So many roofing choices available; but where to begin? This is where the contractor comes in handy. A quality conscious, certified, contractor/roofer has the answers to your roofing questions. Use his expertise.
Start by choosing the proper roofing material for your home, remembering that most cities require a roof pitch of at least 3 to 12 for using shingles or shakes. A lower roof pitch requires alternate roofing material such as; tar & gravel, bitumen and roll roofing.
Although roof shingles are by far the most attractive, they do not properly seal. Shingles on a low pitch roof will leak. Unless you are planning on sealing the roof first with a rubber roofing material or a peel and stick adhesive, it's best to stay away from shingles.
With that said, most homes have a higher pitch, so shingles and shakes are acceptable.
When driving down a street it is the beautiful cedar shake rooftops you'll notice. If you have a contractor who specializes in quality, the life expectancy of a shingle roof can be anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
One of the best shingle roofing materials is the asphalt composition shingle. These shingles are made of an organic or fiberglass base with a topcoat of asphalt, covered with minerals, for weather resistance. This shingle comes in a wide variety of colors to fit any aesthetic need, and the great thing about asphalt shingles is they can be overlaid with new shingles as long as the initial layer remains in good condition.
With so many roofing material options available it is important to do your homework. Don't be fooled into the first plan of action you receive. Make sure to get several opinions from different contractors. Obtaining advice on material and contractors from your local hardware store is a highly recommended suggestion.
Lacy Enderson
Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
How to fix a sloping floor.
When deciding how to fix a sloping floor one must know a few things. First; is the slope occurring in a slab or a raised foundation? Second, different methods are used depending on how far out of level the floor slopes. It is highly advised to find a contractor who is suited to answer floor sloping questions. This isn't a project one should try to repair on one's own. Expertise in this area is vitally important.
In a slab, if the floor isn't greatly out of level, the problem can be rectified with a self leveling concrete. This substance is poured into the given area. This method alone will level the floor. No additional work is required. Consider yourself fortunate if your problem is rectified by this procedure. Other procedures can be a lot more costly and difficult.
If a slab floor is greatly out of level, due to a possible unstable earth, the best way for leveling is quite expensive but works well; it is a concrete injection leveling system called Hydraulic Mud Jacking. You take the low areas of the floor, drill holes in the slab, pump concrete into the holes, which pushes the slab up to the proper level. This procedure is done by an authorized company specializing in raising floor slabs who also own the proper leveling instruments. This unfortunately is not a method one can do on one's own. There are other methods used, such as the screw jack, but the two mentioned above are the most popular.
If you are fortunate enough to have a raised foundation you will find raising the floor to level is a lot cheaper than raising a slab, not easier just less expensive. Because a raised foundation has crawl space underneath bottle jacks can be used to raise the house. Depending on the size of the house, single or double story, bottle jacks of different weights are used. They come in varying weights from a few tons to sixty tons.
After raising the house, objects such as shims are used under the structure where the floor needs raising to offer height. After removing the jacks the structure can then lowered onto the added supports. Depending on how much the house needs to be raised will determine how many shims are used.
Whether your home has a slab or a raised foundation, there is a solution for a sloping floor. Some solutions are easier, some are less expensive, but with the help of your local contractor you can come up with the right solution for your situation.
In a slab, if the floor isn't greatly out of level, the problem can be rectified with a self leveling concrete. This substance is poured into the given area. This method alone will level the floor. No additional work is required. Consider yourself fortunate if your problem is rectified by this procedure. Other procedures can be a lot more costly and difficult.
If a slab floor is greatly out of level, due to a possible unstable earth, the best way for leveling is quite expensive but works well; it is a concrete injection leveling system called Hydraulic Mud Jacking. You take the low areas of the floor, drill holes in the slab, pump concrete into the holes, which pushes the slab up to the proper level. This procedure is done by an authorized company specializing in raising floor slabs who also own the proper leveling instruments. This unfortunately is not a method one can do on one's own. There are other methods used, such as the screw jack, but the two mentioned above are the most popular.
If you are fortunate enough to have a raised foundation you will find raising the floor to level is a lot cheaper than raising a slab, not easier just less expensive. Because a raised foundation has crawl space underneath bottle jacks can be used to raise the house. Depending on the size of the house, single or double story, bottle jacks of different weights are used. They come in varying weights from a few tons to sixty tons.
After raising the house, objects such as shims are used under the structure where the floor needs raising to offer height. After removing the jacks the structure can then lowered onto the added supports. Depending on how much the house needs to be raised will determine how many shims are used.
Whether your home has a slab or a raised foundation, there is a solution for a sloping floor. Some solutions are easier, some are less expensive, but with the help of your local contractor you can come up with the right solution for your situation.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
First time home buyer!
How great is that? My husband and I are buying a house. We are buying a house at the perfect time. It seems that every house around me has dropped down to the prices they were at five years ago just so I can buy my first house. I find it kind that everyone saw fit to give up all their equity just for me. I am very excited. We put an offer on a house and went into escrow today. Of course we still have to submit loan papers and every other document known to mankind, but the fact that my husband is a veteran and we have a 0 down is what makes this possible. Not only do we benefit from a CalVet loan, because my husband is 100% military service connected, we do not pay a funding fee and no property taxes. That saves us a minimum of $500.00 on our house payment. I am jazzed to say the least. I actually thought we would never be able to buy a house. Especially here in Simi valley where the fixer uppers were going for $550,000. But God has shed His mercy on us. We just made an offer on a great house for $399,000. Now I call that sweet. I will keep you posted.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Book Review: The Glass Menagerie
"The Glass Menagerie" is portrayed best as a collection of symbols used to add meaning to the overall theme of the play. Different meanings are given to the fire escape, Jim, the glass menagerie, the unicorn, blue roses, rainbows, religion, lighting, and music. Paying close attention, one can see the relationship between each symbol and the authors own life.
Glimpsing into the life of a family during the pre-war depression era presents objects, characters, and figures as symbols and imagery, expressing escape techniques, as well as hopeful aspirations, for those who are constantly left with bitter disappointment. The play, "The Glass Menagerie," by Tennessee Williams, is a memory play filled with remarkable use of symbols to portray the destruction and failure of hopes and dreams.
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The fire escape, in the play, is the entrance to the Wingfield's apartment. It is symbolic and carries a different meaning for each character. To Tom, the fire escape represents a way out of his unfortunate reality and an escape from his fiery frustrations. He longs to step out into a better world. Frequently Tom steps out onto the fire escape to smoke, symbolizing the first step towards freedom. Smoking also calms his nerves. Tom is suffocating in the apartment. His desperation intensifies as he craves a separation from his mother.
For Laura, the fire escape leads the way into a safe haven. Laura longs to be inside of the apartment protected from the world. The fire escape offers one way in or out. Laura's refuge is found inside. An interesting scene shows Laura stumbling on her way out to run an errand for her mother. Her fall symbolizes her weakness and frailty as she attempts to leave her comfort zone.
The fire escape is also symbolic of Amanda's desire to find a partner for her daughter. As Jim enters into the apartment through the fire escape, Amanda's hopes elevate and she grows increasingly excited about her daughter's prospective husband. Of course when she finds out Jim is engaged, her dreams crumble and she feels disappointed. To Amanda, the fire escape is an escape from the fear of Laura's desolate future. She worries her daughter will die an old maid. Her dreams include the hope that some young man will come through the door and sweep Laura off her feet.
Another symbol used in the play is the character Jim. To Laura, Jim represents her fear of reality. Jim is a common man and somewhat awkward with a passion for technology. Upon entering the Wingfield's dysfunctional apartment, Jim represents one of the glass animals, stationary and static. Jim soon realizes he must get back into the world which is constantly changing. Staying in the stagnant apartment is too depressing for Jim, and he declares his engagement to another woman and leaves.
To Amanda, Jim is a reminder of her younger days when handsome men would come to call on her. Amanda spends most of her time living in the past. This keeps her distanced from her reality. Jim is Amanda's object of hope. Jim represents Amanda's youth.
The glass menagerie is a collection of glass animals which represents all the characters as a whole, and has symbolic meaning for each character individually. The fragile glass symbolizes Laura. She is delicate, frail, weak, and easily broken. "The glass menagerie itself embodies the fragility of Laura's world" (Bloom 11). The frailty of her private world leads her to hide away from reality. Laura is depicted as one who has a full imagination and unrealistic ideas. She suffers from a physical and emotional handicap. Her glass animals are unreal too.
The glass figurines, which are unmoving, symbolize Amanda's need to create for Laura a thrilling life as she had once experienced. "Amanda soon reveals herself as a symbol of a devouring woman" (Tischler 33). She lives to intervene on behalf of her children, regardless of their desire for her to stop.
Another symbolic object in the play is the glass unicorn. The glass unicorn sits on a shelf surrounded by glass horses. Laura states that the unicorn is content amongst the more normal animals. Just as Laura understands her differences, she claims neither her nor the unicorn complain. After Jim reveals to Laura his engagement, the horn of the unicorn accidentally breaks off. This symbolizes that Laura too is becoming more normal, less shy. The unicorn loses its uniqueness and so does Laura.
Once noticed as the black sheep amongst all the other high school students, Laura realizes she really isn't that much different from the rest. When Jim kisses Laura and then tells her about his engagement, it breaks her heart and leaves her feeling more like everyone else. Broken as the unicorn's horn, she gives the unicorn to Jim which symbolizes her leaving him with part of her broken heart.
The blue roses in the play are also symbolic. The author's sister, whom the character of Laura is based, is named Rose. In High School Jim's nickname for Laura was blue roses "because it sounded like the word pleurisy, the illness that kept Laura from school for a spell" (Leiter 232). As roses are not ordinarily blue, Jim alludes to Laura that she is no ordinary girl. Laura acknowledges that the color blue is wrong for a flower, however, she accepts the name for herself as one who is unique. Roses are beautiful but not blue, just as Laura is a real woman, yet far too frail to be considered as one.
Rainbows have symbolic meaning in the play. Rainbows are known as objects of hope, yet somehow each depiction of a rainbow represents a less than hopeful situation. High expectations end up in disastrous disappointment for the characters. After spending time at a magic show Tom comes home with a rainbow colored scarf that turns goldfish into canaries. These birds fly away, just as Tom wishes he could. Even though Tom eventually leaves the house, he is haunted by memories of his mother and worry for his sister.
Another depiction of rainbows is seen in the chandeliers at the dance hall. These rainbow prisms foreshadow the dance that Laura and Jim share in her room. Although the dance is filled with hope, Laura's dreams are quickly shattered. Light shining down on the glass menagerie creates a rainbow of colors representing the beauty hidden inside Laura as she hides from the world.
In the play, Amanda practices Christian rituals, yet both of her children detest her hypocrisy. Their mother pretends to be a believer, but treats them with disrespect and selfishness. Tom and Laura are not Christians. The only time Tom uses Christian expressions is in blasphemy. Before eating, Amanda encourages the saying of grace, but the children each interrupt the prayer, Tom in scene one and Laura in scene six.
The music heard in the background, as Laura confesses dropping out of school, is "Ave Maria." This song symbolizes her pitiful feelings. Jim symbolizes the savior for Laura and Amanda. Waiting for Jim's arrival, both women dress ceremonial-like, and the scene is titled "Annunciation." The dress Amanda takes from the trunk is termed "resurrected." The women prepare fish for dinner. In the beginning of scene four, a deep voice church bell is heard ringing. After Jim kisses Laura, the stage direction informs the audience that "The holy candles in the altar of Laura's face have been snuffed out" (Cooper 627).
Lighting techniques in the play are used to create imagery. During each scene the lights are used to portray certain moods and tones. The lights symbolize hope as does the rainbow. But each hope is quickly shattered. During one of the scenes when Amanda and Tom quarrel, some of Laura's glass collection gets broken. The audience sees one solitary ray of light shining down upon Laura's face, showing her disappointment and sorrow. The light symbolizes Laura's grief.
Amanda tells Tom to make a wish. The audience sees a small light from the moon symbolizing Tom's hope for the wish to come true. A few times in the play there is a blackout. The darkness is used to symbolize the transitions from hope to pain. Flickering candle lights portray wavering between hope and disappointment. The main lights flickering portray lightning.
"Tennessee Williams's keen appreciation of the power of music to create atmosphere and define character is evident throughout his canon" (McCraw 763). Music is used to emphasize themes and enhance drama. Sometimes the music is heard only by the audience and not the characters. In a few scenes, music is played as part of the action and provides explanation on what is taking place in the play. The song, The Glass Menagerie, written for the play, is heard when Laura comes to the front of the stage with her glass menagerie and when Laura speaks of her mother's fear that she will die an old maid. Laura drowns out her mother's disapproval by playing old phonograph records left by her father when he abandons the family. While Tom dreams of escaping his dreary life, sad music is heard from the dance hall.
Glimpsing into the life of a family during the pre-war depression era presents objects, characters, and figures as symbols and imagery, expressing escape techniques, as well as hopeful aspirations, for those who are constantly left with bitter disappointment. The play, "The Glass Menagerie," by Tennessee Williams, is a memory play filled with remarkable use of symbols to portray the destruction and failure of hopes and dreams.
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The fire escape, in the play, is the entrance to the Wingfield's apartment. It is symbolic and carries a different meaning for each character. To Tom, the fire escape represents a way out of his unfortunate reality and an escape from his fiery frustrations. He longs to step out into a better world. Frequently Tom steps out onto the fire escape to smoke, symbolizing the first step towards freedom. Smoking also calms his nerves. Tom is suffocating in the apartment. His desperation intensifies as he craves a separation from his mother.
For Laura, the fire escape leads the way into a safe haven. Laura longs to be inside of the apartment protected from the world. The fire escape offers one way in or out. Laura's refuge is found inside. An interesting scene shows Laura stumbling on her way out to run an errand for her mother. Her fall symbolizes her weakness and frailty as she attempts to leave her comfort zone.
The fire escape is also symbolic of Amanda's desire to find a partner for her daughter. As Jim enters into the apartment through the fire escape, Amanda's hopes elevate and she grows increasingly excited about her daughter's prospective husband. Of course when she finds out Jim is engaged, her dreams crumble and she feels disappointed. To Amanda, the fire escape is an escape from the fear of Laura's desolate future. She worries her daughter will die an old maid. Her dreams include the hope that some young man will come through the door and sweep Laura off her feet.
Another symbol used in the play is the character Jim. To Laura, Jim represents her fear of reality. Jim is a common man and somewhat awkward with a passion for technology. Upon entering the Wingfield's dysfunctional apartment, Jim represents one of the glass animals, stationary and static. Jim soon realizes he must get back into the world which is constantly changing. Staying in the stagnant apartment is too depressing for Jim, and he declares his engagement to another woman and leaves.
To Amanda, Jim is a reminder of her younger days when handsome men would come to call on her. Amanda spends most of her time living in the past. This keeps her distanced from her reality. Jim is Amanda's object of hope. Jim represents Amanda's youth.
The glass menagerie is a collection of glass animals which represents all the characters as a whole, and has symbolic meaning for each character individually. The fragile glass symbolizes Laura. She is delicate, frail, weak, and easily broken. "The glass menagerie itself embodies the fragility of Laura's world" (Bloom 11). The frailty of her private world leads her to hide away from reality. Laura is depicted as one who has a full imagination and unrealistic ideas. She suffers from a physical and emotional handicap. Her glass animals are unreal too.
The glass figurines, which are unmoving, symbolize Amanda's need to create for Laura a thrilling life as she had once experienced. "Amanda soon reveals herself as a symbol of a devouring woman" (Tischler 33). She lives to intervene on behalf of her children, regardless of their desire for her to stop.
Another symbolic object in the play is the glass unicorn. The glass unicorn sits on a shelf surrounded by glass horses. Laura states that the unicorn is content amongst the more normal animals. Just as Laura understands her differences, she claims neither her nor the unicorn complain. After Jim reveals to Laura his engagement, the horn of the unicorn accidentally breaks off. This symbolizes that Laura too is becoming more normal, less shy. The unicorn loses its uniqueness and so does Laura.
Once noticed as the black sheep amongst all the other high school students, Laura realizes she really isn't that much different from the rest. When Jim kisses Laura and then tells her about his engagement, it breaks her heart and leaves her feeling more like everyone else. Broken as the unicorn's horn, she gives the unicorn to Jim which symbolizes her leaving him with part of her broken heart.
The blue roses in the play are also symbolic. The author's sister, whom the character of Laura is based, is named Rose. In High School Jim's nickname for Laura was blue roses "because it sounded like the word pleurisy, the illness that kept Laura from school for a spell" (Leiter 232). As roses are not ordinarily blue, Jim alludes to Laura that she is no ordinary girl. Laura acknowledges that the color blue is wrong for a flower, however, she accepts the name for herself as one who is unique. Roses are beautiful but not blue, just as Laura is a real woman, yet far too frail to be considered as one.
Rainbows have symbolic meaning in the play. Rainbows are known as objects of hope, yet somehow each depiction of a rainbow represents a less than hopeful situation. High expectations end up in disastrous disappointment for the characters. After spending time at a magic show Tom comes home with a rainbow colored scarf that turns goldfish into canaries. These birds fly away, just as Tom wishes he could. Even though Tom eventually leaves the house, he is haunted by memories of his mother and worry for his sister.
Another depiction of rainbows is seen in the chandeliers at the dance hall. These rainbow prisms foreshadow the dance that Laura and Jim share in her room. Although the dance is filled with hope, Laura's dreams are quickly shattered. Light shining down on the glass menagerie creates a rainbow of colors representing the beauty hidden inside Laura as she hides from the world.
In the play, Amanda practices Christian rituals, yet both of her children detest her hypocrisy. Their mother pretends to be a believer, but treats them with disrespect and selfishness. Tom and Laura are not Christians. The only time Tom uses Christian expressions is in blasphemy. Before eating, Amanda encourages the saying of grace, but the children each interrupt the prayer, Tom in scene one and Laura in scene six.
The music heard in the background, as Laura confesses dropping out of school, is "Ave Maria." This song symbolizes her pitiful feelings. Jim symbolizes the savior for Laura and Amanda. Waiting for Jim's arrival, both women dress ceremonial-like, and the scene is titled "Annunciation." The dress Amanda takes from the trunk is termed "resurrected." The women prepare fish for dinner. In the beginning of scene four, a deep voice church bell is heard ringing. After Jim kisses Laura, the stage direction informs the audience that "The holy candles in the altar of Laura's face have been snuffed out" (Cooper 627).
Lighting techniques in the play are used to create imagery. During each scene the lights are used to portray certain moods and tones. The lights symbolize hope as does the rainbow. But each hope is quickly shattered. During one of the scenes when Amanda and Tom quarrel, some of Laura's glass collection gets broken. The audience sees one solitary ray of light shining down upon Laura's face, showing her disappointment and sorrow. The light symbolizes Laura's grief.
Amanda tells Tom to make a wish. The audience sees a small light from the moon symbolizing Tom's hope for the wish to come true. A few times in the play there is a blackout. The darkness is used to symbolize the transitions from hope to pain. Flickering candle lights portray wavering between hope and disappointment. The main lights flickering portray lightning.
"Tennessee Williams's keen appreciation of the power of music to create atmosphere and define character is evident throughout his canon" (McCraw 763). Music is used to emphasize themes and enhance drama. Sometimes the music is heard only by the audience and not the characters. In a few scenes, music is played as part of the action and provides explanation on what is taking place in the play. The song, The Glass Menagerie, written for the play, is heard when Laura comes to the front of the stage with her glass menagerie and when Laura speaks of her mother's fear that she will die an old maid. Laura drowns out her mother's disapproval by playing old phonograph records left by her father when he abandons the family. While Tom dreams of escaping his dreary life, sad music is heard from the dance hall.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Off the desert highway!
My husband and I planned a great trip that I easily could have missed. The destination was my grandma's house in Albuquerque. We organized the trip months in advance. I confirmed that we would drive straight to New Mexico from California through Arizona making no stops along the way. I wanted to spend all of my vacation with my grandma. Prior to departure my husband laid out a map and put a big circle around the Grand Canyon. He loves historical landmarks. I have no interest in them at all. We exchanged a few stern words and again agreed the trip would proceed directly as planned.
Along the way the unpredictable weather had our attention. Off in the distance up in the sky dark clouds covered the horizon. We could see nothing past the blackness up ahead. The sun shining brightly in the sky quickly disappeared as we were ushered right into the middle of a powerful rain storm. Fear mixed with silent apprehension as we slowed down. After a few minutes of blinding rain we exited this darkness to immerge once again into bright sunny skies. Passing through four heavy downpours had my heart beating.
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I like the desert. My perfect vacation is a drive through the wilderness. I see the beauty in tall mountains surrounded by endless colors of rustic browns. At night in the desert where the sky meets the road the stars appear so close I feel as if I could reach out and grab them with my hands. I want nothing hindering the spectacular vision before me. Tall trees only block my view.
Arriving at a little town in Arizona called Williams we stopped at a gas station to inquire about a room for the night. Inside my husband noticed a brochure advertising the Grand Canyon. He asked the attendant how long the drive would be. She said to follow the road north for 45 minutes. My husband quickly turned to look at me with an inquiring gaze. I shook my head and said I had no interest in seeing the Grand Canyon, but I would leave it up to him to decide.
All of a sudden a curious place of anxiety started stirring within me. I found myself excited at the possibility of finally seeing this natural wonder. I felt amazed that we were actually so close. When my husband looked at me and said, "You have got to see the Grand Canyon," I did not argue.
Highway 64 owned a unique sense. Passing by forests of tall ponderosa pines and junipers offered a vision of beauty. The smell of the sage brush in the air brought a truly sensational feeling of serenity that encompassed my whole being. I found myself completely immersed in what I had tried so hard to avoid.
Favoring mountains and desert is acceptable but I had denied myself the splendor of the woodlands. I made a decision at that moment to allow myself a life full of new and exciting opportunities. I was ready to break out of the mold and seek novel and different locations. Creating memories I could relive forever became an important concept. And to think I hadn't even arrived yet at our destination. The exhilaration of the Grand Canyon somewhere up ahead heightened the closer we got.
I read somewhere that the approach to the Grand Canyon gives no hint of what awaits. That reference is an absolute understatement. Driving up to the canyon I felt a sense of awe like I had never felt before. Looking over into this vast mountain abyss left me speechless. I sat gazing at the enormity of this amazing creature. The depth and the scope of the size were beyond my comprehension.
Driving from one ridge to the next, peering out over each edge, I felt weightless and all fear of heights vanished. Although each range had a similar appearance every view was spectacular. I had never seen anything like the Grand Canyon before and I was convinced I never would. It was definitely one of the most beautiful and magnificent sites I have ever seen. And to think I almost missed it.
Along the way the unpredictable weather had our attention. Off in the distance up in the sky dark clouds covered the horizon. We could see nothing past the blackness up ahead. The sun shining brightly in the sky quickly disappeared as we were ushered right into the middle of a powerful rain storm. Fear mixed with silent apprehension as we slowed down. After a few minutes of blinding rain we exited this darkness to immerge once again into bright sunny skies. Passing through four heavy downpours had my heart beating.
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I like the desert. My perfect vacation is a drive through the wilderness. I see the beauty in tall mountains surrounded by endless colors of rustic browns. At night in the desert where the sky meets the road the stars appear so close I feel as if I could reach out and grab them with my hands. I want nothing hindering the spectacular vision before me. Tall trees only block my view.
Arriving at a little town in Arizona called Williams we stopped at a gas station to inquire about a room for the night. Inside my husband noticed a brochure advertising the Grand Canyon. He asked the attendant how long the drive would be. She said to follow the road north for 45 minutes. My husband quickly turned to look at me with an inquiring gaze. I shook my head and said I had no interest in seeing the Grand Canyon, but I would leave it up to him to decide.
All of a sudden a curious place of anxiety started stirring within me. I found myself excited at the possibility of finally seeing this natural wonder. I felt amazed that we were actually so close. When my husband looked at me and said, "You have got to see the Grand Canyon," I did not argue.
Highway 64 owned a unique sense. Passing by forests of tall ponderosa pines and junipers offered a vision of beauty. The smell of the sage brush in the air brought a truly sensational feeling of serenity that encompassed my whole being. I found myself completely immersed in what I had tried so hard to avoid.
Favoring mountains and desert is acceptable but I had denied myself the splendor of the woodlands. I made a decision at that moment to allow myself a life full of new and exciting opportunities. I was ready to break out of the mold and seek novel and different locations. Creating memories I could relive forever became an important concept. And to think I hadn't even arrived yet at our destination. The exhilaration of the Grand Canyon somewhere up ahead heightened the closer we got.
I read somewhere that the approach to the Grand Canyon gives no hint of what awaits. That reference is an absolute understatement. Driving up to the canyon I felt a sense of awe like I had never felt before. Looking over into this vast mountain abyss left me speechless. I sat gazing at the enormity of this amazing creature. The depth and the scope of the size were beyond my comprehension.
Driving from one ridge to the next, peering out over each edge, I felt weightless and all fear of heights vanished. Although each range had a similar appearance every view was spectacular. I had never seen anything like the Grand Canyon before and I was convinced I never would. It was definitely one of the most beautiful and magnificent sites I have ever seen. And to think I almost missed it.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Aging Gracefully
I remember growing up and thinking 50 was old. I guess everyone seemed old when I was a child. Now that I am 45, there is nothing old about me. Sure, I have a few more aches and pains than I had at age 20, but I feel good. I get up early every morning and walk my treadmill for thirty minutes. I try to eat right during the day so I can have chocolate for dessert at night. I work for the school district with kids so I am forced into youth related activities. Actually, I like my age and I would not trade it down for anything. Age is in the eye of the beholder. I prefer to see the aging process as an exciting adventure. Who knows what God has in store for my future? Only when I get older will I see His plans unfold.
Although God did not design old age from the beginning, He uses old age for our good purpose. As we age we grow more dependent on Him. As our bodies grow older we are forced to slow down. Old age is an optimum time to spend studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer or participating in social groups with other people of the same age. During middle age life is filled to capacity with work, family, chores, etc. There is little time to sit back and relax. Old age offers this luxury.
God’s best was eternity in the garden. His goal was to create perfect people who would love Him forever. But man failed. God’s plan was thwarted. Although His initial life span was forever, after the fall, He shortened lives. The ultimate deterioration of man required man to die younger. The effects of old age could not endure the length of life God originally planned. But that is when the message of salvation becomes so important. People afraid of dying need to hear about eternal life in heaven. Hopefully by old age, most people will know the Lord, but for those who don't, the message of heaven brings hope.
I attend a church of about sixty members. Most are over the age of 70. It has been a pleasure spending time with people who are the same ages and older than my parents. It is amazing how age becomes less of an issue the older we get. The couples we go to lunch with could be our grandparents. These people are vibrant, full of life, love the Lord, and as far as I can tell, never slow down. A few of the older men are crossing guards. After retirement they got jobs. They also attend weekly, retired men, breakfast meetings. They say they enjoy the fellowship with other retirees.
I am learning a lot from these elderly people about quality of life after retirement. I have yet to see a retired person lay down to die. Of course it would be different for those who do not know the Lord. Without a heavenly hope one could surely fear frailty. As a biblical counselor I would discuss Abraham and Moses and show the counselee how much they accomplished well into their old age. The Bible has quite a few good examples of average people doing extraordinary things in later life.
Accepting the aging process is vital to happiness. I often wonder just how old I will look at 60. My mom looks great for her age. She is 66. Yet she complains all the time about her neck and her eyes. I think her concern is because my dad passed away and she is dating again. I see a lot of older people growing old gracefully. I stare at them often. I find it fascinating that they can age like they do, in and around the face, and yet never seem to care. And if they do, they sure do not let on. I hope I too am free from vanity when I am old.
Lately there are many movie stars who look terrible because they could not allow themselves to age. It is sad to see older people trying to look young again. Plastic surgery is not a cure-all. Maybe the skin can be pulled and tightened, but the result is not always pretty. Some of these stars do not even look the same. I think it is a shame there is so much self-importance in people. Like I said, I hope I can humbly accept the aging process. Human nature wants to look good for as long as possible. I understand that. At 45 I thank God I look as good as I do. I just pray that people would focus more on the inside than the outside. Peace and joy come from a Spirit filled heart not a wrinkle-less face.
Nowadays seniors are doing more, longer. I see a lot of older people walking, and shopping, and just out and about. No longer is age 50 old. Age 70 is not even old. Recently at our church makeover, it was the 70 year olds that were tearing down drywall and sweeping. It was the 80 year olds wheeling the wheelbarrows full of debris to the trash containers. A few older men in my church took a two week drive up the coast. Three 80 year old men took a road trip and all three came back looking good as new. Of course their wives must have worried about them, we young folk did, but that is the amazing reality of the old lately, they do not just curl up on the sofa and die.
Growing old with financial security requires planning. When my father unexpectedly died at age 66 my mom was devastated. Not only did she lose her husband of 42 years, she lost her provider. My mom was a stay at home mom, and even after all four of her children left the house, she remained a housekeeper. My father was not prepared to die. He did not have any savings; his life insurance only covered the credit card debt. Lucky for my mom, her house was paid for. I would counsel all couples to begin financial preparations early. Why wait until old age creeps in and there isn't enough money to enjoy retirement? Or even enough money to live? Nobody expects a tragedy, but preparation, just in case, is highly advised.
My grandma, age 88, lives in New Mexico. We live in California. My mom lives alone in a three bedroom house. She has asked my grandma many times to come live with her. My grandma says she will never live with her kids. She has a small senior home with low rent. She says she would come to California and live in her own place, but California is too expensive. My mom has shared on several occasions she will never live with her kids. Instead of selling her home and downsizing, she says she must keep the equity locked into the house in case something ever happens to her. She says she never wants to be a financial burden on us. Of course my siblings and I think she is ridiculous; my grandma too. We feel family should be close to help each other.
Assisted living centers are springing up everywhere. For those who can afford the luxury, they are a perfect alternative to living on ones own, but most seniors cannot afford assisted living and must revert to lower grade homes. For the elderly who refuse to live with family or for those who have no family, choices of quality care are few. I personally would rather have my mom move in with me than to have her in some of the lower rated homes. Hopefully she will live a long, healthy life, never needing any outside help. We can only hope. As for my grandma, my mom worries about her, living so far away; if something should happen, her family would not be near enough to help.
If parents get to senile to make quality decisions on their own, children can make decisions for them. It is a good idea to sit down and discuss situations while parents and children can effectively communicate. The family can lay out ground rules for different scenarios. No one can predict the future health of any person. Some very healthy young people have died abruptly from heart attacks. Nothing should be discounted as a possibility. Every situation and possible solution must be discussed. It is one thing for a stubborn parent to refuse a room in a child’s home; it is another when a parent with Alzheimer’s has to move in. If proper planning is accomplished, there should be no surprises.
Getting old is a reality for everyone. No one can escape the aging process. What happens during old age is entirely up to the individual. Having a good perception makes a big difference. Planning and preparing financially, looking into possible housing needs, discussing the future with children, are all beneficial and can help make the aging process not only comfortable, but pleasant as well. Why waste what could be the most enjoyable years of one’s life? Everyone gets old, plan on it.
Although God did not design old age from the beginning, He uses old age for our good purpose. As we age we grow more dependent on Him. As our bodies grow older we are forced to slow down. Old age is an optimum time to spend studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer or participating in social groups with other people of the same age. During middle age life is filled to capacity with work, family, chores, etc. There is little time to sit back and relax. Old age offers this luxury.
God’s best was eternity in the garden. His goal was to create perfect people who would love Him forever. But man failed. God’s plan was thwarted. Although His initial life span was forever, after the fall, He shortened lives. The ultimate deterioration of man required man to die younger. The effects of old age could not endure the length of life God originally planned. But that is when the message of salvation becomes so important. People afraid of dying need to hear about eternal life in heaven. Hopefully by old age, most people will know the Lord, but for those who don't, the message of heaven brings hope.
I attend a church of about sixty members. Most are over the age of 70. It has been a pleasure spending time with people who are the same ages and older than my parents. It is amazing how age becomes less of an issue the older we get. The couples we go to lunch with could be our grandparents. These people are vibrant, full of life, love the Lord, and as far as I can tell, never slow down. A few of the older men are crossing guards. After retirement they got jobs. They also attend weekly, retired men, breakfast meetings. They say they enjoy the fellowship with other retirees.
I am learning a lot from these elderly people about quality of life after retirement. I have yet to see a retired person lay down to die. Of course it would be different for those who do not know the Lord. Without a heavenly hope one could surely fear frailty. As a biblical counselor I would discuss Abraham and Moses and show the counselee how much they accomplished well into their old age. The Bible has quite a few good examples of average people doing extraordinary things in later life.
Accepting the aging process is vital to happiness. I often wonder just how old I will look at 60. My mom looks great for her age. She is 66. Yet she complains all the time about her neck and her eyes. I think her concern is because my dad passed away and she is dating again. I see a lot of older people growing old gracefully. I stare at them often. I find it fascinating that they can age like they do, in and around the face, and yet never seem to care. And if they do, they sure do not let on. I hope I too am free from vanity when I am old.
Lately there are many movie stars who look terrible because they could not allow themselves to age. It is sad to see older people trying to look young again. Plastic surgery is not a cure-all. Maybe the skin can be pulled and tightened, but the result is not always pretty. Some of these stars do not even look the same. I think it is a shame there is so much self-importance in people. Like I said, I hope I can humbly accept the aging process. Human nature wants to look good for as long as possible. I understand that. At 45 I thank God I look as good as I do. I just pray that people would focus more on the inside than the outside. Peace and joy come from a Spirit filled heart not a wrinkle-less face.
Nowadays seniors are doing more, longer. I see a lot of older people walking, and shopping, and just out and about. No longer is age 50 old. Age 70 is not even old. Recently at our church makeover, it was the 70 year olds that were tearing down drywall and sweeping. It was the 80 year olds wheeling the wheelbarrows full of debris to the trash containers. A few older men in my church took a two week drive up the coast. Three 80 year old men took a road trip and all three came back looking good as new. Of course their wives must have worried about them, we young folk did, but that is the amazing reality of the old lately, they do not just curl up on the sofa and die.
Growing old with financial security requires planning. When my father unexpectedly died at age 66 my mom was devastated. Not only did she lose her husband of 42 years, she lost her provider. My mom was a stay at home mom, and even after all four of her children left the house, she remained a housekeeper. My father was not prepared to die. He did not have any savings; his life insurance only covered the credit card debt. Lucky for my mom, her house was paid for. I would counsel all couples to begin financial preparations early. Why wait until old age creeps in and there isn't enough money to enjoy retirement? Or even enough money to live? Nobody expects a tragedy, but preparation, just in case, is highly advised.
My grandma, age 88, lives in New Mexico. We live in California. My mom lives alone in a three bedroom house. She has asked my grandma many times to come live with her. My grandma says she will never live with her kids. She has a small senior home with low rent. She says she would come to California and live in her own place, but California is too expensive. My mom has shared on several occasions she will never live with her kids. Instead of selling her home and downsizing, she says she must keep the equity locked into the house in case something ever happens to her. She says she never wants to be a financial burden on us. Of course my siblings and I think she is ridiculous; my grandma too. We feel family should be close to help each other.
Assisted living centers are springing up everywhere. For those who can afford the luxury, they are a perfect alternative to living on ones own, but most seniors cannot afford assisted living and must revert to lower grade homes. For the elderly who refuse to live with family or for those who have no family, choices of quality care are few. I personally would rather have my mom move in with me than to have her in some of the lower rated homes. Hopefully she will live a long, healthy life, never needing any outside help. We can only hope. As for my grandma, my mom worries about her, living so far away; if something should happen, her family would not be near enough to help.
If parents get to senile to make quality decisions on their own, children can make decisions for them. It is a good idea to sit down and discuss situations while parents and children can effectively communicate. The family can lay out ground rules for different scenarios. No one can predict the future health of any person. Some very healthy young people have died abruptly from heart attacks. Nothing should be discounted as a possibility. Every situation and possible solution must be discussed. It is one thing for a stubborn parent to refuse a room in a child’s home; it is another when a parent with Alzheimer’s has to move in. If proper planning is accomplished, there should be no surprises.
Getting old is a reality for everyone. No one can escape the aging process. What happens during old age is entirely up to the individual. Having a good perception makes a big difference. Planning and preparing financially, looking into possible housing needs, discussing the future with children, are all beneficial and can help make the aging process not only comfortable, but pleasant as well. Why waste what could be the most enjoyable years of one’s life? Everyone gets old, plan on it.
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