- Now that I'm older, I realize that while I couldn't wait for my kids to be out of the house, I now want them home more often. Too bad they have lives of their own and don't really want to be at mom's house.Why do you suppose it just doesn't dawn on them to plan a visit to mom's if it's not a holiday? Hmmm, when they needed me, I was so busy and now that I'm not busy, they don't need me. Rats!
- Now that I'm older I still love the same foods I did in years past, but the portions are insane! I love turkey legs and have found them off the bird in my grocery, but in a package of 3. Really? Have you ever seen a turkey with 3 legs? And where's the fourth one? Put that one in a package all by itself for those who only need one. And loaves of bread - they're huge! I like bread when it's soft and fresh, but by the time I get halfway through a loaf, it's neither! Why not sell 1/2 sized loaves?
- Now that I'm older and finally have the resources to do the things around the house I love to do, like paint and add tile and plant shrubs and flowers, I no longer have the strength in my hands, arms and legs to do it! Sure I could hire someone to do it, but that's no fun! Where's the satisfaction in doing that? So I start things and get as far as I'm able and then have to wait a week or so to recover from the aches and pains, only to go at it again to try to finish and bring on the aches and pains again!
- Now that I'm older and think about having a companion in my life, there's no place to meet one! Bars - nope, not for me. Clubs - are you kidding? Online - been there, done that. And really, I just want someone to talk with, have dinner with, see a movie - I don't want someone to move in and it's way too late in the game for that marriage thing! Where are all those good looking, self-assured, financially sound upper 50-something men hiding?
- Now that I'm older why is it that experience doesn't count for anything? When I was younger that's who was respected - someone with experience. Now that I have experience all I hear is younger image, younger thinking, younger ideas, younger this and younger that. What happened here?
- Now that I'm older I seem to wonder a lot more. Things like: I wonder if smokers these days know they stink and no amount of cologne or tic-tacs can hide it. I wonder why people think it's hilarious to point out the flaws in their mate, marriage, children, friends etc in the form of a joke. Do they think because someone laughs, it doesn't hurt someone's feelings? I wonder why the only people who wear biker's shorts and spandex are absolutely the ones who shouldn't be wearing them. Do they not own a mirror? I wonder when foul language became the norm and not the exception. The "f-bomb" used to cause gasps, blushing, and apologies - today it's no big deal, 12 year olds let it fly. See!? I'm getting old!
- Now that I'm older and can afford to save for retirement, retirement ain't gonna ever happen because I don't have enough working years left to put away what I need to maintain my lifestyle. My mortgage has way more years left on it than I do - that's just not fair! My father had it right when he maintained that our pay schedules are backward - we should make the most money when we are young and have greater financial needs and should reduce as we get older and don't have children at home to support. He was brilliant!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
PROBLEMS WITH GETTING OLD
Aside from all the creaks and cracks and groans and aches and pains that come with getting older, it seems that everyday I discover a new problem with getting old. Now, I fancy myself to be a very positive person, so when these things start to irritate me I ask myself if they irritate me because they should, or if they irritate because I'm getting old. I feel like I've hit the, "If the music is too loud, you're too old!" age bracket! I'll give you some examples and you can decide for yourself!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
If you are a fan of The Phantom of the Opera, you know the title of this blog is a lyric from a very beautiful song. Tonight, that lyric speaks volumes to me. As the week winds down, my heart grows heavier with each passing day as I face the 4th anniversary of my son Michael's death. You can understand why I hate November 6.
It's not as though Michael is far from my thoughts or heart any other day or week, but during the week leading up to the 6th I find him even more present than usual. I find myself wondering what he would look like today at 24. Would he have achieved his goal of being taller than his eldest brother Chris? Would he be able to grow a full beard with no blank spaces unlike his brother Andrew? Would he be married? Would he be creating stunningly beautiful and frighteningly fast cars as he always dreamed? Lots of questions never to be answered.
I'm certainly not the first mom to lose a child, and sadly I won't be the last. And although I was told the hurt would get better with time, it doesn't. My heart aches to hear his laugh, which I cannot pull from my memory. I would give anything to see him with his brothers once again, laughing or playing cards or puffing on a cigar on the deck as they did so often. To feel his hug again would be paradise and worth all that I own. But my arms are empty and the silence that was once his voice is deafening to me. And even though it's been 4 years, that day and the week leading up to it still knocks me sideways. My grief doesn't mean I loved Michael more than Chris and Andy, or somehow lessens their importance to me, it simply means there is a hole in my heart that cannot be filled.
So this week, my family and dearest friends have remembered that it's a tough week for me and have offered support at every turn. I am so grateful for that love. I cannot express how much it means to me. My dear, dear friend Anita wrote this to me after we exchanged messages and I dumped my sadness and fears on her, "If you are too scared to look ahead, and too sad to look backward, then look to your side and you will find me there." How do you say thank you for or repay friendship and love like that? She has endured her own losses again and again and yet, she is there for me asking nothing and offering everything.
So the week will come to an end. The 6th will roll around as it does every year. My boys will be here and they will let me cling to them and I will cry and we will share stories of our Michael. And with Sunday a new year will start again. In December, we will welcome a new life to our family as Sarah and Andrew give us a new Michael. And as I welcome this precious new boy, this new Michael, my heart will release just a bit of the pain of the loss of my Michael. And that is good. I wish I could give it all away, but that's just not possible. He was my child, my baby, 1/3 of my heart and I will forever find myself wishing he was somehow here again. Written with love for my son, Michael Thomas Herbert, April 29, 1986 - November 6, 2006.
It's not as though Michael is far from my thoughts or heart any other day or week, but during the week leading up to the 6th I find him even more present than usual. I find myself wondering what he would look like today at 24. Would he have achieved his goal of being taller than his eldest brother Chris? Would he be able to grow a full beard with no blank spaces unlike his brother Andrew? Would he be married? Would he be creating stunningly beautiful and frighteningly fast cars as he always dreamed? Lots of questions never to be answered.
I'm certainly not the first mom to lose a child, and sadly I won't be the last. And although I was told the hurt would get better with time, it doesn't. My heart aches to hear his laugh, which I cannot pull from my memory. I would give anything to see him with his brothers once again, laughing or playing cards or puffing on a cigar on the deck as they did so often. To feel his hug again would be paradise and worth all that I own. But my arms are empty and the silence that was once his voice is deafening to me. And even though it's been 4 years, that day and the week leading up to it still knocks me sideways. My grief doesn't mean I loved Michael more than Chris and Andy, or somehow lessens their importance to me, it simply means there is a hole in my heart that cannot be filled.
So this week, my family and dearest friends have remembered that it's a tough week for me and have offered support at every turn. I am so grateful for that love. I cannot express how much it means to me. My dear, dear friend Anita wrote this to me after we exchanged messages and I dumped my sadness and fears on her, "If you are too scared to look ahead, and too sad to look backward, then look to your side and you will find me there." How do you say thank you for or repay friendship and love like that? She has endured her own losses again and again and yet, she is there for me asking nothing and offering everything.
So the week will come to an end. The 6th will roll around as it does every year. My boys will be here and they will let me cling to them and I will cry and we will share stories of our Michael. And with Sunday a new year will start again. In December, we will welcome a new life to our family as Sarah and Andrew give us a new Michael. And as I welcome this precious new boy, this new Michael, my heart will release just a bit of the pain of the loss of my Michael. And that is good. I wish I could give it all away, but that's just not possible. He was my child, my baby, 1/3 of my heart and I will forever find myself wishing he was somehow here again. Written with love for my son, Michael Thomas Herbert, April 29, 1986 - November 6, 2006.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What a Difference Chocolate Can Make!
Well, it's been quite a while since I've added anything to my blog. It's not that I haven't thought about it, I've just been totally immersed in my new job. I LOVE IT! I mean what's not to love? It's home parties with chocolate as the main ingredient for heaven's sake! And not just any chocolate - Lindor Truffles, Excellence Bars, Pralines ... my taste buds think they have died and gone to heaven! Who knew learning a product line could be so much fun!
Now, although I've worked with different products as a part of my career for over 29 years, my new colleagues neglected to warn me about a few consequences of this product line. Things like, once you've made hot chocolate using premium chocolate, you'll never be able to go back to Swiss Miss again. Seriously? Water and chocolate flavored powder? Never again. Or, that dude Duncan Hines? Yeah, he had no clue what real chocolate brownies should taste like. No more brownies or cakes from a box. And, I just thought Mozart was an amazing composer. I had no idea there's a chocolate temptation that bears his name. To think that during all those years of piano lessons, when my mom asked me what I was working on, I could have answered Mozart and been telling the absolute truth as I popped chocolate into my face! My piano playing wouldn't have improved, but I would have had lots more fun practicing!
But beyond just enjoying amazing tastes, my new job has opened the door to lots of other emotions. For example, the home office is in the beautiful northeast and my eyes were treated to oranges, reds and yellows so vibrant they could make a person cry from the sheer beauty. Next, along the exit ramp on the highway, was a line of bittersweet bushes that wore deep orange berries like a fur coat. They triggered a memory of picking bittersweet with my mom when I was a girl and just the sight of those bushes brought her alive once again for me for a few fleeting minutes - it was pure joy. Finally, I step out of my car to enter the home office, and take a deep breath and I am treated to the aroma of chocolate being created - oh my! What a change from taking a whiff of cars cooling off in a parking lot! A smile takes over my face and what a great way to start the day at work - smiling!!
So, I'm loving life right now - at least in the career department! I'm so looking forward to our launch and watching many find laughter and joy and earn money while they're at it! And heck, when it comes to learning the product line, well it's just like the song says ... "I've Only Just Begun"! Well, gotta run, I hear a Truffle calling my name! MMMMMMM.......silky, milk chocolate!! Catch you later my friends!
Now, although I've worked with different products as a part of my career for over 29 years, my new colleagues neglected to warn me about a few consequences of this product line. Things like, once you've made hot chocolate using premium chocolate, you'll never be able to go back to Swiss Miss again. Seriously? Water and chocolate flavored powder? Never again. Or, that dude Duncan Hines? Yeah, he had no clue what real chocolate brownies should taste like. No more brownies or cakes from a box. And, I just thought Mozart was an amazing composer. I had no idea there's a chocolate temptation that bears his name. To think that during all those years of piano lessons, when my mom asked me what I was working on, I could have answered Mozart and been telling the absolute truth as I popped chocolate into my face! My piano playing wouldn't have improved, but I would have had lots more fun practicing!
But beyond just enjoying amazing tastes, my new job has opened the door to lots of other emotions. For example, the home office is in the beautiful northeast and my eyes were treated to oranges, reds and yellows so vibrant they could make a person cry from the sheer beauty. Next, along the exit ramp on the highway, was a line of bittersweet bushes that wore deep orange berries like a fur coat. They triggered a memory of picking bittersweet with my mom when I was a girl and just the sight of those bushes brought her alive once again for me for a few fleeting minutes - it was pure joy. Finally, I step out of my car to enter the home office, and take a deep breath and I am treated to the aroma of chocolate being created - oh my! What a change from taking a whiff of cars cooling off in a parking lot! A smile takes over my face and what a great way to start the day at work - smiling!!
So, I'm loving life right now - at least in the career department! I'm so looking forward to our launch and watching many find laughter and joy and earn money while they're at it! And heck, when it comes to learning the product line, well it's just like the song says ... "I've Only Just Begun"! Well, gotta run, I hear a Truffle calling my name! MMMMMMM.......silky, milk chocolate!! Catch you later my friends!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
People, Planes and Pains in the Patoot
As a result of my career change, I have had the "opportunity" to be on planes and spend more time in airports over the past several weeks. And I must say, aside from the usual hassles, these are great locations to study human behavior. Some things make me shake my head in wonder and others just make me laugh!
Let's start in the airports. Going through the security check lines is nothing short of an adventure! From watching people lugging impossibly heavy bags as carry-ons to avoid the baggage fees, to the attire, to the language, it's just short of a circus. I watched a man decked out in full motorcyle regalia, complete with studded jacket, belt, wrist bands and dog collar stand in amazement that the metal detectors went off. (That was as close to a strip search as I ever want to be.) Then there is the woman who is about 5 feet tall who doesn't want to take off her stilletto heels, but doesn't want to be "wanded" either, and is complaining because she is going to be late for her flight because security just won't let her through. And finally there is the passenger who seemingly doesn't get it that EVERY coin in his pocket is going to set off alarms and goes back and forth through the arch placing one coin at a time into the little dish!
Now once you're through security it should be smooth sailing right? Not a chance! You now get to play dodge-em with the courtesy transportation beeping relentlessly, backpacks and carry ons that are wider than a person's body and slappng everyone they pass and listen to the constant announcements from every gate that let you know that the flights are overbooked and they are looking for volunteers to change their plans and take a voucher, blah, blah, blah. In DC last week there were 4 agents in a very confined area all shouting into their PA systems at the same time. It sounded like an auction house or the floor of the stock exchange! It was insane and not one of them bothered to look up to see passengers covering their ears it was so loud and obnoxious! They honestly acted like overbooking is something that occurs once in every 10,000 flights. HA! And how about the race to stand in line when your seating area is called? I do believe we all have assigned seats, so what's the hurry? We're all going to leave at the same time and arrive at the same time, why sit on a stuffy plane any longer than needed just to watch others walk on board? Makes little sense to me!
OK - we're on the plane, or trying to get on the plane. People are trying to jam duffle bags, purses the size of shopping bags and roller bags into spaces that clearly aren't large enough. What a surprise, it doesn't fit, so they come back down the aisle - like salmon swimming upstream - acting outraged that the plane isn't big enough. Really? You mean you didn't hear the 14 announcements about how small the aircraft is? Finally all seats are taken and now is when the gender differences kick in big time. I have learned that men cannot resist plopping their elbows on the arm rest between the seats, crossing their legs in the proverbial figure 4 and leaning into the space beside them so they can fully open their Wallstreet Journal or USA Today and read edge to edge. Does this make them more manly or satisfy some need to contol all the space around them? Don't really know, but it's very consistent. And women? Oh my, why does every woman on the plane assume that the person next to them either requires mothering or is going to become their best friend in the next 60 minutes and converse and laugh at volumes I fondly call their "outside voices"? Oh, the things I've heard from women 4 rows behind me!
Finally, there are the announcements by the crew. Yes, I understand they need to be done, but seriously, is there anyone on this planet that doesn't know how to fasten a seatbelt in this day and age? Or are we so dim-witted that we can't figure out that we need to sit down before the plane can take off? And my favorite is the announcement about using your seat cushion as a flotation device sould there be a water landing necessary, on flights that don't cross 1 inch of water on their flight path. Is it so tough to read through your announcements and make the ones that only fit your situation or are the attendants as bored as we are with these things and do it straight from memory and don't listen themselves? Just makes you go hmmmm.
Anyway, just as my Gandfather used to love people watching, I too find myself observing people en route to somewhere. It's a study in humanity, habits and hilarity. Next time you fly somewhere, just watch what goes on around you, it could be the most enjoyable part of your whole trip!
Let's start in the airports. Going through the security check lines is nothing short of an adventure! From watching people lugging impossibly heavy bags as carry-ons to avoid the baggage fees, to the attire, to the language, it's just short of a circus. I watched a man decked out in full motorcyle regalia, complete with studded jacket, belt, wrist bands and dog collar stand in amazement that the metal detectors went off. (That was as close to a strip search as I ever want to be.) Then there is the woman who is about 5 feet tall who doesn't want to take off her stilletto heels, but doesn't want to be "wanded" either, and is complaining because she is going to be late for her flight because security just won't let her through. And finally there is the passenger who seemingly doesn't get it that EVERY coin in his pocket is going to set off alarms and goes back and forth through the arch placing one coin at a time into the little dish!
Now once you're through security it should be smooth sailing right? Not a chance! You now get to play dodge-em with the courtesy transportation beeping relentlessly, backpacks and carry ons that are wider than a person's body and slappng everyone they pass and listen to the constant announcements from every gate that let you know that the flights are overbooked and they are looking for volunteers to change their plans and take a voucher, blah, blah, blah. In DC last week there were 4 agents in a very confined area all shouting into their PA systems at the same time. It sounded like an auction house or the floor of the stock exchange! It was insane and not one of them bothered to look up to see passengers covering their ears it was so loud and obnoxious! They honestly acted like overbooking is something that occurs once in every 10,000 flights. HA! And how about the race to stand in line when your seating area is called? I do believe we all have assigned seats, so what's the hurry? We're all going to leave at the same time and arrive at the same time, why sit on a stuffy plane any longer than needed just to watch others walk on board? Makes little sense to me!
OK - we're on the plane, or trying to get on the plane. People are trying to jam duffle bags, purses the size of shopping bags and roller bags into spaces that clearly aren't large enough. What a surprise, it doesn't fit, so they come back down the aisle - like salmon swimming upstream - acting outraged that the plane isn't big enough. Really? You mean you didn't hear the 14 announcements about how small the aircraft is? Finally all seats are taken and now is when the gender differences kick in big time. I have learned that men cannot resist plopping their elbows on the arm rest between the seats, crossing their legs in the proverbial figure 4 and leaning into the space beside them so they can fully open their Wallstreet Journal or USA Today and read edge to edge. Does this make them more manly or satisfy some need to contol all the space around them? Don't really know, but it's very consistent. And women? Oh my, why does every woman on the plane assume that the person next to them either requires mothering or is going to become their best friend in the next 60 minutes and converse and laugh at volumes I fondly call their "outside voices"? Oh, the things I've heard from women 4 rows behind me!
Finally, there are the announcements by the crew. Yes, I understand they need to be done, but seriously, is there anyone on this planet that doesn't know how to fasten a seatbelt in this day and age? Or are we so dim-witted that we can't figure out that we need to sit down before the plane can take off? And my favorite is the announcement about using your seat cushion as a flotation device sould there be a water landing necessary, on flights that don't cross 1 inch of water on their flight path. Is it so tough to read through your announcements and make the ones that only fit your situation or are the attendants as bored as we are with these things and do it straight from memory and don't listen themselves? Just makes you go hmmmm.
Anyway, just as my Gandfather used to love people watching, I too find myself observing people en route to somewhere. It's a study in humanity, habits and hilarity. Next time you fly somewhere, just watch what goes on around you, it could be the most enjoyable part of your whole trip!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Relax Eeyore!
If you have ever read any Winnie the Pooh stories, you are familiar with his little donkey friend, Eeyore. Eeyore is a slow moving little guy, with a very deep voice, who just never seems to be happy. He constantly worries about everything and sees only the negative in situations. Well, it has come to my attention recently that apparently more and more people are deciding to adopt Eeyore's disposition and to them I say RELAX!!
Someone please tell me when it became the norm to answer the somewhat rhetorical question "How are you?" with a litany of all the woes of the world? Really? Are we to the point that there is nothing positive in our lives? Or, are we so pathetic that we want everyone to feel sorry for us, so we need to disclose all the bad things in our life? Wow, I hope not!
I have seen this Eeyore syndrome front and center in a couple of cases over the past few weeks. As you may know from my previous posts, my daughter-in-law is pregnant. It's her first time, so you really don't know what to expect. What has really surprised me is how many people feel compelled to share their horror stories from their own pregnancies with her! WHY?? What does that accomplish except make her worry and wonder if it will happen to her! Being pregnant isn't easy and every pregnancy is different. You're a ball of raging hormones! Your energy is being zapped, your emotions are wild and killing a fly can send you into fits of tears! Knowing this, if you've ever been pregnant, I have to ask why women insist on sharing the worst moments of their own pregnancy with others. It's like having a bad experience becomes a badge of honor! Who had the longest labor? Who had the hardest time delivering? Who had the most scares during their pregnancy? WHO CARES?? You created life - what a miracle - that's all that matters! I do know if Eeyore was a girl, he'd love being pregnant just so he could complain all the time and be applauded for the effort!
I recently reconnected with a friend from years ago. She found me on Facebook and we started with the usual pleasantries since it's been about 10+ years since we've been in contact. I simply asked, "How are things in your world?" Wrong question to ask!! I heard about a divorce, her move back in with her parents, she hates her job, hates the city where she lives and is depressed because she doesn't have any friends to go out with. Really? I can't imagine why no one wants to be around her! Eeyore would LOVE to be with her!
Finally, I'm shopping the other day and having a ball buying things for the anticipated grandbaby. I was so happy and having so much fun. I got to the checkout and mistakenly asked, "How are you today?" Oh my ... did I get an earful! She was tired, didn't want to be at work, didn't have time for breakfast so was hungry, her register wasn't cooperating and oh, did I find everything I needed? She smashed my good mood in a heartbeat! I couldn't wait to get out of that store and I promise I'll go to another register if I shop there again and she's on duty.
The point of all this is just this - everyone has problems. The world is a tough place these days. Sometimes doing your job isn't fun, that's called reality. But, do we have to foist our own woes on everyone else? Is it so hard to find something wonderful happening in your life? Did you wake up this morning? Then celebrate that! For heaven's sake, you're alive, you're breathing, you have the opportunity to make today anything you want it to be! It's easy to worry about everything, but does that change anything? Nope! Does sharing everything bad in your life with someone else make it any better? Nope! You might feel better for a minute or two, but probably nothing really changed. You'll share the same bitter remarks with the next person you meet as well and what does that accomplish?
If you're in a service role, put your woes away for the time you meet the public. Try smiling! If you are reconnecting with old friends and your life hasn't been so great, ask yourself why before you dump on that friend. Assess how much of your pathetic life is the fault of your attitude. If you know someone who is doing the toughest job on the planet - creating life - then shut up about your trials and tribulations when you carried a child and share the great moments of pregnancy and delivery. It's really not all that hard. If you walk away from a conversation thinking "Wow, that person is a bummer", ask yourself how many people walk away from you saying the same thing.
Trust me, Eeyore is an adorable little guy physically, but his attitude sucks. But you know what? We don't all have to be Eeyore's. Don't be a donkey - RELAX! We'll all be a lot happier in the long run.
Someone please tell me when it became the norm to answer the somewhat rhetorical question "How are you?" with a litany of all the woes of the world? Really? Are we to the point that there is nothing positive in our lives? Or, are we so pathetic that we want everyone to feel sorry for us, so we need to disclose all the bad things in our life? Wow, I hope not!
I have seen this Eeyore syndrome front and center in a couple of cases over the past few weeks. As you may know from my previous posts, my daughter-in-law is pregnant. It's her first time, so you really don't know what to expect. What has really surprised me is how many people feel compelled to share their horror stories from their own pregnancies with her! WHY?? What does that accomplish except make her worry and wonder if it will happen to her! Being pregnant isn't easy and every pregnancy is different. You're a ball of raging hormones! Your energy is being zapped, your emotions are wild and killing a fly can send you into fits of tears! Knowing this, if you've ever been pregnant, I have to ask why women insist on sharing the worst moments of their own pregnancy with others. It's like having a bad experience becomes a badge of honor! Who had the longest labor? Who had the hardest time delivering? Who had the most scares during their pregnancy? WHO CARES?? You created life - what a miracle - that's all that matters! I do know if Eeyore was a girl, he'd love being pregnant just so he could complain all the time and be applauded for the effort!
I recently reconnected with a friend from years ago. She found me on Facebook and we started with the usual pleasantries since it's been about 10+ years since we've been in contact. I simply asked, "How are things in your world?" Wrong question to ask!! I heard about a divorce, her move back in with her parents, she hates her job, hates the city where she lives and is depressed because she doesn't have any friends to go out with. Really? I can't imagine why no one wants to be around her! Eeyore would LOVE to be with her!
Finally, I'm shopping the other day and having a ball buying things for the anticipated grandbaby. I was so happy and having so much fun. I got to the checkout and mistakenly asked, "How are you today?" Oh my ... did I get an earful! She was tired, didn't want to be at work, didn't have time for breakfast so was hungry, her register wasn't cooperating and oh, did I find everything I needed? She smashed my good mood in a heartbeat! I couldn't wait to get out of that store and I promise I'll go to another register if I shop there again and she's on duty.
The point of all this is just this - everyone has problems. The world is a tough place these days. Sometimes doing your job isn't fun, that's called reality. But, do we have to foist our own woes on everyone else? Is it so hard to find something wonderful happening in your life? Did you wake up this morning? Then celebrate that! For heaven's sake, you're alive, you're breathing, you have the opportunity to make today anything you want it to be! It's easy to worry about everything, but does that change anything? Nope! Does sharing everything bad in your life with someone else make it any better? Nope! You might feel better for a minute or two, but probably nothing really changed. You'll share the same bitter remarks with the next person you meet as well and what does that accomplish?
If you're in a service role, put your woes away for the time you meet the public. Try smiling! If you are reconnecting with old friends and your life hasn't been so great, ask yourself why before you dump on that friend. Assess how much of your pathetic life is the fault of your attitude. If you know someone who is doing the toughest job on the planet - creating life - then shut up about your trials and tribulations when you carried a child and share the great moments of pregnancy and delivery. It's really not all that hard. If you walk away from a conversation thinking "Wow, that person is a bummer", ask yourself how many people walk away from you saying the same thing.
Trust me, Eeyore is an adorable little guy physically, but his attitude sucks. But you know what? We don't all have to be Eeyore's. Don't be a donkey - RELAX! We'll all be a lot happier in the long run.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Baby Pictures
I had the most incredible experience today - I watched an ultrasound of my future grandson! What amazing technology! I know I sound old and dated and all that, but remember, we didn't have ultrasounds when I was pregnant with my sons. We never knew the gender before the birth and we had to actually count the fingers and toes the first time we held our child. There was no "preview" of size or parts or size of parts! We just waited with anticipation and enjoyed the surprise.
Anyway ... I was fortunate today to have been invited by my son and daughter-in-law to accompany her to an ultrasound. I'm familiar with the technology and I've been awed by it in the past, but let me tell you, there is NOTHING like seeng your grandchild in the womb. It puts a huge jolt into your system and you just sit and smile like an idiot! I guarantee today wasn't much fun for Sarah, but I can't remember such a feeling of undiluted joy!
Now, as things go, our little boy was very relaxed today. In fact, it appeared that he couldn't have cared less what was going on. He was lying on his back with one hand behind his head. His other hand was up close to his head, sort of like he was signaling for a taxi or a waiter. At one point he had his little legs crossed at the ankles and I have a darling picture of his teeny-tiny foot! It's about the size of my thumb, but you can clearly count 5 toes - no guesswork necessary!
We viewed the top of his head, followed his spine, measured his thigh and then hovered over his heart. Oh my!! What a miracle to see a heartbeat!! And to hear it as well! I could have watched and listened to that for hours. And then he turned ever so slightly and we saw his beautiful, sweet face! It brought tears to my eyes then and does again now as I write. It makes him so real ... a child of my child. Abolutely amazing! I thought being a mom was about the coolest thing ever, but I'm thinking this Grandma stuff could easily eclipse that feeling - sorry boys, but it's something you can't explain!
Anyway ... it was a day to witness God's greatest creation and gift to us, a child! I have always said and taught that we should cherish each moment with our children. They are on loan to us from God and only He chooses how long we get to be together. So to have experienced seeing this little guy while he's still in there baking, is something that will live in my heart and my memory forever. Sarah - you honor me by allowing me to see this miracle, thank you a million times over. Andrew and Christopher - I love you with every fiber of my being, but you'd better prepare yourself - there's a new kid in town and he's stealing pieces of my heart!!
Anyway ... I was fortunate today to have been invited by my son and daughter-in-law to accompany her to an ultrasound. I'm familiar with the technology and I've been awed by it in the past, but let me tell you, there is NOTHING like seeng your grandchild in the womb. It puts a huge jolt into your system and you just sit and smile like an idiot! I guarantee today wasn't much fun for Sarah, but I can't remember such a feeling of undiluted joy!
Now, as things go, our little boy was very relaxed today. In fact, it appeared that he couldn't have cared less what was going on. He was lying on his back with one hand behind his head. His other hand was up close to his head, sort of like he was signaling for a taxi or a waiter. At one point he had his little legs crossed at the ankles and I have a darling picture of his teeny-tiny foot! It's about the size of my thumb, but you can clearly count 5 toes - no guesswork necessary!
We viewed the top of his head, followed his spine, measured his thigh and then hovered over his heart. Oh my!! What a miracle to see a heartbeat!! And to hear it as well! I could have watched and listened to that for hours. And then he turned ever so slightly and we saw his beautiful, sweet face! It brought tears to my eyes then and does again now as I write. It makes him so real ... a child of my child. Abolutely amazing! I thought being a mom was about the coolest thing ever, but I'm thinking this Grandma stuff could easily eclipse that feeling - sorry boys, but it's something you can't explain!
Anyway ... it was a day to witness God's greatest creation and gift to us, a child! I have always said and taught that we should cherish each moment with our children. They are on loan to us from God and only He chooses how long we get to be together. So to have experienced seeing this little guy while he's still in there baking, is something that will live in my heart and my memory forever. Sarah - you honor me by allowing me to see this miracle, thank you a million times over. Andrew and Christopher - I love you with every fiber of my being, but you'd better prepare yourself - there's a new kid in town and he's stealing pieces of my heart!!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saturday In The Park
Well, today I took the advice of the hit song by Chicago and spent Saturday in the Park - well at least part of the day. And oh my, the sights to be seen!
I took a drive over to Columbus to a shopping village called Easton. It's a beautiful property with outside entrances to all the stores, and in the center there's a grassy area with benches and a fountain that really isn't a fountain, but about 25 or 30 underground spigots that shoot water in various patterns. Music is piped into all areas, so it creates a relaxing place to catch your breath or wait on those who are joining you.
After Building A Bear for my future grandson (which was a BLAST), I had time to just sit and observe - something my Grandfather used to love to do! He would go to the state house in downtown Columbus and sit for hours, taking in the world around him. I did the same today and I have to say it was actually pretty humorous. Now, imagine a day in the high 60's, a bright blue sky with puffy clouds moving overhead, a wonderful breeze rustling the trees behind you and sparrows chattering and chasing each other. You're on a bench and you observe:
A very pregnant young lady with her mammoth husband, who is several steps ahead of her and not really aware of where she is - he's on his cell phone. She is struggling to hang on to her purse, get the panel of her maternity jeans up over her belly and keep her maternity shirt down over the panel. She would pull up the panel and the shirt would come up; she'd pull down the shirt and the panel would slide down; back and forth, back and forth. You get the pciture. She was fairly oblivious to all who were around her, but everyone got quite a view as this couple progressed. The husband never did turn around! I'm totally not making fun of her - I feel for her! I remember being pregnant a million years ago and walking along as my pantyhose rolled down over my belly. It' ain't pretty and it's mighty uncomfortable!
To your right, there is a collection of children hanging on a decorative wrought iron fence watching a grouping of model trains go in and out of fabricated mountains, tunnels and trees. There are several trains, with different themes and as they come into view, this gaggle of kids chants what they are looking at: "An-i-mals, An-i-mals, An-i-mals!", followed by "Trucks and cars, Trucks and cars, Trucks and cars!" and finally when the train with the Ohio State Buckeye insignia and tiny plastic football players in and on top of rail cars, you hear, "Buck-eyes, Buck-eyes, Buck-eyes." Now, we're talking 3, 4 and 5 year olds here. I had to smile as the Buckeye train passed and there was an exchange between 2 of the younger gazers. The first said, "What's a Buckeye?" and the answer came back, "Not Buckeye, Black-eyes! Somebody must have got hurt." Ah ... true sports fans.
Now, swing your eyes to the center and rivet them on the water experience. Two toddlers are squatting down just outside the reach of the exploding water. Their eyes are round with wonder and anticipation. They're too young to know what a pattern is or that such a thing even exists. So, they glance in all directions trying to guess where the next geyser will appear. They squeal with the glee of a child that is surprised again and again and you have to wonder how in the heck they can sit back on their heels that long without falling over! At long last, one of the dads comes to retrieve his little one. Apparently he's not been paying attention to what happens here, because he turns his back on the water holes, leans over to pick up his toddler just as this Ohio version of Old Faithful does it's thing. Bullseye! A shot in the keester and adults dissolve into laughter that cannot be construed as sympathetic all around him! He is shocked, then embarrassed and finally, just takes a bow and slinks away to connect with his hysterical wife!
Actually, it was great to just sit, to see all stages of life around. Girls with the shortest shorts imagineable, boys with their tongues hanging out trying to follow without being seen. Young couples holding hands, giggling the nervous giggles of young love. And my favorite - the seniors who are also walking hand in hand, simply taking it all in. Theirs is a leisurely walk of comfort and years of knowing each other. They smile at the little ones by the water, caution the younger ones hanging on the fence to see the trains and simply shake their head at the daddy with the wet behind! One gentleman smiles knowingly, pauses and kisses his best girl on the cheek - no words needed, but volumes spoken between them.
It was a GREAT afternoon!
I took a drive over to Columbus to a shopping village called Easton. It's a beautiful property with outside entrances to all the stores, and in the center there's a grassy area with benches and a fountain that really isn't a fountain, but about 25 or 30 underground spigots that shoot water in various patterns. Music is piped into all areas, so it creates a relaxing place to catch your breath or wait on those who are joining you.
After Building A Bear for my future grandson (which was a BLAST), I had time to just sit and observe - something my Grandfather used to love to do! He would go to the state house in downtown Columbus and sit for hours, taking in the world around him. I did the same today and I have to say it was actually pretty humorous. Now, imagine a day in the high 60's, a bright blue sky with puffy clouds moving overhead, a wonderful breeze rustling the trees behind you and sparrows chattering and chasing each other. You're on a bench and you observe:
A very pregnant young lady with her mammoth husband, who is several steps ahead of her and not really aware of where she is - he's on his cell phone. She is struggling to hang on to her purse, get the panel of her maternity jeans up over her belly and keep her maternity shirt down over the panel. She would pull up the panel and the shirt would come up; she'd pull down the shirt and the panel would slide down; back and forth, back and forth. You get the pciture. She was fairly oblivious to all who were around her, but everyone got quite a view as this couple progressed. The husband never did turn around! I'm totally not making fun of her - I feel for her! I remember being pregnant a million years ago and walking along as my pantyhose rolled down over my belly. It' ain't pretty and it's mighty uncomfortable!
To your right, there is a collection of children hanging on a decorative wrought iron fence watching a grouping of model trains go in and out of fabricated mountains, tunnels and trees. There are several trains, with different themes and as they come into view, this gaggle of kids chants what they are looking at: "An-i-mals, An-i-mals, An-i-mals!", followed by "Trucks and cars, Trucks and cars, Trucks and cars!" and finally when the train with the Ohio State Buckeye insignia and tiny plastic football players in and on top of rail cars, you hear, "Buck-eyes, Buck-eyes, Buck-eyes." Now, we're talking 3, 4 and 5 year olds here. I had to smile as the Buckeye train passed and there was an exchange between 2 of the younger gazers. The first said, "What's a Buckeye?" and the answer came back, "Not Buckeye, Black-eyes! Somebody must have got hurt." Ah ... true sports fans.
Now, swing your eyes to the center and rivet them on the water experience. Two toddlers are squatting down just outside the reach of the exploding water. Their eyes are round with wonder and anticipation. They're too young to know what a pattern is or that such a thing even exists. So, they glance in all directions trying to guess where the next geyser will appear. They squeal with the glee of a child that is surprised again and again and you have to wonder how in the heck they can sit back on their heels that long without falling over! At long last, one of the dads comes to retrieve his little one. Apparently he's not been paying attention to what happens here, because he turns his back on the water holes, leans over to pick up his toddler just as this Ohio version of Old Faithful does it's thing. Bullseye! A shot in the keester and adults dissolve into laughter that cannot be construed as sympathetic all around him! He is shocked, then embarrassed and finally, just takes a bow and slinks away to connect with his hysterical wife!
Actually, it was great to just sit, to see all stages of life around. Girls with the shortest shorts imagineable, boys with their tongues hanging out trying to follow without being seen. Young couples holding hands, giggling the nervous giggles of young love. And my favorite - the seniors who are also walking hand in hand, simply taking it all in. Theirs is a leisurely walk of comfort and years of knowing each other. They smile at the little ones by the water, caution the younger ones hanging on the fence to see the trains and simply shake their head at the daddy with the wet behind! One gentleman smiles knowingly, pauses and kisses his best girl on the cheek - no words needed, but volumes spoken between them.
It was a GREAT afternoon!
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