It was ONLY a 5 x 7 index card

Good morning friends!  I have a question for you..... 
 
When thinking about your own life, how far back does your memory go?  Say for instance, what was the earliest birthday present you remember receiving?  Do you recall who gave it to you?


  What is it about the brain that it allows such a plethora of memories to be stored there?   And why, when we least expect to think about them, do they resurface as a visual reminder of a time so very long ago?

A very clear memory I have of that infamous swimming lesson 46 years ago, besides thinking I was going to drown, was the little "report" card that each kid got to take home.  I can close my eyes and still see it-the American Red Cross logo and 5 different items to be checked off when you passed them.  Those beginning skills that my class worked on were:

1.  blowing bubbles
2.  face float
3.  face float with kick
4.  back float
5.  back float with kick


Each time a kid would "pass" one of those skills, the Fisher girls (our swim teachers) would put the most beautiful check mark in the column next to it.  Every beginning swimming student's "dream" would be to have all 5 of them checked off at the end of the 7th swimming lesson.  If you passed all 5,  then you were a "shoe-in" to join the intermediate class the next summer.  And, if you didn't pass, well, then guess what you got to do all over again next summer?


And just as clear as if it were yesterday, I remember a shy and tearful 10-year old girl who only had one check mark, "bubble blowing", on that last day of lessons.  It's kinda hard to get past the first skill if your little hands have a "death grip" on the side of the pool the entire 30 minutes of lesson time.  But that didn't matter to me because all I wanted was to get the heck out of there!  The sooner, the better as far as Peggy Scott was concerned!  And get out I did-and I swore I'd NEVER come back again.


  So now, 46 years later, long after the "swimming statute of limitations" is up,  I'm back.  I made up my mind, that no matter what, this week when I went to my swimming lesson that I was going to be able to blow bubbles like there was "no tomorrow."  

On Wednesday of this week, I finally decided to try a little experiment at home.  It involved a dishpan full of nice cool water and me.  Pathetic as it might sound, I decided to take an unorthodox approach to "Blowing Bubbles 101".  I figure that you already get the "picture"of what I tried to do....  If anyone would have walked in and found me "practicing" in the kitchen, it's hard telling what they might have thought.  :)

Although not perfect, I think my bubble blowing skills have improved tremendously since last Friday when Laurie had to wait on me to decide if  it was ok to put my face in that water.  I'm a long ways from being able to put my whole head under the water and do that...but it will come in time.   Oh, and to my niece Meggy, I remembered what you said about doing it...just like blowing your nose into a Kleenex.  Remember THAT bit of advice and you can do it everytime!

Late Night (Might as well say Early Morning) Thoughts :)

It's late...nearly 20 minutes to midnight and I'm awake writing one last post for this day.  I would never had done so had I not just seen a short story about Diana Nyad.  For those who don't know her, she is a world champion swimmer, who now at age 61, has decided to try to set the world record for swimming from Cuba to Florida.  Oh, and by the way, she doesn't plan to do it with the safety of a shark cage.  


Friends let me tell you, swimming from Cuba to Florida, with OR without a shark cage, will NEVER be on Peggy Miller's bucket list.  I'm going to stick to things that are more on the side of "sane" than "insane".  But for Diana Nyad, I am most happy.  She's doing what she wants to do in this life.  


When interviewed, she made a couple of comments that were pretty thought provoking.  She mentions the fact that growing older really hasn't been that big of an issue to her.  Diana recognizes the fact that wrinkles and some extra body fat just come with the advancement in years.  She isn't bothered by those things and accepts the fact that she is now advancing into her sixties.  How many of us would be able to feel that way?


What does bother her?  She explains, "The thing that bothers me the most is how much time has already gone by in my life and how very little is left."  When I heard her say that, I knew exactly what she meant.  And chances are, some of you reading this will agree as well. 


Diana went on to explain that she intends to live her remaining days to the fullest, being the best at what she is doing.  It might be as a swimmer, a family member or someone's best friend.  She's got the right idea about life, it would appear.  I'd like to be just like her!


As far as I'm concerned her comments were sent to me this day, to remind me that my Bucket List quest should involve those things that are the nearest and dearest, the most special to me.  I'm only 5 years behind her in age and when she says that she realizes how very little time is left, well I'm using the same calendar as she does. I have told people, many times before,  that I am getting closer to Heaven every day.  


With what ever time any of us have here on the Earth, may we use it wisely without any hesitation on our part.  Very few of us, me included, will ever be a championship swimmer. But there's a whole lot that remains for all of us to do-like Diana Nyad, may we all be ready for the challenge.

Through Meggy's eyes

Here I sit, just a few days from swimming lesson #2.  And in the few days that have passed from my first one last Friday, I've had some time to think about what might help me get through the next 3 lessons.  And the answer came to me in the form of a cute little 8-year old kid that lives in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.....my great-niece Megan Dwyer.

  

Meet Meggy!  

Meggy and I have only met one time, 3 years ago now.  Wish to be able to see her more often but Kansas and Florida are not exactly "next door neighbors", in fact "those" 2 states don't even live around the block from one another.  So I keep up with what's going on in her young life from emails, Facebook, and photos.  And as I was looking through her mom's FB photo albums and saw that, she too was learning how to swim this month,  I realized that 8-year old could probably teach her Great-Aunt Peggy a thing or two about swimming.  


In a desperate e-mail yesterday to my niece, Mandy, Megan's mom, I said that I needed all the help I could get before my 2nd swimming lesson on Friday.  I gave her a message that said, "Tell Megan that I need to know everything she can tell me about blowing bubbles in the water.  And while you are at it, ask her to tell me how I can do the back float easier. "    


While I waited for Mandy's reply, I was remembering what Laurie, my swim teacher, told me on Friday.  We were talking about how, as adults, it's much harder to get over the fear of something that has been with us for so long.  In my case, what I considered a "near drowning" experience at the age of 10 had resulted in a nearly lifelong fear of going into the water.  Each day that passed since that summer day in 1965 just gave more "credibility" to the false notion that if Peggy Miller EVER  attempted swimming again the results would be "not so good".


Kids, on the other hand, are so much more adept at getting over their fears and trying new things with great success.  The less time that passes between their initial fears and actually learning to do something like learn to swim, the better.  And having gone through these many years afraid of the water, I'm so glad to see every child learn to swim at a very early age.  My two sons can manage well in the water.  My daughter is much like her mom in that respect and I hope that she too will someday learn to swim like her brothers.


At long last, the reply came back from Florida-  

Thank you dear Meggy-You make it sound SO EASY!  Part of the problem we "old" people have is that we like to make things more difficult than need be.  I shall remember your wonderfully youthful advice when I return to the pool on Friday.  I love you Meggy, all the way from Kansas to Florida!  Good luck with your swimming lessons too!  Love, Great-Aunt Peggy

Making my peace with the water

My swimming teacher, Laurie,  gave me a little assignment when I left her last Friday.  She suggested that it would be a good idea for me to come back up to the YMCA this week one day and spend some time acclimating myself to being in the water.  She didn't necessarily want me to practice anything--only to get used to what the water felt like.  Because I am not a member at the "Y", I took her up on her kind offer of a one-day pass to get into the pool.


Laurie "planted" some good thoughts in my head last Friday at lesson #1.  She urged me to start getting into the water, not so much each time for the sole purpose of  learning  how to swim, but to learn that it could be a safe and fun place to be.  For most of my life, I've equated ANY  body of water with the possibility of drowning.  So, by realizing that being in water could also be a very pleasant experience, my learning to swim might come a bit easier.  Hey, it made sense to me!


I knew how beneficial doing this would be for me, but secretly I was thinking, "Man, I hate to have to go in there alone.  I won't know anyone else."  And you all know how I feel about the idea that we are all here in this place for a reason?  Well, that's where Lori Johnson enters in.

This is Lori and I on the very last day of school this year.  She is a good friend and teaching colleague.  Lori  is the same age as my oldest son, Ricky, so I guess that makes ME old enough to be her mom.  She is a great swimmer and can probably use the title "The Fish" next to her name.  


She sent me a message yesterday that invited me to join her at the "Y" this morning to spend some time in the pool.  Lori knew that I could use a little bit of "quality time" getting used to the water and was kind enough to say she'd go with me.  It took me about a second to say "yes" and we decided to meet at 8 a.m. this morning.  


Before meeting Lori at the "Y",  I knew there was one problem from last week's swimming lesson that I needed to take care of.  That problem had to do with my swimsuit.  Without going into all the particulars, let's just say that I found out that the original suit I had chosen just was not going to work for me.....and I needed to get a different one before ever going back into the water again.  So, 5 minutes after committing myself (probably a good term to use at this point in time) to joining Lori at the "Y", I was on my way to Sears to hopefully locate a more appropriate swimsuit.


To make a long story, short....I made my way through the lawn and garden department and headed to the women's to find a new suit.  And there, looking for another suit for herself, was Lori....the same person that just moments earlier had been talking to me online. I'm not sure who was more shocked at that point in time.....me, Lori, or the sales clerk who heard me yell out "What are you doing here?" Neither of us knew that the other was heading to Sears and get a swimsuit.  I figure it must be Karma and as a matter of fact, having a teacher named Laurie and a swimming mentor named Lori at the same time just seems a little weird.  She knew just what kind of swimsuit I was looking for and guided me right to them.  And oh my goodness, Karma there you were once more...all of the suits were 60% off, which either means they've been horribly overcharging us before the sale OR it was meant to be!  For whatever the reason, I give thanks!


Lori and I met at the appointed hour at our local "Y" today and friends, do you know what?  I had MORE fun this morning from 8-9 than I've had in ages!   Hey, wait a minute....I was in the water the whole time....I just said I had fun...oops, guess I let that slip.  Oh well, I DID have fun.  Laurie must have been right...I need to start realizing that the water is not my "enemy" and today it started to sink in.  


I'm a long ways from learning how to swim well enough to save my own life.  I can already tell it will probably take more than 4 short lessons.  But I'm starting to believe that the real intent and purpose of these 30 minute sessions was to show me that it's ok to get back in the water.  Once I accept that and start to feel comfortable once again, the real lessons of learning to swim can begin. I intend to stick with it and find out.  


Oh, and one last thing.....thank you Lori and Laurie-  :)  I'm feeling pretty blessed!  

to never have an empty bucket

I've been thinking this weekend about my last item, #10 on the Miller Bucket List....  "to never let my bucket list be "empty" and to remember a friend's sage advice, "you cannot kick a full bucket."  It is amazing to me that I've been able to finally make some good progress, as of late, with attaining a few of the goals I set out to do.


The #1 goal was to ride the Bike Across Kansas-now to be known as "to ride my bike half-way across Kansas."  (LOL)  That one is now crossed off! 


 Power parachuting, goal #2, will hopefully be done before the next couple of weeks have passed.  Still looking for a volunteer who would like to go with me and do it.  Haven't had a whole lot of "takers" on that.


  Just two days ago, I began the steps necessary to attain goal #4, learning some basic swimming skills and by the end of July, I hope to have finished with that.  And who knows?  I may have enjoyed that goal so much that I go back for another lesson or two.  Hey, IT could happen!


 I find myself half-way through with goal #5, to see a beautiful sunrise and sunset.  Still just looking for the perfect sunset!  By the way, someone asked me how I would be able to know that it was the "right" sunrise or sunset.  My answer was, "I'll know!"


  Oh, and don't want to forget goal #7, "to ride on the back of a motorcycle very fast and live to tell about it."  I am blessed with a very good friend who has "volunteered" her wonderful husband to help me out with that one.  I'm imagining that will happen soon as well.  Don't worry about me on that one, ok?  I have no intentions of joining a motorcycle gang or letting "Born to Be Wild" become my life's theme song!  It's just the foolish wish of a 55 year old woman.  (LOL)


The list still has 4 "wishes" that haven't happened yet, but I am still working on them and know that somehow I will make them a reality.  The rains must come for canoeing down the Ark River. Maybe there will be a chance for that one in the early fall.  Another "Indian summer" journey, some Saturday afternoon, might be waiting for me then.  I'm not giving up on that one.


 I'm only about a quarter of the way to meeting all of my FB friends in person, buying them something to drink and talking about the meaning of life.  It has been a lot of fun to meet with people and talk about nothing serious at all.  The good folks down at Bogeys, here in Hutch, have stopped being surprised to see me coming in with a new person or two.  In fact one of them remarked to me last week, "Working on your bucket list today?"  


 I still have yet to connect with family members all across the U.S., however, thanks to my nephew and his wife, Scott and Lisa Wright, I will finally get to see my sister, Kaye Wright, at the end of the month of July.  They are making the very long trek from Sarasota, Florida to Hutchinson, Kansas to see us for the first time since 1988.


 And last, but never least, my dream to visit the state of Maine and see a lighthouse is still out there on the horizon.  But I will go!  You know, I attribute this "wish" of mine to reading the story, "Sarah, Plain and Tall".  Those of you who know the story will understand what I'm saying here.  And believe me, Peggy Miller is NOT a traveler.  So I'm probably going to have to add another item to the bucket list that says "to get over the fear of flying"!


By August 1st, I'll be adding these 3 new Bucket List items.  They are ones that I have been thinking about but wasn't quite "there" yet....


"to be able to drive a stick shift vehicle" 
 -Oh boy, I can just see the hands going up now saying "pick me to help you, pick me to help you!" 


"to learn how to be more forgiving of myself"


"to learn how to sew something"


One parting thought.....I didn't consider just what an impact upon my life working through the Bucket List would have.  For that matter, the impact it COULD have upon the lives of others.


  Of necessity, going on the BAK "forced" me to get out and ride a lot of miles.  Between March 15 and  today, June 26, I've ridden almost 1,200 miles.  I'm healthier and happier because of it.  Many friends have now purchased a bike and they too are out there riding and enjoying the outdoors.  


Because I had the courage to finally  open the doors of the YMCA, I now have a new friend, Cleta Ellington.  We would NEVER had met if not for the "anonymous" encouragement of another friend.  And bless the heart of the Aquatic Director of the "Y", Laurie Carr, she would have never had the chance to teach ME!  (lol) 


And maybe the nicest result, to me at least, is the number of people who have come to me after reading the blog and saying, "Wow, I've always wanted to do ____________________ (fill in the blank with your own secret wish) and I think I'll try to do it now!"


Dear friends...some things bear repeating again and again, so I say to you ALL:  We were all placed here, in this time and place, for a very good reason.  Think about the tremendous impact that you can have upon others today.  I'll be thinking of you all and remembering that everything that happens to each of us this day is all just a part of "the plan."   :)

Working on #4

Well, I guess it finally happened-46 years after I said, "I am NEVER taking swimming lessons again MOM and I mean it!!", little 10-year old Peggy Ann Scott had to "eat her words."  Thanks to the encouraging spirit of my very dear friend to "switch out" getting a tattoo for learning how to swim well enough to save my own life as well as the "anonymous" friend who sent me the application, I walked back into the water today, June 24, 2011.  And guess what?  Nothing bad happened to me because of it.

Hey, this is me, age 9 1/2, about the time I first went to swimming lessons in 1965.  "That little girl" didn't have a clue what would be waiting for her ahead in this life.  It was a wonderful time to be a kid and I tried to enjoy every minute of it!  Well, all except for swimming lessons, that is. 

Lest you think that I know how to "photoshop" a picture...it really is me..that really is water...and it was an "ok" place to be.






I am learning to swim in the smaller of the two pools that the local YMCA has.  When I got there this morning, there were probably a dozen or more older adults using the south end of the pool for their water exercise class.  As I walked in with Laurie (my teacher), I tried to be as discreet as I could be.  In my mind, I'm sure I was thinking "Geesch, I'm sure glad that I don't know anyone out there.  I'd hate for them to know I was just now learning how to swim."  


Well, this IS Hutchinson (small town America) and I hadn't made it even past where the group of swimmers were located before I heard one of them say, "Peggy. Is that you?  Hi!  What are you doing here?"  As I peered into the group, I recognized not just one,  but two of my former colleagues who have now retired.  

Well, GREAT, I thought.  So much for my "cloak of invisibility" working out for me.  I explained to my two friends, and hey the whole dang group of them, that for the first time since I was 10 years old that I was coming to learn how to swim.  And the really beautiful part of all that was that no one felt this need to laugh or question why I was doing it at my age.  Instead, they offered congratulations and good luck wishes.  


Before I got into the pool, I asked Laurie if this was going to be the longest 30 minutes of my life.  She laughed and reassured me that would not be the case.  Believing in her, trusting her with my well-being, I said that I was ready to get on with it.  So, in we went.


I must say to you, IF you ever were looking for someone to teach you to swim, you could only hope that it might be someone just like Laurie.  Her calm and reassuring demeanor made me realize that it was going to be a good thing to learn to swim.  She never rushed me, not even once, and listened to every single stupid question that I could think of to ask.  And trust me friends, I asked plenty of questions.


For today, she allowed me to get used to the pool and the varying water depths.  She realized my fear of getting in over my head.  Laurie is a bit "vertically challenged" herself, but at 5'3" tall, she seems like a "giant" to me!  She asked me to tell her when we were getting into water depths that I felt uncomfortable with.  I made it all the way to 4' without any panicking feeling.  4'5" was where I began to stand on tiptoes.  THAT was the point of being uncomfortable so we backed off right away.  That's what I liked about her as a teacher, she never pushed beyond what I was comfortable with at the time.


Laurie realized that my goal in working on Item #4 of my bucket list was to be able to learn to swim well enough to save myself from drowning.  I have no visions of being an Olympic swimmer or even going off of the diving board at this time in life.  But it IS realistic to me that perhaps one day I may need to be around water of some type.  And if I am, then I'd better know how to at least swim a little.  


Laurie told me that the best thing she felt like I could learn would be how to back float so a majority of the time was spent on that today.  I tried it several times, always remembering what she told me to do, as well as what NOT to do.  At first, I was rigid and nervous-not so good!  She taught me how important it is to relax, keep your tummy "up", keep your head back more.  Gradually things got better and I began to think to myself, "Hey, this isn't so bad after all!"


We only worked on one thing that I was not such a great fan of....blowing bubbles.  Yes, I know-that's the ONLY thing I passed back in 1965.  But a lot of water "has gone under the bridge" since then.  Today it was not fun at all.  Once again, she was calm and reassuring to me.  It took me a few tries to even feel comfortable doing it, but I made it.  It wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought.  So to whichever swimming teacher I had when I was 10, Julie or Jenny Fisher,  I just want them to know I didn't forget it-I still have it on the bubble blowing part!


Well, 30 minutes didn't last forever and before I knew it I was done.  We arranged for me to come back to my second lesson next Friday, same time and same place.  In the meantime, Laurie suggested I might like to come up before next Friday and just spend some time getting used to the pool and the water.  I plan to take her up on it.


As I was leaving, I stopped to visit with my new friend, Cleta.  She works the front desk and checks people in and out.  You might remember that Cleta was the one who mailed my application to me on Saturday of last week.  One of my friends, still remaining anonymous, went in and convinced Cleta to send me the application for adult swim lessons.  So "anonymous" friend, this much I can tell you.   I tried to get it out of Cleta once again today who it was that had her send me the letter in the mail.  And, once again, dear Cleta refuses to say.  In fact, today her comment was "hmm....I think I just forgot."  

So, for whoever it was who arranged for Cleta to send the application to me, rest assured that your secret identity is safe and sacred with our good friend, Cleta.  In the picture above, I had just checked in at the front desk.  Cleta is one of two very fine women who sit at the front desk and answer phones and questions of all the many patrons that come into the YMCA on a regular basis.  The world could use a whole lot more women, just like those two gals are.  


Learning to swim at my age has been a humbling experience for this teacher.  I've been a public school teacher now for 34 years and it's always been my responsibility to impart the teaching to the student.  Now, the tables are turned and it's "this" teacher that is totally reliant on someone else in order to learn something new.  I am up for the challenge and know that I will make my life better because of it.


  I'm very glad that I listened to my very good friend's advice, and "ditched" the idea of getting a tattoo.  Learning to swim was what I was supposed to do all along.  It may have taken 46 years to get back to it, but it's never really too late to learn.  


Lesson two, coming up next week!  :)

Getting closer

"Well, it's now Wednesday evening and less than 48 hours before swimming lesson number 1 begins.  I thought by now I might be feeling REALLY scared about doing it.....maybe even thinking about excuses I could think up so I wouldn't have to go.  You know, something like, "Laurie, I hate to have to cancel my first lesson but ___________(fill in the blank with some lame-brain excuse).    Call it "denial" if you wish, but for now I have just kind of come to peace with the fact that I'm going down to the YMCA on Friday morning and try to learn to swim.  


You've heard it said that "too much knowledge" isn't always a good thing?  I think that saying may well have come about when someone, just like me, spent hours on the internet trying to find the solution to getting over their fear of swimming.  And the end result was that they were even more confused and frightened than they were before hand.  I spent a lot of time "googling" phrases like, "fear of swimming" and "afraid of the water."  Most of the the places I found were of little use to me.


 There was a site, however, that was pretty plain and to the point.  It offered 5 things to consider prior to heading to the very first swimming lesson.  I found it to be actually quite helpful instead of making things seem much worse.  Their thoughts:


1.  pinpoint your fear-Why are you so afraid of learning to swim?
Easy for me to answer that one...Thought I was going to drown on day #1 of swim lessons at age 10.    Never seemed to get over that dreadful event.


2.  positive self-talk-What good things can come from learning to swim?  Well, I'm trying to learn so I can swim well enough to save my own life sometime.  That should count for something.  And, since a very qualified swim instructor is helping me, I shouldn't be worrying about anything further.


3.  set goals-What do I want to do?  Hey, that's simple....I want to show up at each of the 4 lessons that I have already paid for, get into the pool, pay attention to the instructor, and learn.  In other words, I prefer to not "chicken out."


4.  get a qualified teacher-Already did that...Laurie is the best choice for me.  


5.  go slow-Is there any other way?  lol  


When I slide into that pool on Friday, it will be the first time that I've gotten into a swimming pool since 1965....seriously.....46 years ago.  Oh I've dangled my feet into the very shallow end of swimming pools since then...but dangling is the extent of it.  I don't expect to be a champion swimmer at the end of the 4th and final lesson.  If I am lucky, I'll learn to at least float on my back without getting scared that I will sink and drown.  


In the days since I decided to give swimming a try, I have run into a handful of adults who, just like me, have never learned to swim.  This afternoon I ran into a friend who discreetly took me aside and whispered in my ear..."Don't feel bad Peggy.  I never learned to do it either." 


 Hey, I didn't mention it but I found lots of sites directed at only adults who wanted to learn to swim.  Didn't seem to matter your gender, age, where you lived, how much money you made.  There was a program out there to teach you. 


 One such school for adult non-swimmers boasted "Learn how to swim like an Olympian in only 6 days!"  They guaranteed that claim with the quote, "Over  30,000 satisfied adults world wide."  When they said  "world wide", they meant it.  Their swimming schools were in Bahrain and Phoenix, Arizona. 


 Nah, I think I'll still just trot the half-mile over to the YMCA and give Laurie a chance to teach me.

Less like the "plate spinner"

Got to say, right from the start, that unless you are around my age or older, this post will probably seem like something from another strange world.  The truth be told, it WAS another world and they called it the "1960's".  


It was a time when families had one, yes I said one, TV and chances are (really good chances) that it was black and white.  And if most families were like my family, then every Sunday evening about 7 p.m. it was tuned to a variety show called, "The Ed Sullivan Show."  Long before the days of internet, cell phones, and modern technology, people relied on Ed Sullivan to entertain them with a 60 minute program of a variety of acts. We lived on a farm and I remember dad and my brother hurrying with the milking chores in order that they could finish in time to watch it.  I was just a little kid, but I remember very well the 2 acts that I always hoped to see.


One of them was this guy who trained chimpanzees to do funny tricks.  He would always bring 3 or 4 chimps with him to the show.  He'd dress them up like little kids and sometimes they'd ride a trike, jump rope, dance with him, or any number of other cute things.  I loved them so much and I begged for two "seasons" of Ed Sullivan in a row for my mom and dad to buy me one for a pet.  They always said "no".  One Christmas I cried enough that they finally gave me a stuffed one for a gift.  That did the trick.  

 This is me with a "replacement" chimp that Grahame gave me for Christmas last year.  The kids heard my story about a bazillion times about how I wish I had a chimp like that one again.  That was a surprise.  :)




My other favorite act was the "plate spinning" guy and he's the reason I'm posting this on my "Miller Bucket List" site this morning.  The plate spinning guy was pretty cool-and oh could he spin those plates!  The whole object of his act was to see how many plates he could get to spin at one time without any of the plates slowing down and then crashing to the floor.  He was talented and I can remember just being glued to the tv set waiting to see what would happen.  Sometimes he'd even add things, like a piece of fruit or something, to the plate, just to offset the balance a bit.  But he never failed!  I know he probably only had less than 50 plates going at one time  but to me, an 8-year old farm kid, looking on...it seemed like 500.


As I've gotten older and hopefully wiser with the years, I realize just how much my life has been like the plate spinner's act.  I was never happy with just a couple of plates spinning....I had to have 100 going at once.  My family and friends will confirm the fact that Peggy Miller has to stay busy doing something, and the more somethings the better.  I've been multi-tasking most of my 55 years....long before anyone ever coined the usage of that phrase.  And here's where the "bucket list" comes in......


The life of a plate spinner is pretty busy, tiring, confusing, and even very lonely at times.  You can find yourself doing things that don't really matter at all to anyone, especially to you, the plate spinner.  I guess you do it because it's all you know how to do.  Believe it or not, having a bucket list to work on has slowed me down a bit.  It has forced me to think about what is really the most important to me in this life.  I have started to remember some of the very little things that we often overlook each day because we are all just so dang busy!  Even this online blog has enabled me to pause for a moment or two each day and reflect back on what has happened to me. Thus, bucket lists are not only our desires for things to do before we die, but also a reminder of what we should no longer waste our time upon.


Are you a fellow "plate spinner"?  If so, take a look at them.  Are  any of them wobbling right now?  How many of them are plates that you could get rid of, could actually allow to fall and break?  As your friend, may I tell you that it's ok to let one go, hey even two of them.  Please don't wait as long as I did to think about a bucket list and those things that are most meaningful to you in life.  I have started to find that life is so much easier if you only set the table for a "few at a time."

He made it look SO easy!  Good thing our plates at home were made from melamine.  I'm sure that one of the 7 of us kids must have tried to do this at one time or another.  Sorry about that Mom!  :)

To learn how to swim well enough to save my own life

I've just come back from the local YMCA where I am sure I must have met a "miracle worker" and her name is Laurie.  And if she is indeed a miracle worker, then by the end of July, perhaps Bucket List Item #4 will be finally taken care of.

You might recall that on Saturday I received this "mysteriously anonymous" letter from the local "Y" with an application inside for private adult swim lessons.  There was even this handwritten note at the top saying "Bucket List #4-You can do it!"  More surprising to me than receiving it in the mail was the fact that I filled out the application and returned it to the "Y" in less than an hour's time.  Where did THAT courage come from?

Today I went up to arrange for an instructor and to confirm the lesson times.  That's where Laurie comes in as she will be my teacher.  She was very kind to me and listened while I explained every single fear on earth that I have about this whole deal.  The thing I liked most about her was the fact that she is obviously a very caring person and a real plus on her side is that I'm not the FIRST person she ever taught to swim.  (LOL)  Laurie has LOTS of experience and patience so I should be in very good  and capable hands.

Initially, I thought my lessons might have to wait to begin until July.  But today, we decided to go ahead to start the first one this Friday at 11:15.  I found a swimsuit at Wal Mart....no easy thing.  Little else to do now except wait until Friday and then see what happens.  It's not like I can practice beforehand or anything.....and I certainly don't need to practice the "being scared" part-I'm a natural with that one!

While I was waiting, I happened to take a quick glance into the pool area where I will be (gulp) learning to swim.  It was FILLED with folks whose ages range from 70 years old and up.  All of them were in the pool for water exercise and they were having a great time.  Not one person had a look of panic on their face that said, "Man, hope I don't drown in here!"  For me, it was helpful to view that kind of a sight.  If those guys could do this, then why not me?  And some of them, I learned later, don't know how to swim either.  But that wasn't stopping them from getting into the water and having some fun.

One parting thought........ as I was leaving I handed my completed application to one of the ladies behind the desk so she could enter it into the computer.  She began to laugh as she showed the application to another lady sitting beside her. 

 "Bucket List Item #4", I heard her tell the other person.  That woman, named Cleta, looked at me and said, "That's my writing."  Before I could even open up my mouth to say the word "Who", she looked at me and said, "I'm not telling you who did it."  She went on to say this, "Whoever did that for you really cared enough about you to give you this chance.  I know that you'll do fine."  So guys if you ever need a "secret" to be kept by someone, I'd be looking Cleta up to help you out.    Her "lips are sealed!"

It's going to be a while longer.......

By the looks of the photos I took yesterday as I rode over the Frank Hart Crossing into South Hutchinson, it's going to be a while longer before I can even dream of fulfilling Item #3 on the Miller Bucket List.  It can be summed up in 3 short words....  WE NEED MOISTURE.  And it's not just the state of things here in Reno County, Kansas but in many other parts of the U.S.  

About 25 years ago, I had the chance to canoe down the Arkansas River with friends and family members.  We put in our canoes near the spot where I took the photos yesterday and floated all the way downstream to a point about 3 miles north of my hometown, Haven. 

 It was a nice October day, kind of an "Indian Summer" day, if I recall.  I don't even remember how long it took but probably the journey was over WAY too soon.  It's always that way with things we ENJOY  doing--pretty sure that I have never once said, "Wow, can't believe how fast I pulled those weeds!"  

It was a pleasurable experience and even though I was a "novice" at canoeing, my companions  were good sports and taught me what to do as well as what NOT to do.  After the trip was over and we loaded up and headed back to Hutchinson, I vowed that some day I would really like to try doing it again.  As you can see by the pictures, that "some day" is going to have to wait a while.

Looking towards the east from the Frank Hart Crossing Bridge, between Hutchinson and South Hutchinson, it is easy to see that we are as dry as I've seen it in recent years.  This portion of water  is as deep as it gets around this point.  People were still having fun in it though as the ultra-shallow depth of water was easy to splash and wade around in.

About the only way to describe this photo is "stark".  Not sure that in my remembrances that I had ever seen the numbers that were below the 10 foot mark.  I cross this bridge at least once a day as I'm driving around town. But only when I stopped and got out to take the photo, did the seriousness of the dry conditions around here become "real.


Although my desire is for more water in order to canoe once again, many others out there are praying for more moisture in order to ensure their survival.  Crops and livestock are depending on it, desperate for its arrival.  Firefighters need all the help they can get to gain the "upperhand" in their seemingly constant battle against wildfires this year.  And yet, I and many others, continue to use water in ways that would make one think the supply is endless.  


So for now, "to canoe down the Ark River once again", is still a desire and keeps its place on the Miller Bucket List.  I still have the faith and the hope that one day the needed rain will come for all of us.  


"All the water that will ever be, is right now."  (from National Geographic 1993)


"When the well's dry, then we know the worth of the water."  Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac 1746

It's In The Mail

Normally the mailman delivers some pretty ordinary stuff to my house each day.  You know, bills, junk mail, bills, a magazine or two, and oh, did I mention bills?  Today was no exception....my city of Hutch bill, my Verizon bill, an advertisement for Dish Network, and last but not least....an envelope with the return address:  716 East 13th St., Hutchinson, KS  67501.....home of our local Reno County YMCA.  Why in the heck did I get a letter from the YMCA?  Probably wrong person...but I opened to be sure.


There inside, folded neatly, was an application form with the heading, "Hutchinson YMCA, Private Swim Lessons."  And above that, in handwritten script, was the message: "Bucket List Item #4-You Can Do It!"  The sender of the message goes by the name "anonymous" so I have no idea who thought to send it to me.   But whoever they are, here is my message back to them.....


Dear Anonymous Friend,
Thank you for caring enough about me to go the trouble of sending me this letter.  Since you probably already know me very well, then you realize how scary this is to me.  I am afraid--and can already think of a thousand reasons why this is a BAD idea.


  Good thing that "private" lessons are offered because the fewer people that would see a 55-year old non-swimmer with anxiety issues of drowning, hop into the water, the better!  I could use the excuse that the cost ($56 for 4 half-hour lessons) is prohibitive but that's not an issue at this point. I am not sure that I even OWN a swimming suit so that means I'd have to go out and buy one and I HATE shopping for them....What will happen if I can't even remember the ONE part of swimming lessons, blowing bubbles in the water, that I DID pass back in 1965?  How humiliating to have to learn how to blow bubbles all over again!  And given enough time, I could probably give you at least a dozen more weak and lame excuses about why I can't learn to swim.


Item #4 on the "Miller Bucket List" is there because someone I consider to be very "near and dear" to me found out one day that I couldn't swim.  And he advised me, right then and there, that I needed to learn how swim well enough to save myself from drowning.  He said to "scratch" the idea of getting my first tattoo, save the money for a trip somewhere, and work on learning how to swim instead.  He believes I can do it and I guess now, whoever you are, well you believe it as well.


I have filled out the application with a thankful heart that at least they ONLY ask for an emergency contact person, not my next of kin.  That's a good sign, right?  The check for $56 is written out, tucked into the application, the envelope sealed.  It's Saturday afternoon and rather than mailing it to the YMCA, I am just going to drive it down there.  From my home on East 14th Street, I am less than a mile away.  I hadn't planned on doing this so quickly but while I have at least a bit of courage, I'm going for it.


I promise to let you know how I do.  Though I will probably never find out who you are, I will always have a gratitude filled heart for your belief in me.  Thank you for your kindness in giving me a much needed "kick in the seat of the pants."  I guess all of us need that from time to time.  I am certainly no exception.


As Always,  Peggy Miller


From the words of the angel, Tess...."No such thing as late.  Destiny always picks its own time."
"Chance disappears when you make a decision."


  

I'd almost forgotten.....

Thanks to one of my co-workers from Avenue A , also a Facebook friend, for reminding me about "Peggy's 50 things to do before she reaches 51."  She had been reading about my "Miller Bucket List" and realized that she still had an email that I had sent people shortly after my 50th birthday.  So she forwarded it on to me and it was, with great interest, that I sat and reread that list of 50 things.


I now recall, very vividly, why I even thought of such a list in the first place.  Turning 50 years old was a  bit of a "slap in the face" for me and with an average life expectancy for women in the U.S. ranging from 77-80 years of age...well, you know what that means. Even a "sub-average" math student like me can do THAT calculation.  It means that the next 30 years are going to go a whole lot faster than the first 50 did!


I cannot say that I panicked or felt this overwhelming sense of doom over me.  Instead, I began to very quickly think about what I wanted to do yet in this life as well as prepare my 3 children for my inevitable passing, somewhere in the future.  So, I sat down at the computer and devised my "list" and started to work.  


In 2005, I had never even heard of the term "bucket list".  Hearing that phrase would have meant absolutely nothing to me.  It would be brought to light a few years later when "The Bucket List" was released starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  According to the "Urban Dictionary", the term "bucket list" simply refers to a list of things you'd like to do before you die.  It derives its name from the phrase "kicked the bucket."  So, I guess it looks like I'm already on Bucket List #2!


I won't go into the entire 50 things, but I'd like to tell you about a few of them I did before my 51st birthday.  And, admittedly, there were several things that, for one reason or another, remain to be completed.  


7 of the most crucial ones were dealt with right away.  These pertained to my own eventual demise and what I wanted my children to do in that event.  It wasn't fun, even remotely to take care of this part, but I didn't "die" from it. ( LOL ) Because I wanted to be cremated, I took a friend and my daughter Ursela to visit a cremation facility.  I was satisfied with what would happen to me and decided that I would opt for that method of disposal of my body.  I chose a funeral home and set up the arrangements for what would be done.  It took 3 years, but little by little, each month, I paid a portion of the balance until it was all completed last summer.  The only thing from the first 7 that I didn't take care of immediately was where I should have my cremains buried.  But this spring, following the advice of a very dear friend, I decided to have my urn placed next to my great-great grandmother in a tiny Quaker Cemetery just outside of Halstead, KS.  I had a will drawn up so that the kids would know what to do with my belongings and signed my "living will" so that my passing could be as dignified as possible.  Finally, I made sure that my kids knew my desire was to be an "organ donor" and I reminded them that it should be any and all organs, including skin. And with that, 7 things from that original list were already taken care...just like that! And as of this moment, I'm still VERY much alive.


And you know, dealing with the "not so nice" stuff right away allows you to pay more time and attention to the stuff that actually could be fun.  The kind of stuff that you always say "I'm going to do that!" but somehow or another time slips away, sometimes for "good."  


As I looked at the items already checked off of that original list, I noticed that I'd accomplished several of the fun things already.  I spent a day at the spa and got my first massage and pedicure. 
I took a day off from work and rode my bike to Haven and back as well as walking the entire length of the Martinez Trail from Rice Park to Carey Park.  And perhaps the most fun, was taking my second power parachute ride.   I witnessed the most absolutely beautiful sunrise and sunset during that year.  It must have made an indelible mark on me because I added those two very things to my current bucket list.  


Probably 25% of the original list of 50 things were never accomplished and I guess that's not such a horrible thing.  Maybe they weren't as important as I once felt they were.  In fact, most of THOSE things I have no real desire to do this day.  Thus I say "good-bye, farewell, and AMEN" to them and move other more important things into their spots.  And that's what a "bucket list" is for....to do the things that are most meaningful in a person's life.


One of the things on the list was to write a letter each month, that year, to a person who had made a big impact on my life, for the good.  It was supposed to be a reminder to me that NO ONE in this life gets to where they are at without the help, guidance, and support of a lot of people.  It was pretty easy for me to choose my 12 "mentors."


  One of them, Lowell Bilsten, was an elderly gentleman that I took care of during 2005-06 when I worked as a CNA at the care facility he was living at.  I just fell in love with that dear " 90 something" fellow and had so many good visits while I was taking care of him.  He would always ask me, when I came into his room, "Is that you Florence?  Florence Nightengale?"  "Yes, sir...that's me!" I would reply and he always had a big smile upon his face.


I wanted to write the letter to Lowell to thank him for what he had done, how knowing him had made my life so much better.  Unfortunately, the day before I would have given his letter to him, he passed away.  I wrote it anyway and gave it to his daughter.  They read it at his funeral.  I'm attaching a copy of it at the bottom of this post.  


So, why, in the "summer of my 56th year" am I telling you, friends, all of this?  Is there a lesson to be learned in it for one of you perhaps?  I don't think any of us ever hear someone remark, "Man, I can't believe how slow the past 6 years have went!"  And by the way, have you guys ever noticed that sometimes when you are asked how old you are, you actually have to stop a minute and figure it out?  Well, that's NOT because the span of time moves at a snail's pace.....it's because "time flies when you are having fun" is more than just some witty saying that someone thought of.  Lost, spent and wasted time are just that, GONE.


Please, even if you don't ever develop a "bucket list", at least have some type of idea of what is most important to you in this life and don't ever deviate from it.  Perhaps the last thing your kids ever want to hear you talk about is the making of your own funeral plans, but they WILL get over it.  So if you decide you wish to have that ready so they don't have to plan it, then do so.  Never been to a spa or had a massage?  What's stopping you, if you really want it?  And, even though I've not been fishing for a long time, I KNOW that the pole actually has to be dipped into the river before you're ever going to catch that big fish you've been dreaming of.  Please don't wait!  Just saying....and remember, I'm not "the boss"....I'm just bossy.  :)


Here's my letter to Lowell......


To my dear Lowell,  
This letter belongs to you with sincere thanks for the great influence that you have had upon the life of a "lowly" CNA and teacher, Peggy Miller.  I tried to tell you, with each visit that we had, how much I enjoyed taking care of you while you lived at Good Samaritan and that I will always remember and love you, my friend.


Sir, you have taught me so many things in this short span of time.  Among them, I will always recall....


How special the "human touch" is and that a warm hand can help in even the roughest of days.


How important it is to remember the state capitals of all 50 U.S. states in case you should quiz me over them during meal times!


How wonderful it is to have family and to be proud of them and all of their many accomplishments.


How very much the gift of personal time can be so appreciated...........  
I will always recall the visit that you and I had one Sunday evening.  It was our "date".  $1.34 for a dip of strawberry ice cream from Braums and 30 minutes of my time enabled both of us to share happy memories of days gone by.  Perhaps it would have been such a LITTLE thing to other people but to us it meant the world!  


Well, Lowell, it seems as though you have made it to Heaven before me but do look for me to also get there someday too.  I don't know yet when that will be but I will surely see you again.  I was blessed to know and to love you Mr. Bilsten. Until we see one another again, I remain your dear friend,  Peggy












  

Reconnections

My life has sure been filled with "chance" meetings of different kinds of people.   Some slip in and just as quickly and quietly, slip out again.  And there's nothing really bad about that, only the way that life is sometimes.  Today I was able to "reconnect" with some Facebook friends who have made quite a mark on my life, in one manner or another.  I know that some of you will know them--they are good people!

Before you even have to ask, YES I was standing up as tall as I could and NO the "big guy" wasn't standing on a box. This is Chris Mason, one tall Facebook friend!  Chris and I worked together on the staff of Avenue A Elementary School during the 2009-10 school year.  As our school counselor, Chris worked with all the students in a variety of roles.  He was well loved and respected by the students and the staff there.  


For all you FB friends who are parents out there......You can only HOPE that your daughters bring home young men for you to meet that have half of the positive character traits that my friend Chris has.  His heart is filled with love and kindness and his spirit is overflowing with goodness.  He is one great listener and perhaps that is why he makes such a wonderful teacher and counselor.  As far as I'm concerned, he is the best role model I've seen for integrity and character.  


If you know Chris, you'll be happy to learn that he and his wife, Brooke, are about to become parents.  They will be adopting a little baby boy to be born in July.  Now THAT is one blessed little baby!  Chris will be a "natural" at it.  :)


Hey, this next photo shows a fine group of women that I run into on a fairly regular basis at my favorite place to go, "It's All About You" in South Hutchinson.  

Starting on the left, that's Annette, Joyce, Kalisha, and Sara.  Anytime that I make my way down to the salon, whether it's to tan or to get my hair done, I always get a nice and warm welcome from them.  I think one of the things I like best about this place and crew of folks is that they always appear to be enjoying their jobs.  They have fun, they joke with one another, they laugh together.  That kind of atmosphere is what keeps customers coming back.  Each of these ladies may have a different job to do, but they work together in the spirit of cooperation.  Way to go gals!


Sara and Joyce are good examples of friends whose paths you cross many times in this life.  Years ago, (the 1990's) they worked with me as classroom aides for some hearing-impaired students I had in my 1st and 2nd grade class at Yoder.  I would always watch in amazement as they "signed" for the students while I taught the lesson.  They made it look SO easy to do and I admired their abilities.  


Every person on this earth has a gift or talent to offer up every day.  Perhaps it is lending a "listening ear" or a quiet place for a troubled child (or adult for that matter) to calm down.  It might be the friendly "hello" as you walk in the door of a business and the sincere "thank you for coming in today" as you walk back out of it again.  For sure, in my case it's Kalisha who knows without even being reminded just what to do with Peggy Miller's sometimes "unruly" head of hair.  


For whatever talent it may be, chance encounters with people have the opportunity to either "make" or "break" your day.  I give thanks for these Facebook friends with whom my days are always made!

Man, do I really have to do #4??

I've sat here for about 15 minutes, trying to figure out how to start this post.   And I have to tell you, there is no really good way to do it except to say this..... I cannot swim, not one tiny bit.  I'm deathly afraid of water...water going in my ears, in my nose, in my eyes, and most certainly over my head. Since I'm only 5 feet tall, that depth of water would be considered "shallow" for many of my Facebook friends!  It's actually kind of pathetic on my part, but it is what it is.  

When a very dear friend learned that I couldn't swim, he suggested that I replace my bucket list idea of "getting my very first tattoo" with a much more sensible "learn how to swim well enough to save my own life some day."  Because he is so much wiser than I will ever be, I listened.  Now, I'm kind of not so sure.  

Folks, it is not for lack of trying.  Well, ok, the trying was the summer before 5th grade.  My mom thought that children #4--7 of her brood needed to learn how to swim.  So basically, we were enrolled in swimming lessons without our approval.  It seemed like it MIGHT be fun but we really didn't know what we were in for.  It didn't take long to find out.

We grew up in the small community of Haven, Ks. and that particular year, Haven was able to open its own pool and it was quite a nice one.  So when my two sisters and a brother showed up for our first lessons that June day, it was actually kind of a cool thing to be doing.  Our friends were there and since we were farm kids, a trip to town was a treat for us.  This might not be so bad after all.

All I have to say is that Jenny and Julie Fisher, the two swim teachers, had their hands full with the 4 littlest Scott kids.  I staunchly refused to put my head under water and when I did, I was sure I was drowning.  I spent the next 6 days of lessons with a death grip on the side of the pool.  There's a chance that I might have passed "bubble blowing" but that's about it friends.  Congratulations went to our little sister, Cindy, who took to swimming pretty well.  The Scott Family had a 25% success rate that summer-not so good.  What a relief when that was over!  

And so it is......I am now a 55-year old who can't swim.  Looking at it realistically, when would I ever need to know?  It's not like I go to the lake or to the ocean each year.  And Salt City Splash hasn't gotten any of my money yet either.  And that dang chlorine ruins my hair.  And I use ALL of these lame excuses to try and get out of doing something like learning to swim.  Yet, there is one thing I am conveniently overlooking.

Swimming can be a great exercise for someone my age and older.  As those aches and pains of arthritis set in with advancing years, water exercise can be very helpful, very healing.  Swimming can build up endurance and improve your cardio-vascular health.  It also is a great form of relaxation and a stress reliever as well.  

Knowing all of this, admitting to its benefits, I find it a wise choice to leave it on the "bucket list".  Already I have had two volunteers come forward and say they would help me learn to swim.  One of them, my great-niece Allison, says she'd be glad to help her Aunt Peggy learn.  I'll keep you posted my friends.

Happy that I can add two more folks to the list of Facebook friends who have helped me with Item #6 on the "Miller Bucket List."  You may know them.

This is little Nori Conrad.....OK, OK, OK....this is grown-up Nori (Conrad) Bottelman.  Nori was in the very first class of first graders that I taught at Haven Grade School in 1981.  I remember her so well as the tiny little girl with big dark eyes and a thirst for knowledge.  Nori came to school to learn!  She had (and still does have) a kind and tender heart. She is now a "mom" to her own two children, Evan and Olivia.  But in her old first grade teacher's mind, she will always be that little girl, sitting at her desk, feet not quite able to reach the floor yet.

If you look closely, you'll see Nori sitting on the front row (in the middle) surrounded by her first grade classmates and a much younger looking Peggy Miller as her teacher.  It was Kansas Day, 1982 and our classroom was celebrating in much the same fashion that Kansas pioneer children might have.  It was a glorious day and I was so happy to "throw those lesson plans" out to the Kansas wind and do things totally opposite of the prescribed manner.  I've always said that the very best lessons that a teacher can teach a child will NEVER be found in a teacher's manual.  That was proven on Jan. 29, 1982.

This is Nori and 3 of her classmates:  Hollie and her daughter, Val, Kim, and Nori's daughter.  They had surprised me with a lunch at Village Inn on the day after Christmas this past year.  Obviously, as you can tell by the photo, they didn't remember that I taught them "no bunny ears" when we take photos!  Those girls!  They kept it a big secret and I was totally surprised.  Not one of them tattled on the others.  (LOL)  It was the first time in over 28 years that we had all been together.  What a blessing to behold!

I am so looking forward to reconnecting with 7 other students from this group of first graders and buying them a coke and discussing life's meaning.  So Chandra, Hollie, Justin, Kim, Kristie, Kristy, and Rusty be looking for me sometime in the near future.  Each one of you means the world to me.

It's a pretty cool thing to have a sister-in-law that ends up becoming like your own sister and a Facebook friend as well!  This is my sister-in-law, Paula Scott.  She helped with Item #6 from the "Miller Bucket List" back in April when I met her at her downtown Wichita office.  Between her directions and guidance from Onstar, I managed to find my way to the state office building where she works.  She was dutifully watching me from her upstairs office window, cell phone in hand, waving that I had made it to the right place.

One of the craziest things I will always remember about Paula was the time that she and I took "2-step" dance lessons together. It was the summer of 1985 and Alabama's #1 hit was "40-hour Week For a Living."  It was a great song to 2-step.  I had just gotten divorced and what would have normally seemed a ridiculous thing to do 6 months earlier, seemed perfectly sane. You know, I'd rather not go into the particulars but let me just give you a few brief phrases...you string them together in whatever manner you want and make up your own story, ok?  I will never know the difference-just don't tell anyone about it.  Here are the phrases:  ahem....  2-step dance lessons, Silver Spur, one old guy and one young guy, the longest hour of my life, couldn't wait to get home.  Oh, and the MOST important....What was I thinking and NEVER do that again.

We've been through a lot together-and as with every challenge that life throws at us, we have just grown a little bit stronger.  May you also look at life's challenges that way-and whatever you do, stick together, no matter what!  Some days, it's all we have to count on.

Bucket list #6-

"Real friendship is shown in times of trouble, prosperity is full of friends."  Unknown


There are so many different types of friends.....you know how it goes.  You have friends that you work with, friends that live in your neighborhood.  Maybe you have friends from church or a civic group that you belong to.  We have childhood friends, old friends, "friends" of friends, and sad to say, even "fair weather" friends.  The list goes on and on.  


If someone were to ask you, "Who was your best friend growing up?" what might you say?  Are you still in contact with them?  And blessed is the person who still considers that best friend from childhood their very best friend today.  Such is the case of my little sister, Cindy, and her very best friend since first grade at Haven Grade School, Kim Heinrich Biery.  Time and circumstance could never seem to separate them or dissolve their special kinship with each other.  Not too many people are afforded that rare gift in this life.  


Well, here's the last of the photos of my FB friends that I have so far "connected with" for something to drink and conversation about the meaning of life.  I'll be plugging away at it again this week and will post those photos as the week goes by.  Hope you are having a good day, no matter where you are.  

Picture 1-Lori Johnson, taken at Lincoln Elementary, late May of 2011
Lori teaches Pre-K at our school.  She's got the patience of a saint and a real love for teaching the littlest of students.  I love her innovative ideas--it was always fun to go into Lori's room and see all of the cool ways that little kids were learning!  I probably wouldn't do so well with a room full of kids that have only been "out of the womb" for less than 60 months--but I'm sure glad that teachers like Lori Johnson are there to give them their best start at school.  

Picture 2-Raimy Hester, taken at Lincoln Elementary, March of 2011
You have to really admire all that it takes to run a library in an elementary school!  Raimy is an excellent librarian with many years of experience.  I am forever amazed at how she keeps track of all those books. She was always so helpful with all of us who popped in each day, often at just a moment's notice as we were looking for books to supplement a lesson we were doing.  For sure, Raimy loves books and I'm going to make a wild guess that somewhere along the line, as a small child, that love of books was nurtured by one of her teachers.  Hey, while we are on the subject of reading, how many of you are reading a good book right now?  Do you remember going to the library as a little kid?  What were the books that you always hoped to check out?  You, FB friends, are honoring the work of librarians just like Raimy when you encourage others to read a good book.  Knowledge has always been and will always be, power.

Picture 3-What a crew!  My teaching cohorts at Lincoln Elementary-March, 2011

Carol, Julie, Dalia, Patti, Wendy, Elizabeth and Andrea

great people who love kids! 

This group of FB friends were a part of the staff that I worked with at Lincoln Elementary this past year.  These guys have "bailed me out" of a problem or two or five many times during these past few months.  If I had a problem, I would never have hesitated to go to one of these women and said "Help!  I need ____________________  (fill in the blank).  I could trust them and I hope they could trust me in return. For better or worse, the folks with whom we work become our "family."  There were days when I spent more waking hours with this group of women than I did with anyone else.  And if you are going to spend THAT much time together, isn't it wonderful to be able to spend it with a friend?  And has been said, many times before, the more hands that do the work together, the lighter the burden is.  Thank you Lincoln staff for helping pick up the slack and carry part of my burdens each day.  I won't be forgetting the goodness you showed me.

Picture 4-My BAK riding buddy, Shelley Rodriguez

Not too many friends would hop on their bike on a cold and windy day in March and ride with you, but Shelley would!  She was even brave enough to ride almost 25 miles a couple of weekends later, into headwinds of a constant 28 mph.  And this summer, she rode alongside me for the first 218 miles of the BAK before I had to stop.  She and her husband, Clint, went on to finish 3 days later.  So proud of them both.  Shelley and I taught together at Avenue A as ESL teachers.  When I "retired" last May, it was Shelley who stepped up and took my place.  She is a great friend, an encourager, a "cheer leader" who motivated me to try to do my best.  In my mind, that's what good friends do for one another and they do it EVERY day.

Picture 5-My little sister, Cindy Daniels

I come from a big family....7 kids in all....and this picture shows the two littlest of the bunch.  I am child #6 and Cindy is child #7.  Cindy has worked hard to lose weight and has successfully shed more pounds than I weigh.  This photo was taken back in January and believe me it doesn't even look like her today.  I am very proud of her and the determination she has shown to get healthy and stay that way!  All of us, me included, probably practice some unhealthy habits.  It's really a great thing to be able to get on track, as Cindy has, to improve your health.  So way to go Cindy!  Keep up the good work.  :)

Picture 6-Bob Hunter-June 2011

If it were not for Bob Hunter, Peggy Miller would probably never have tried biking across Hutchinson let alone Kansas.  Bob and I have been friends since 1987 but it seems like longer than that.  One of the things that I like best about Bob is that we "see things eye to eye" LITERALLY.   If you need more explanation on that one, please "message" me.  LOL, LOL  Bob is one of those friends that will remain a friend forever.  Perhaps one of his best character traits is the fact that he doesn't judge people, like me, for what they can or cannot do.  He's been a friend who waits "quietly in the background" of life.  We might go for months without seeing or speaking with one another.  But that doesn't matter--when we do see one another again, we just pick right up from where we left off however long ago it might have been.  Every single one of us needs at least one friend like Bob Hunter.   When Bob isn't busy being a friend to folks, he works for the City of Hutchinson as an arborist.  If a tree has problems, Bob Hunter is the "Dr." that they call.  His impact on my life has been immeasurable.  Thanks Bob!

Multi-tasking Bucket List Item #6

One of the things I have always been guilty of is procrastinating.  I guess I always figure, just like everyone else probably does, that there will always be time....Hey, if not today then probably tomorrow or even next week.  I know better than to do that-and as I remind myself and others....I'm getting a little closer to Heaven each day so IF I want to do something...then best get busy.


That's why I'm working on Bucket List Item #6, little by little each week.  In a "nutshell", Item #6 reminds me that I want to meet each of the friends I have on Facebook in person and buy them something to drink/have a conversation with them.


  Perhaps you are as guilty as I when it comes to "friending" people on Facebook.  At one time, and I'm being honest, I was waiting for the day when my 100th friend would appear.  It had NOTHING to do with having a friend...it had to do with it being the number 100.  That's when I realized that something wasn't quite right with my system.  IF I was going to "friend" someone, then I'd darn well better be ready to BE a friend to them...not just another person on their "list."  That's how I came up with Item #6.  


I don't know how you all feel about friends and friendship, but I am a firm believer in the fact that we need all of the friends we can get in this life.  You cannot have too many of them....and it's true, that some friends kind of come in and out of life and then back in again at what seems to be just the right moment in time.  I've come to learn that is "ok" as well....It's like a part of the plan.


Facebook has sometimes taken a "bad rap" for things that do not go just right.  Some people have abandoned its usage all together.  But I say to you, thank the good Lord above for it!  I have been able to stay in touch with all kinds of people through its website--from my family members far and wide, old friends from my hometown of Haven, KS, as well as a myriad of new people that, before I met them through Facebook, were complete strangers.  Do you have a similar experience?  Facebook, as a social medium, can be as wonderful or as horrible as we make it.  It's all up to us, the users.  


Hey, would you mind if I introduced you to a few of my friends?  Here are some photos of some of my FB friends that have already met with me for something to drink.  I'd sure like to tell you a little about them...You know, you may find out that you already have met them somewhere else along the line.  Who knows?  

Back in April, my good friend from Haven, Peggy Seck, joined me on a journey one Sunday morning to Manhattan, Ks.  We went to meet up with our good friend from high school, Dennis Ulrey.  Dennis is a pastor at one of the Baptist churches there.  We three "kids" all grew up together in the little town of Haven.  Dennis was that red-haired kid who was kind of ornery at times.  I remember him playing the trumpet in band.  The "other Peggy" was a farm kid, just like me.  In fact, for a time, just lived down the road from one another and rode the same bus to school.  It was wonderful to share a Sunday morning together and to listen to our good friend preach "the word."  It was the first time we had all been together since the early '70s.  I think we should take a vow to not let so much time pass before we meet again.

  This is my good friend, Linda Maudlin.  We haven't know one another for very many years but our children, Lindsey and Grahame, have been best friends now for a good deal of their lives.  Linda is kind of like my Grahame's "second mom".  I know that when Grahame is at her house that he is at "home" there.  A kid cannot have too many moms to watch out for him!  This was taken in February at Wendy's when we ate supper together with our kids.

Ella es mi amiga buena!  This is my very good friend, Marlen West.  She was also my bicycle buddy during the month of May.  Marlen and I first met when she worked at the care facility that my mom was living at.  What a hard worker!  Later on, she came to my school, Avenue A, and became my ESL paraprofessional.  Couldn't have made it without her!  Marlen is a native of Costa Rica and thus, is a great help for me with my Spanish.  I'm proud of everything that she has done in her life. 


These are just the first few that I've had the opportunity to sit down with and talk about life...I'll post more tomorrow.  Thanks to all who have helped me thus far in working on Item #6 of the Miller Bucket List.  


Tonight, if you are so inclined to say a prayer, remember to thank God for the gift of each friend you have been blessed with.  Without them, life would be a pretty bumpy road to travel.