomas Szasz, author, professor of psychiatry (15 Apr 1920-2012)        

Potpourri, from French literally means “rotten pot,” though it consists of a mixture of flowers, herbs, and spices collected to provide a pleasant scent, its meaning is just the opposite.

I found this and wanted to share it with you gals. 10 Facts Every Woman Should Know:  1. Everyone has rolls when they bend over.  2. When someone tells you that you're beautiful, believe them. They aren't lying. 
 3. Sometimes we all wake up with breath that could kill a goat.  4. For every woman unhappy with her stretch marks is another woman who wishes she had them.  5. You should definitely have more confidence. And if you saw yourself the way others see you, you would.  6. Don't look for a man to save you. Be able to save yourself.
7. It's okay to not love every part of your body....but you should.  8. We all have that one friend who seems to have it all together. That woman with the seemingly perfect life, well, you might be that woman to someone else.  9. You should be a priority. Not an option, a last resort, or a backup plan.  10. You're a woman. That alone makes you pretty damn remarkable.   words by Mary L. Leonard  I'd rather be a woman because crying and calling someone a "Poo-poo head" when I’m mad would sound silly for a man.

Do you remember the Sesame Street game of ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER(S)?  I found out that from:  avocado, broccoli, cucumber, and squash, only one is an actual vegetable.  Can you guess which one?  It is my favorite------BROCCOLI.  Here is the difference between fruit and vegetable:  Botanically speaking, a fruit is a seed-bearing structure that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant, whereas vegetables are all other plant parts, such as roots, leaves and stems. By those standards, seedy outgrowths such as apples, squash and, yes, tomatoes are all fruits, while roots such as beets, potatoes and turnips, leaves such as spinach, kale and lettuce, and stems such as celery and broccoli are all vegetables.  Don’t even ask me about bananas.  Since I’m human and seem to have the need to put things in categories, I am submitting a third category for fruits and vegetables.  It is called I DON’T KNOW, NOR CARE.

I read that jellyfish have survived for more than 500 million years, despite having no brains.  Wow!!!  That gives hope to some people.

Have you ever had to call a service representative to help you with an electronic device? Well, I did and it was not an enjoyable experience for the service rep. I THOUGHT I was going to have someone on the other side of the telephone receiver who spoke English. HA!!! They were on the other side of the WORLD trying to tell me what to do with an accent so thick cold butter was spreadable. I talked a while, and then started asking them to spell every word followed by me telling them how to pronounce the word and the definition of it in American English. I sensed their exasperation (three cheers for me), so I started to talk very fast (like I was a teenager and used "Like" every other word.) more exasperation on their part (evil snickering here and there). Then I asked to speak to someone who spoke English. They told me they spoke English. I told them I was an English teacher, born and raised in the United States of America and they did NOT speak English. They spoke a language taught to them by someone who was from their country who learned English from a book, had NEVER been to America, and had no clue as to what American English sounded like or how to use it. I told them I spoke American English and could understand Southern English, New England English, British English and Australian English and could even drawl like a cowboy. I asked to speak to their supervisor. Supervisor got on and wouldn't you know it, they spoke English with a thick Bengali accent. So I started my monologue and linguistic teaching all over again. They connected me with an English speaking person in Texas. She was originally from Mexico!!! but, I could understand a lot of what she said. I'm sure my name, telephone number, and call was highlighted in brilliant red and will be used for training purposes. That is fine with me because red is my favorite color......brilliant takes it to a higher level and teaching is my game!

Congress declared bourbon the official drink of the United States in 1964.  Cheers!!!
Until next month, may you have many blessings and smiles come your way.  Trudy

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Please know that my computer sizzled and flashed taking the hard-drive with it.  This made me lose all the addresses in my address book with "MTCO".  There is no retrieval as it has been tried by 2 computer gurus, and MTCO told me the addresses are on my hard-drive and they can not get them, either.  So, if you have received e-mails from my MTCO e-mail, I would like to have you message me on FACEBOOK with your e-mail address, if you want me to have it.  My name on FACEBOOK is:
Trudy Jean Davis-Ripka.  I'll know who you are by my recognition of your name.

Trudy :)

June 2016

                                        2016 June FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

I was sitting in my car just about ready to leave the parking spot when some fool honked at me to get moving faster.  Rats!  Then, I had to just sit there until both of us were dead.

I don’t have wrinkles….I have “wise cracks” because with age comes wisdom.  Being a lady, I don’t sweat, I glisten.  I don’t have hot flashes, I have power surges.  I speak 3 languages fluently….English, Sarcasm, and Mom.  I don’t groan, I purr.  I’m not fat, I’m fluffy….my doctor told me this and so did Gabriel Iglesias.  I’m not all that patient…I just am tired of the drama and senselessness, so I honed my ignoring skills to a fine point.  I like animals, BUT that doesn’t give you the right to expect me to like you and that behavior you’re demonstrating.

Brenduhh came over pretty honked at her hubby.  I asked her what was going on.  She said, “I’ve had it with his attitude and disrespect.  I put most of this “junk” in a suitcase and set it on the porch.  He came home and demanded what was the explanation for it.  I told him, ‘I want you to leave.  I’m tired of your attitude and disrespect.  I hope you are miserable for a long time and your ears hurt constantly.’  He said to me, ‘I already have been miserable for a long time and my ears hurt every time you talk.  So leaving will give me comfort and my ears a rest.’”  I asked her if he was still at the house.  She said, “Yes.  I think he’s a masochist...some people aren’t happy unless they’re miserable and in pain.”

In a little booklet (BITS & PIECES) which was given to me, was this profound statement:  “One moment of patience may ward off a great disaster; one moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.”

A friend of mine came over to talk.  She was upset with her husband.  It seems she doesn’t do much right in his eyes.  “He tells me to change my hairstyle, change the clothes I wear, change my makeup, and change how I cook.  I’m tired of it,” she lamented.  I’d noticed he was never satisfied with her, and she’s a lovely person who is very loyal.  “What did you do or say to him?” I asked.  She told me, “I took a good look in the mirror and liked what I saw.  I fixed a wonderful meal and it tasted very good.  I confronted him and told him I wasn’t going to change; however, he needed to change………….his address and where he keeps all his stuff.  I’m filing for a divorce.”

Most of you know about the washing and drying steps in doing laundry, but did you know about the third step? To be safe to wear, laundry has to be spread out in your living room either on the floor or the couch (I do both because I'm thorough) for several days. Science calls this the "airing" of the laundry and it is vital. Skipping this step results in clothes that are dangerously under-oxygenated. You can also let your laundry breathe in your bed and sleep with it if you feel like it's insecure. This is called attachment laundering. When you put your laundry in drawers and closets straight out of the dryer, you're telling it that you don't care about its feelings. Please, show your laundry some love today. Air it out.

I was riding along with my friend, Frieda.  She has a heavy foot on the gas pedal.  Wouldn’t you know it, a police officer pulled her over.  “Hello m’am.  I’m going to have to write you a citation for speeding.  What is your first name?” he asked.  She replied, “Frieda.”  “Thank you; and what is your last name?” he said.  “My last name is Gomam,” she answered.  “O.K.  Let’s see, you’re Frieda Gomam,” he stated.  And away we went.  The last thing I saw was him shaking his head.

When one of my kids was little they came running to me to tell me something.  “Mom, Daddy hit is finger with a hammer and told me to put my fingers in my ears.  I asked him how it would help him.  He told me, ‘I’ll then be able to say what I need to so I can feel better.’  I don’t understand, Mom.”  I told them, “When Daddy is hurt like that, he speaks a language you don’t need to learn.”  “But Mom, you’ve always told us to study a foreign language.”  I rolled my eyes and said, “Not that one, though.”

Southern Divorce... smile for the day
A  judge was interviewing a South Carolina woman regarding her pending divorce and asks, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"  "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."  "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"  "It is made of concrete, brick, and mortar," she responded.  "I mean," he continued, "what are your relations like?"  "I have an aunt and uncle and 12 cousins living here in town, as well as my husband's parents."  The judge took a deep breath and asked, "Do you have a real grudge?"  "No, we have a two-car carport and have never really needed one cuz we don't have a car."  "Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"  "Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music - all that hip hop and rap tap - but we can't seem to do anything about it."  "Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"  "Yes, he gets up every morning before I do and makes the coffee."  Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why in the world do you want a divorce?”  "Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce, my husband does. The fool says he can't communicate with me."

Macaroni and cheese is one of the most popular comfort foods; it is at my home.  I’ve made it on top of the stove, in the crock pot, and baked in the oven.  The oven variety seems to be the most popular here.  Maybe it’s because there are crispy edges which many request when I serve it.  I’ve found that crushed CHEEZ ITS drizzled with butter and sprinkled on top 15 minutes before it is finished baking are enhancing to the cheesy flavor.  Sometimes I stir in some of them before I bake it.  I’ve used a mixture of the white cheddar CHEEZ ITS and the golden yellow CHEEZ ITS.  I’ve seen PEPPER JACK ones, too.  That would add some zip to the already delicious comfort food.

The weather is getting warmer, so it is very important to remember to…close your windows before yelling at your kids.

A French man who wears sandals is known as a “Philippe Philoppe”.  A lazy kangaroo baby which sits on the sofa all day is known as a “pouch potato”.

I love bagels and “schmeer” (cream cheese).  Now there is a bagel which you twist and dip the pieces.  Talk about an invitation to play with your food….that is one of them!

My daughter was sitting on her front porch watching the sunrise.  She told, “Sunrise this morning is a rainbow of blues...an ocean in the heavens.”  What a beautiful description of what she watched.  Thank you, m’love.  Until next month……..smiles and blessings!!  TRUDY :)