This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Friday, May 27, 2011

When It Rains It Pours

        Folks in parts of the United States must be getting pretty tired of the rain and the wild weather that's been coming with it. Floods, hail storms, and vicious tornadoes have wreaked havoc across the Midwest as the May 21st Judgment Day has been rescheduled for October 21st.

        Of late it seems that there is more news than the news stations can handle. The news outlets must be thrilled with the prospect that more viewers may be tuning in to see what craziness is going to happen next. Current events are falling into our lives like a torrential rain of data and dirt.

        As I flew into Memphis recently to make my connection to Knoxville, I looked down upon the receding floodwaters of the Mississippi. A lady in a nearby seat remarked that it was difficult to tell where the river was. Only then did I realize that I was looking at the Mississippi River and its overflow. I felt relief that we had reached Memphis and I had one more short flight before I would be at my destination.

         Later I saw on the news something about how they were going to open some floodgates which would cause major flooding in areas in Louisiana. They wanted to save some homes upriver but would have to sacrifice others to do so. I paid little attention to the story as I was mostly ignoring the news and just trying to enjoy my vacation.

        Then there were the tornadoes in Joplin and elsewhere, not to mention Schwarzenegger and Jared Loughner, Obama and Osama, Libya and all of the other crazy places in the world. I am inundated with images and my mind is flooded with information that overflows beyond my comprehension.

        It's kind of like my life this year. Where did the time go since the start of 2011? The build up to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge rushed headlong into April which is now like a blurry dream. Most of the A to Z list remains for me to conquer, as does about half of the A to Z Reflections. Then there are those e-mails piled in my e-boxes. A digital deluge threatens to drown me.

         Added to all of this is an assortment of travels, my search for employment, and the ongoing affairs of family. Today (May 25th), I got word that my brother-in-law Jack finally succumbed to his battle with cancer. My wife and I will head to Phoenix this weekend to provide whatever comfort we can to my devastated sister.

         Next week, the last of my daughters who still lived near to us will be moving to New Jersey to join her sisters. With her goes our precious granddaughter Marley, another bright ray of sunshine that will now be obscured by the rainclouds of the sadness we will feel without her.

      Is this the year that California will at last fall into the ocean? Probably not. The sun will eventually emerge from the clouds and the sad falling rain will be replaced by the purple-blue jacaranda blossoms which drift downward to the flowery carpet on the street.

      Everything will be okay.



       Do you think the current crazy weather has anything to do with global warming or is it just part of a normal weather cycle?     Or is it a sign of the end of the world?   Do you ever have to just turn off the news?    What storms are you weathering this year?


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45 comments:

  1. A very thoughtful post, Arlee. It's so sad to hear of all the tribulations afflicting people. The weather does seem to be more than usually peculiar.
    I'm sure your poor sister will be comforted by your company - family is important at such times.
    I often think how hard it must be for families in the States, sometimes separated by thousands of miles. Family gatherings must be so precious, the greetings wonderful, the farewells choking.

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  2. It does seem as though everything hits us all at once, doesn't it? It sounds like you have a strong family, and that's one of the greatest blessings in life. Thank goodness for things like Skype and (sometimes FB) which allows us to keep in touch over great distances.
    This year's weather cycle apparently has quite a bit to do with the jet stream as well La Nina, so no, I don't think it's the end of the world. Climate change may have something to do with it, but who knows?
    Thanks for the Oct. date, BTW, I'll try and get my vacations in before then :)) Hope things ease up for you soon. Best, Lisa

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  3. I'm sorry about your Brother in law. I think the natural phenomena might be due to global warming. As for 21 October, we'll pass that one by with laughter too. No one knows when the world ends.

    Personal storms are calmer than they have been in a while. It's just the uncertainty of waiting for everything to fall into place. I'm so lucky in that respect.

    Best of luck to you!

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  4. I'm so sorry about your brother in law. I hope your sister will be okay.

    I often avoid the news. I don't necessarily believe that there are more bad things happening in the world, we're just more informed about them now. But there has to be a line drawn between being informed and being overwhelmed. Sometimes you just need to look through the headlines, turn away and say "That's enough for now."

    And yes, everything will be okay.

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  5. I like this thoughtful post very much. I don't know what to think of the weather - I try not to listen to the news - I went on a news diet a few years back and realized it is much better for me than constantly taking it in. I learn most stuff from friends - either on the net or in my life.
    I'm sorry about your brother-in-law - I send love to your sister and family.
    I've weathered a lot this year, since you ask, and I'm trying to ask the right questions about it. Not 'why me, Buddha?' but 'how do I keep my good heart with all these obstacles?'

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  6. So sorry to hear about your brother in law....I'm sure he put up a valiant battle.
    The weather is #@$% here in Canada as well. Some places in the world have a dearth of moisture others have unexpected swimming pools in their basements. It may be global warming and it could just be life.
    The world ending? Well, it will some day. I't rather just be surprised.
    Yes, we have had our ups and downs this year already mostly thanks to our darling unstable daughter. We're not going there.
    Every day the sun comes up again and its a whole new world and a whole new me. Fresh eyes.

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  7. Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law!! And after awhile, I just turn off the news. I can only take so much.
    Prayers and thoughts with your family, Lee.

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  8. My condolences my friend. Life is tough right now and you know our paths have similarity. As to the weather... I've been in the rain/storm zone and YES we are over it. I don't know about global warming but I do think it is a wake-up call. Remember and recognize what is truly important, every single moment and each other.

    I'll keep you in my prayers.
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  9. Praying for you and your family as you celebrate the life of your brother-in-law.

    I turn off the news. It's depressing. DH and I were discussing world events and pondering the end of times. Is it near? It's always near and our hearts should be prepared for the call. :)

    Hoping you have a safe journey to Phoenix.

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  10. So sorry to hear about your brother in law and my heart goes out to everyone suffering through the various natural disasters that have ravaged the globe over the last few years - it's certainly been a testing time for many. It would be nice to limit my news intake sometimes but the flipside of a connected world is the fact that we just can't escape sometimes. Sundays and public holidays however, I avoid tv and newspapers - it helps!

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  11. First, I am glad that you got to travel and see family. We have been house bound and no vacations since unemployment hit our household.

    Second, sorry to hear your daughter and granddaughter is moving. I know have four girls in four states. However, two of them are close, one in Oregon and one still here in WA. One is in NM and the other in AZ.

    Third, global warming is a political tool that is also a scapegoat for the weather patterns we are observing. Since Christians know their bible, they know two things:

    1) It will be God via his judgment who destroys the earth in order to recreate it in his timing, not the weather.

    2) A careful study of the bible will show that severe or devastating weather is identified with the judgement of God. Our world and particularly our country is under the common grace of God, however, it is also under the judgement of God. I don't think it is necessarily a sign of the end of the world, but since our wholesale rejection of God we have been given over to judgement and weather patterns can and probably is a part of it.

    Fourth, yes, I turn off the news. There is rarely anything good any more. Our gas prices here have dropped 16 cents in the last three weeks, but most think that is just a lull in the storm. But from political gaffs, to storms, to disasters, to you name it the news is hardly worth watching.

    The storms that we have weathered this year are unusual rainfall though we have not experienced flooding, praise God. The second type of storm we have weathered thus far has been unemployment.

    Regardless of what is going on outside, it is always a great day knowing that God is in absolute sovereign control and that His secret counsels and purpose are being carried out perfectly and on time. My confidence is in Him.

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  12. I understand what your mind is going through. Our youngest is now ready to fly the coop. I am trying to hold on as much as possible, but I cannot dare hamper her progress.
    Also, I have been trying to compartmentalize the natural disasters this Earth has been facing from the ones that could have been avoided.
    Hang in there.
    At sixty, I am still wondering what happens to time. Where does it go.

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  13. Taking a long look at weather, we are exiting a century of almost unprecedented mildness, and getting back to what is actually more normal. The Mississippi floods every year. That's what brings all that rich dirt into the bottom lands. Tornadoes and hurricanes are going to be more frequent. It seems like too much because modern media drops the whole world on us every day. If we could even have the cooler medium of a newspaper to give us a little emptional distance from the suffering of multitudes. It's hard enough to bear our own alloted share of trouble, yet CNN demands that we be involved in the turmoil of the Middle East, the Japanese earthquake survivors, the Joplin tornado survivors, and Arnie's family difficulties. It's artificial and unnatural and unneccesary. I protect myself by watching the news as if it were a movie.

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  14. Thanks for your words of sympathy, support, and thoughtful ponderings. Our personal lives move on as the world whirls around us. I continue to opt for expecting brighter things to come, but take pause now and then just to think about the other things that are happening or are said to be happening--no reason to get overly stressed by it all since it will all pass and a new thing will replace it.
    My A to Z evaluation post scheduled for Monday will be postponed due to my Phoenix trip and the other things that have been going on. I now plan to post this on Wednesday June 1 if nothing else interferes.
    Wishing all a great holiday weekend.

    Lee

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  15. Oh Lee, sorry about your brother-in-law! We've had our share of bad weather here.

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  16. Wonderfully touching post. I am so very sorry for your loss and wish you and your family all the best as you pull together for comfort and support.

    There truly is so much going on in this world and I am constantly in awe of the things we're not hearing about as well as the focus of the media. The disasters have been horrifying and heart rending to behold, the thought of all the wars and those being lost in them also pulls at the heart strings...

    I turn off the news, not because of the bad stuff being addressed but because of how terribly biased and inane it seems to be. I think the weather is merely something that occurs and could very well be something that makes sense in the context of the age of the Earth. Not a believer in this Global Warming thing. No doubt about damage being done because of our harsh use of the environment, but the science is not there to support the notions of GW.

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  17. First of all I wanted to say I am sorry for all the loss. It is terribly tough for many people right now.

    I live in the Midwest and yes, we are a bit tired of the rain and I might add tornadoes. South of here, many farmers lost land due to the Corp of Engineers breaking a dam to allow water to be released to ease flooding of an entire city. It was an either or situation.

    Again, tough times.

    If we can all breathe a little that would be good. I hope that you can do just that soon.

    Hugs and peace...
    Naila Moon

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  18. So sorry about your brother-in-law..
    Over here in Singapore..the weather is hot & hotter..sigh..

    Graywolfie
    http://graywolfie.andrewandgrace.net

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  19. My sympathies to you and your family, Arlee.

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  20. So sorry to hear about your loss. I don't know what it is, but lately everything seems to be falling apart - as you pointed out.

    I think the world, atmosphere, etc goes through cycles most likely brought on by natural and man made changes - for example in 2005 there were tons of hurricanes (we got hit by 3 and then moved from FL to NC to escape) and there haven't been years like that since.

    Easier to say, but try to look on the bright side. Things will change soon.

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  21. Well, LEE, it sure seems you are having to weather some personal storms. Hang in there - this too must pass.

    >>...Do you think the current crazy weather has anything to do with global warming or is it just part of a normal weather cycle? Or is it a sign of the end of the world?

    Well, if anything, it's more likely a sign of the End-Times since the Global Warming concept is a lot of hooey!

    For how many years must the planet cool before we begin to understand that the planet is not warming? For how many years must cooling go on?
    ~ Geologist Dr. David Gee
    (Chairman of the Science Committee of the 2008 International Geological Congress, who has authored 130 plus peer-reviewed papers, and is currently at Uppsala University in Sweden.)

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  22. I say that it's just a prequel to the impending next Ice Age. We're already late for one.

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  23. I am very sorry for the loss of your brother in law... What a blessing you will be for your sister...
    I was just talking to my husband last night, I don't feel the world is coming to an end.. and Oct will come and go peacefully I hope. The scary storms that have hit the US and other countries around the world does cause me alarm... I don't know if I have a real worry in the pit of my stomach or if infact it is alot of things including we have to much news...either way I limit my news intake these days... but stay informed...
    I can imagine what next weekend will be like with the move of your daughter... I will keep you in my prayers... I understand completely...
    Take care.

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  24. A repeated thank you for your comments. Sounds like I'm not alone with the situations in life. Blessings to all of you.

    Stephen McC -- Someday I'm going to come to Phoenix when it's a more joyful time and I have an opportunity to see my friends there. And I agree with you about the nonsensical claptrap of "global warming". I was just posing the question in case anyone had any other thoughts about it.

    Lee

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  25. HI, Lee,

    Condolences for your family at this time. No, unfortunately you are not the only one going through tough times.

    Many of us have been out of work for quite some time. My business collapsed a few years ago and I am still trying to salvage what is left. The design field has taken a direct hit in these tough times.

    Writing and the discovery came to me at this troubled time in my life. I was a God send. So as you can see some good does come out of tragedies.

    I wish all the best in your endeavors for employment and in your life.

    Michael

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  26. In NC, after the last of the tornados in early April, we have just been hot, hot HOT! temps in the 90's...but I am not complaining! truly I am not...it could be worse...

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  27. I'm sorry I'm taking Marley away :( I wish you could come too love you daddy

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  28. Sorry to hear of your family's sadness. It is good that you can be with your sister now.

    You are right, it will be ok. Sometimes it takes patience and courage to get there but well worth the effort.

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  29. Sorry to hear of your family's sadness. It is good that you can be with your sister now.

    You are right, it will be ok. Sometimes it takes patience and courage to get there but well worth the effort.

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  30. Hello Arlee
    Weather - like most of the world Australia has had its fair share of 'weather' over the past year or two - hopefully after recent bushfires, cyclones and floods it will settle back into a reasonable pattern. Yes, all over the world some say its cyclical whilst others suggest otherwise telling is its man made but to the lay man (me included) its just unusual. I just don''t know what to think. I do remember back in the 1950's my Mother muttering something about the change in the weather being something to do with 'those Atom Bombs' lol
    Take care
    Cathy

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  31. Hi Arlee - I'm so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law, and also your lovely granddaughter moving away from you. When life rains on you, it sometimes feels like you're going to be soggy forever huh?

    I have some of the same going on. I found out that the illness I thought I was clear of is now back. As of today I am back on a strong drug to keep in check a benign tumour in my pituitary gland at the base of my brain, that's causing all sorts of hormonal rubbish. But, to play "Pollyanna" - I'm thankful that it isn't cancerous and that there is a drug that may help!

    Have a safe and happy weekend - I'm sending you some sunshine
    Lxxx

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  32. Lee-

    Just seeing this due to my computer virus issues.

    I'm very sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Safe travels, my friend.

    Larry

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  33. Living in a state that has has drought in the south and flooding and wildfires in the north, this spring in Texas as been one of extremes. Actually dating back to the record snowfall the first week of February. Truly crazy.

    I'm sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I too have lost and uncle and a co-worker in the last 4 months to cancer. I urge you to pick up the book Outsmart Your Cancer. I wish I could have turned you on to this sooner but I just found it myself. I have actually met someone who completely recovered from stage IV stomach cancer using the Protocel therapy. The book will change your way of thinking.

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  34. I'm so sorry about your brother-in-law. Expected or out-of-the-blue, such a loss is heartbreaking.

    So, how long until you move to Jersey?

    Beth

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  35. So sorry about your brother-in-law. I hope your sister finds comfort with those gathering around her.

    Let's don't talk about California falling off into the ocean! My daughter lives in San Francisco, so I'm hoping that doesn't happen.

    I hope you find the job you're looking for, Arlee.

    Hmm, I did a lot of "hoping" in this comment, didn't I?

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  36. Sorry for your sister and your family~
    Such a hard battle to fight!

    I think this is a sign that life as we know it is changing. You can't watch the news any more without hearing about some natural disaster somewhere. I am not sure if the world is going to end, but it sure makes one wonder, with all the doom n' gloom. How much aid, can't our country offer, when we are so in the hole?! Our world is changing, into what I am not sure...
    I hope it will end soon; I am actually worried about hurricane season this year. I married and moved to Florida and have dealt with dodging these storms for years.
    BUT, with all this crazy weather; it is scary to think about~
    Be safe this holiday~
    Lots of changes; I know you will keep your sunny view!

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  37. My sympathies to you and your sister and your family.

    With so much going on, it's hard not to reflect on change. It seems like everything is changing at once. Perhaps it is. I myself feel as if our little family is on the cusp of something, although I have no idea what.

    Your hope is inspiring though. We will all be o.k.

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  38. Sure hope the weather gets calmed down once again as this is an awful spring season for so many people.

    There's a courtroom storm on Orlando--the Casey Anthony trial.

    & out in lalaland we have Lindsey Lohan sunning herself on the roof of her Venice house wearing her ankle bracelet as she endures house arrest...

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  39. very thought provoking post i think as for the weather i like to believe it's mother natures way of renewing herself and letting off stress but in truth i really have no clue. as for the storms you are weathering i have no words of wisdom or comfort so i will simply say. HUGS

    My Life

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  40. Arlee - Firstly, my condolences for your loss.

    Sometimes, it is so hard to see the sun for the clouds. Eventually, they will move and something good will happen. In the meantime, I am sending you a big hug.

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  41. Arlee,

    I just read this and am sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and if there is anything that I can do for you during this tone, let me know. I wish you and your family much peace and comfort right now and hope that you all can find solace in fond memories of him.

    The Madlab Post

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  42. I know this is going to sound crazy but I think it's a combination of global warming and the intense amount of negative emotions that people worldwide are experience. Yeah, crazy me, lol.
    I could have said that it was a weather machine...
    Condolences for your brother in law. Death is heart wrenching :(

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  43. I just watched 2012 the other night, and it definitely gave me the chills that something like this could potentially happen. Maybe not to that extreme since most of the help was done by computers, but I believe something huge will happen to California and eventually become it's own island like they predicted.
    I definitely believe that our weather is caused by global warming. I mean, when was the last time that California saw snow before this year??

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  44. I'm a bit late here, but I'm sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. It's always difficult to lose someone, even when you know it's coming.
    I live in the midwest and crazy is what the weather always is. I don't think it is a prediction of the end of anything. Every year is a surprise, actually every day, you rarely know what to expect and the weather channel is more often wrong. I've learned my life is much happier and less stressful without the media's idea of what's going on in the world. If it is the end of the world, there's not much I can do about it anyway, so why worry. I will live each day to the best of my ability regardless.
    Blessings to you and your family. I hope the sun is shining brightly for you again.

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  45. Thanks again for the comments. As far as I'm concerned it's never too late to leave a comment and they are always appreciated.

    Lee

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