When I was going through counselling for my depression back in the 1980's, one of the most important things I learned was that all is not what it may seem and that we should always look at every episode in different ways. Don't just see the worst scenario because that might not be the truth at all.
This little trick not only helped me see beyond my fears but it also taught me to stop and think before acting. That moment of calm where I allowed myself the time to judge made my judgement more accurate. That's not to say that sometimes the worst scenario never, ever happened but I did learn that my world wasn't always crashing around me. A simple hesitation in judging a situation made me smarter and, knowing I'd be able to assess the situation better, it also gave me a coping skill I'd lacked before.
You know that awful feeling of flying by the seat of your pants...well, that was how I lived my life back in the day. There is a wealth of peace and calmness in my life now and, boy, can I see the difference it makes. There's no way you can make normal decisions when you're in a frantic state. It takes a calm mind.
I've never had any shame about having had depression, just been very grateful that I was finally led to a place where I could get help. I still say it was the counselling that did the most good because it taught me that simple trick of stopping and thinking, just for a moment, before letting my emotions run rampant. My counsellor was a woman and I think that was best for me because only a woman can understand what another woman is feeling. The counselling ended many years ago but I continue to this day to practice what she taught me. It's second nature now but I'll always be thankful for her expertise...and OHIP, of course! Our government health insurance allowed me 16 years of therapy at no cost to me. And I'm reaping the rewards in my life today.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Pre-Paid Visa Cards/Shoppers Drug Mart/Scotiabank
It pays to know when someone has a problem with a product or the store selling it. Kim purchased 2 pre-paid Visa cards (total $500) from her local Shoppers Drug Mart to give to employees but it turned out they hadn't been activated properly by the cashier. Now, who should take care of this problem...Visa or Shoppers??? Apparently Shoppers doesn't take responsibility and told Kim she'd have to call Visa to settle the problem. Kim stood her ground and asked for the store manager who was very unsympathetic and who also told Kim she'd have to go home and take the matter up with Visa because, even though Shoppers' employee was at fault for not activating the cards, it just wasn't up to Shoppers to make matters right. Bullfeathers! Poor customer service!!
Kim is a tougher individual than most of us and continued to stand her ground, saying she wasn't leaving the store until they fixed the problem. The store finally got Visa on the phone and they confirmed to Kim that the cards had not been activated properly by Shoppers but that they would make sure the cards worked within a few days. At least Visa was polite and efficient in dealing with a very angry customer, unlike the Shoppers' manager.
To my way of thinking, if all it was going to take was a phone call to Visa, the Shoppers' manager should have been the one to apologize for it's own inefficiency in the matter and offered to call Visa on the spot to correct it. That's what customer service is all about, isn't it?
I had my own little episode with poor customer service a few weeks ago. Since I've moved, I wanted to deal with a bank closer to where I live so I called a Scotiabank nearby and asked if they could make an appointment for me to see one of their financial advisers. The customer service rep I spoke to got immediately defensive saying she couldn't possibly disturb them at that moment because they were with customers. I repeated, probably half a dozen times, that I didn't want to speak to one that moment but just wanted an appointment some time in the future. The idiot woman I spoke to continued telling me she couldn't disturb them. It was all I could do not to lose my temper with this lady but I finally got her to allow me to leave a message for one of the advisers. I never heard back from them!
3 days later, I dropped in to another branch of the same bank, spoke to a very pleasant and efficient customer service lady who went out of her way to accommodate me, and left with an appointment for the following Monday to see an adviser. Damned good customer service at that branch!!
If business owners ever wonder why they're losing customers, they should spend some time in their establishment watching how their employees treat the customers. Rude service will ruin your business and that's a fact.
Kim is a tougher individual than most of us and continued to stand her ground, saying she wasn't leaving the store until they fixed the problem. The store finally got Visa on the phone and they confirmed to Kim that the cards had not been activated properly by Shoppers but that they would make sure the cards worked within a few days. At least Visa was polite and efficient in dealing with a very angry customer, unlike the Shoppers' manager.
To my way of thinking, if all it was going to take was a phone call to Visa, the Shoppers' manager should have been the one to apologize for it's own inefficiency in the matter and offered to call Visa on the spot to correct it. That's what customer service is all about, isn't it?
I had my own little episode with poor customer service a few weeks ago. Since I've moved, I wanted to deal with a bank closer to where I live so I called a Scotiabank nearby and asked if they could make an appointment for me to see one of their financial advisers. The customer service rep I spoke to got immediately defensive saying she couldn't possibly disturb them at that moment because they were with customers. I repeated, probably half a dozen times, that I didn't want to speak to one that moment but just wanted an appointment some time in the future. The idiot woman I spoke to continued telling me she couldn't disturb them. It was all I could do not to lose my temper with this lady but I finally got her to allow me to leave a message for one of the advisers. I never heard back from them!
3 days later, I dropped in to another branch of the same bank, spoke to a very pleasant and efficient customer service lady who went out of her way to accommodate me, and left with an appointment for the following Monday to see an adviser. Damned good customer service at that branch!!
If business owners ever wonder why they're losing customers, they should spend some time in their establishment watching how their employees treat the customers. Rude service will ruin your business and that's a fact.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
On Being Grateful
I really am grateful for the good things in my life and I never take them for granted. We all tend to whine about our aches and pains and financial woes but most of us have it pretty darned good in comparison to many others riding this earth.
I watched a "COPS" episode on T.V. last night and was automatically disgusted by a transvestite with HIV until it dawned on me that something horrible happened to him as a little boy to drive him to where he is today. Always remember that, there but for the grace of whoever, go you and I!
It's heartwarming to see people with physical disabilities stretch their resources to the fullest to attain a good quality of life. They don't huddle in a corner feeling sorry for themselves but go out into the world and grab their enjoyments. My son-in-law, John, was running 3 months after losing his leg and has been my hero ever since. We all have some form of disability and it's up to us to either overcome it to our best ability or to give in to it.
Attitude is either a major asset or your downfall when it comes to living your life well. My own attitude is to do the things I like doing, steer clear of unpleasant people, and to reach out to new possibilities. I don't fear rejection any more because I understand that you just won't fit in everywhere. But, when you do find good friends, they're worth their weight in gold. And it also helps if you like a bit of solitude...being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely.
In my youth, I was very shy about meeting new people and couldn't be the first one to approach another but that's changed in my old age. Somehow I've gained confidence in myself so maybe that happens with age...I don't know. I just know that I find it easier to reach out now and don't go through the day any more worrying I'm doing something wrong.
Life is often as good as you're willing to make it and it helps if you can appreciate what actually is good in your life. Just open your eyes and look around. You'll be astounded at how very much you have to be grateful for.
I watched a "COPS" episode on T.V. last night and was automatically disgusted by a transvestite with HIV until it dawned on me that something horrible happened to him as a little boy to drive him to where he is today. Always remember that, there but for the grace of whoever, go you and I!
It's heartwarming to see people with physical disabilities stretch their resources to the fullest to attain a good quality of life. They don't huddle in a corner feeling sorry for themselves but go out into the world and grab their enjoyments. My son-in-law, John, was running 3 months after losing his leg and has been my hero ever since. We all have some form of disability and it's up to us to either overcome it to our best ability or to give in to it.
Attitude is either a major asset or your downfall when it comes to living your life well. My own attitude is to do the things I like doing, steer clear of unpleasant people, and to reach out to new possibilities. I don't fear rejection any more because I understand that you just won't fit in everywhere. But, when you do find good friends, they're worth their weight in gold. And it also helps if you like a bit of solitude...being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely.
In my youth, I was very shy about meeting new people and couldn't be the first one to approach another but that's changed in my old age. Somehow I've gained confidence in myself so maybe that happens with age...I don't know. I just know that I find it easier to reach out now and don't go through the day any more worrying I'm doing something wrong.
Life is often as good as you're willing to make it and it helps if you can appreciate what actually is good in your life. Just open your eyes and look around. You'll be astounded at how very much you have to be grateful for.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Is War Worth the Cost?
Wars are waged for many different reasons but one thing always remains the same. The leaders survive and the death toll is highest with the civilians. I saw photos of Syrian children, either dead or dying from what appears to be chemical warfare and I wondered again...what could possibly be worth their little lives?
Seldom is war waged for "good" reasons, but mostly for political or financial gain. Often it's a power struggle where one group seeks to overstep their bounds and claim the property of another. Can any of this be worth the life of one innocent and helpless victim?
I see a world 1000 years in the future where we human beings still haven't learned the value of a human life. I hope I'm wrong but it really doesn't seem we've become much less savage than when we first arrived on this planet.
Just think what we could have accomplished if we hadn't been cursed with that "savage" (selfish, greedy, hateful, power hungry) gene. It would be like heaven on earth.
Seldom is war waged for "good" reasons, but mostly for political or financial gain. Often it's a power struggle where one group seeks to overstep their bounds and claim the property of another. Can any of this be worth the life of one innocent and helpless victim?
I see a world 1000 years in the future where we human beings still haven't learned the value of a human life. I hope I'm wrong but it really doesn't seem we've become much less savage than when we first arrived on this planet.
Just think what we could have accomplished if we hadn't been cursed with that "savage" (selfish, greedy, hateful, power hungry) gene. It would be like heaven on earth.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Bingo
I went to Bingo at the local senior center with a very nice group of ladies last night. It was a pleasant evening but not nearly as much fun as Bingo at 3W. Of course, the group here was small...about a dozen people...and I didn't really know anyone except the lady I went with but everyone was so friendly!
The large Bingo halls hold no attraction for me because they seem sterile after having played at our clubhouse in Florida. It means so much more to play among people you know because you can be happy for everyone who wins. Bingo is a social occasion, too, where conversation is just as important as yelling "Bingo"!. When Kim and I went to a large Bingo hall here a few years ago, I found that by not knowing anyone else there it wasn't fun at all. I'll go back to the little senior Bingo here again, though, because of how friendly everyone was and because it's a nice break during the week. Isabel, the lady I went with, invited me to play cribbage on Wednesdays but I don't think I want to do that. She said the card games keep us from being lonely but I'm never lonely. Lucky me!
But the most fun I have at Bingo is at our park in Florida. I'm looking forward to many evenings of cards and Bingo with good friends where we talk and laugh and no-body gets upset if we make a mistake or forget what's trump! That's how games are meant to be played...with no one taking the game too serious.
The large Bingo halls hold no attraction for me because they seem sterile after having played at our clubhouse in Florida. It means so much more to play among people you know because you can be happy for everyone who wins. Bingo is a social occasion, too, where conversation is just as important as yelling "Bingo"!. When Kim and I went to a large Bingo hall here a few years ago, I found that by not knowing anyone else there it wasn't fun at all. I'll go back to the little senior Bingo here again, though, because of how friendly everyone was and because it's a nice break during the week. Isabel, the lady I went with, invited me to play cribbage on Wednesdays but I don't think I want to do that. She said the card games keep us from being lonely but I'm never lonely. Lucky me!
But the most fun I have at Bingo is at our park in Florida. I'm looking forward to many evenings of cards and Bingo with good friends where we talk and laugh and no-body gets upset if we make a mistake or forget what's trump! That's how games are meant to be played...with no one taking the game too serious.
Monday, August 26, 2013
"Long, Hot Summer"
I watched the 1958 film "Long, Hot Summer" with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Orson Wells this afternoon. OMG, I'm still in love with Paul Newman. There were a few other very good actors in the movie but those three were the stars. I don't think we have true movie stars like these actors any more...there are many who are referred to as stars but they don't practice their craft with the same quality as Paul, Joanne, and Orson.
I remember being in love with Paul Newman when I was in my teens and loved him for many decades after. Even as an old man, he was still gorgeous and still a true star.
What a wonderful day to spend an afternoon in 2013, remembering how Paul made me feel all those years ago. Sigh!
I remember being in love with Paul Newman when I was in my teens and loved him for many decades after. Even as an old man, he was still gorgeous and still a true star.
What a wonderful day to spend an afternoon in 2013, remembering how Paul made me feel all those years ago. Sigh!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
My New Home
Note: That's my car just under the lamp post.
I am very, very happy to be in my new home and it leaves me feeling so content with none of the worries and work that keeping a house involves. This was a wise move for me.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Mary and I
Mary came for an overnight visit and, of course, we went to the casino for another overnight. She had a free night at the casino hotel, free dinners for 2, and free stage show for the afternoon. We both left the casino $300 richer than we went (very, very odd for me) so it was one fabulous couple of days.
Mary and I can talk for hours on end and never run out of things to say. We've known each other since the late 1960's so we have plenty of past history to discuss, also. A few gin and tonics thrown into the mix is nice, too.
Mary's son, Brent, came over for a visit the last evening she was here. He lives just a few blocks away from me so it's an added bonus for Mary when she visits me...she lives about 2 1/2 hours from us.
Mary, along with being a good friend, is my casino buddy. She loves it as much as I do but she's usually a winner. I, on the other hand, just love gambling whether I win or not but I do set a limit so I'm not totally stupid.
On Wednesday night we gambled until 2 A.M. before realizing that, although we weren't tired, we had a full day ahead of us on Thursday so we cashed in and went to bed. The show on Thursday afternoon was a musical with 1960 hits of the day...wonderful to bring back those memories!
I thoroughly enjoy Mary's visits and wish she could visit more but she still has a husband at home. Don is very good about Mary's ramblings but they also have a terrific relationship where they do a lot together. She is a lucky lady...at the casino, too!
Matt came on Friday night to hook all the millions of wires back together on the computer. Everything had to be unhooked so that he could put everything on the new desk. I didn't realize until this morning that I have no sound, though, so I'm going to have to impose upon him again. I really need sound because I watch a lot of videos on Youtube. Oh, well, I can easily wait until he has some free time to do it.
Kim came after work and we all went to a local restaurant for dinner. It was a nice surprise. From the outside it looks kind of ritzy but inside it's just a very nice family restaurant that I'll go back to a lot. We're planning to have breakfast there on Sundays and hope as many of the family as possible will join us. It would be a lovely family tradition to start because everyone (except me) is so busy with their own lives that we don't see each other as often as I'd like so having breakfast together every week or so would be nice for all of us.
After dinner, Matt and Kim came back to my apartment and, between the two of them, they figured out how my car key works when and if the key battery dies. I've been a little worried about that happening and now I know what to do. It was something I could never have figured out myself and something the car dealership should have taught me before I drove the car off the lot.
Joyce, Larry, and Linda are coming over this morning to see the apartment. I love my family!!
Mary and I can talk for hours on end and never run out of things to say. We've known each other since the late 1960's so we have plenty of past history to discuss, also. A few gin and tonics thrown into the mix is nice, too.
Mary's son, Brent, came over for a visit the last evening she was here. He lives just a few blocks away from me so it's an added bonus for Mary when she visits me...she lives about 2 1/2 hours from us.
Mary, along with being a good friend, is my casino buddy. She loves it as much as I do but she's usually a winner. I, on the other hand, just love gambling whether I win or not but I do set a limit so I'm not totally stupid.
On Wednesday night we gambled until 2 A.M. before realizing that, although we weren't tired, we had a full day ahead of us on Thursday so we cashed in and went to bed. The show on Thursday afternoon was a musical with 1960 hits of the day...wonderful to bring back those memories!
I thoroughly enjoy Mary's visits and wish she could visit more but she still has a husband at home. Don is very good about Mary's ramblings but they also have a terrific relationship where they do a lot together. She is a lucky lady...at the casino, too!
Matt came on Friday night to hook all the millions of wires back together on the computer. Everything had to be unhooked so that he could put everything on the new desk. I didn't realize until this morning that I have no sound, though, so I'm going to have to impose upon him again. I really need sound because I watch a lot of videos on Youtube. Oh, well, I can easily wait until he has some free time to do it.
Kim came after work and we all went to a local restaurant for dinner. It was a nice surprise. From the outside it looks kind of ritzy but inside it's just a very nice family restaurant that I'll go back to a lot. We're planning to have breakfast there on Sundays and hope as many of the family as possible will join us. It would be a lovely family tradition to start because everyone (except me) is so busy with their own lives that we don't see each other as often as I'd like so having breakfast together every week or so would be nice for all of us.
After dinner, Matt and Kim came back to my apartment and, between the two of them, they figured out how my car key works when and if the key battery dies. I've been a little worried about that happening and now I know what to do. It was something I could never have figured out myself and something the car dealership should have taught me before I drove the car off the lot.
Joyce, Larry, and Linda are coming over this morning to see the apartment. I love my family!!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
The Day Will Come
Seniors don't spend their time worrying about how they'll end up in their last days but they don't bury their heads in the sand either. There's only one way out of this crazy life and seniors are usually a little closer to it than our progeny.
While still in my right mind, and that might be debatable, I've told my children that they should put me in a nursing home when I can't take care of myself any longer. Under no circumstances do I want to burden my children with having to take care of me in their homes when and if I'm demented or bedridden. Parents who load their children with guilt and demand never to be put in a nursing home are very selfish people.
My only worry is that nursing homes are extremely expensive and I'd hate to see my children left with nothing in their inheritance. I'm not afraid of death, more curious about what comes next, and I sure don't want to linger here on earth in an incapacitated state. One day in the distant future, we'll be able to pre-plan our leaving. Isn't it more cruel to keep an aged person alive when there's nothing left except an empty shell?
The day will come for all of us when decisions have to be made as to where we'll spend our final days and those of us who love our children don't want to spend it in their homes. Put us in a nice, clean and friendly nursing home, visit us often, and see to the details of our passing. That's what I want.
But not yet! I'm 73 years old with loving family and friends. I'm having a heck of a good time in my elder years with many interests. It just might be the best time of life...between labor and death...and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. But keep in mind my wishes because they are said with the knowledge that all good things come to an end one day.
While still in my right mind, and that might be debatable, I've told my children that they should put me in a nursing home when I can't take care of myself any longer. Under no circumstances do I want to burden my children with having to take care of me in their homes when and if I'm demented or bedridden. Parents who load their children with guilt and demand never to be put in a nursing home are very selfish people.
My only worry is that nursing homes are extremely expensive and I'd hate to see my children left with nothing in their inheritance. I'm not afraid of death, more curious about what comes next, and I sure don't want to linger here on earth in an incapacitated state. One day in the distant future, we'll be able to pre-plan our leaving. Isn't it more cruel to keep an aged person alive when there's nothing left except an empty shell?
The day will come for all of us when decisions have to be made as to where we'll spend our final days and those of us who love our children don't want to spend it in their homes. Put us in a nice, clean and friendly nursing home, visit us often, and see to the details of our passing. That's what I want.
But not yet! I'm 73 years old with loving family and friends. I'm having a heck of a good time in my elder years with many interests. It just might be the best time of life...between labor and death...and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. But keep in mind my wishes because they are said with the knowledge that all good things come to an end one day.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Falsely Accused
I watched a show on T.V. partly about a man who spent years in prison for a crime he never committed. He finally was released thanks to DNA evidence that is available now. It got me thinking how awful it is to be accused of something you never did and then having no way of proving your innocence. I know most prisoners claim innocence but there have to be a few who really are and who are forced to unfairly waste away their lives behind bars.
Things are not always as they seem. It's very easy to take one tiny bit of "evidence" and blow it up totally out of proportion and that mistake could mean someone loses their life or their years. We all hate the slowness that justice often takes but we have to admit that the police investigators do their best to gather all of it before arresting a subject. Human error will always mean that sometimes it's an innocent person who pays the heavy price, though.
The ability to determine a criminal's DNA has given police an excellent tool to use in solving crime but we need much more. I see a future where memories will be extracted from a suspected criminal's mind and he/she will not be able to escape justice simply because of lack of physical evidence. Brave new world. Scary new world. Will it be better or worse than the violent one we live in right now? Only time will tell.
Things are not always as they seem. It's very easy to take one tiny bit of "evidence" and blow it up totally out of proportion and that mistake could mean someone loses their life or their years. We all hate the slowness that justice often takes but we have to admit that the police investigators do their best to gather all of it before arresting a subject. Human error will always mean that sometimes it's an innocent person who pays the heavy price, though.
The ability to determine a criminal's DNA has given police an excellent tool to use in solving crime but we need much more. I see a future where memories will be extracted from a suspected criminal's mind and he/she will not be able to escape justice simply because of lack of physical evidence. Brave new world. Scary new world. Will it be better or worse than the violent one we live in right now? Only time will tell.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Pictures Hung
Cindy and I drove out to St. Catharines to pick up Aeron for lunch but it turned into more of a dinner because we got there kind of late. The traffic on the QEW was wicked because of an accident. It had been cleared away but the gawkers slowed down what should have been free flowing traffic.
I've mentioned before how the boys were always Dennis' but Aeron was always mine. I adore her. We went out for lunch at one of the restaurants she works at...she has 2 or 3 part-time jobs and goes to university (what a girl!!) and then went shopping for her graduation present from her Mom and Dad...a laptop computer. Cindy says Aeron never asks for anything and she was so thrilled with the computer. Yes, she really is a very special person.
I'm so proud of my family. All are good people who are succeeding in life in their own way. None have turned out bad and, for that, I am ever grateful.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Another Worry
I often wonder if there is a single person, other than little children, who can go day to day without something to worry about. My worries increased by one yesterday when I went to the dermatologist to have the stitches removed. The biopsy report from the squamous skin cancer on my cheek showed there was still some residual cells in edges of what was removed. My dermatologist said she wouldn't do another resection at the moment because the statistics were that 30% of such biopsies had proven that the residual cells would disappear on their own. I only hope I'm not in the 70% where they don't. I have another appointment with her in mid October and we'll see if anything recurs during the time before the appointment. I'm not afraid of having the removal again because it wasn't a horrible thing to go through but I'll sure be on the lookout for any reappearance of the skin cancer. I'll recognize it immediately.
In the meantime, I'll worry.
In the meantime, I'll worry.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The Angels Might Be Dogs
It's so hard to make sense of life but I've come to believe that we humans might be someone's experiment and that dogs were put here to make us better people. Some people are more drawn to cats as pets but cats only allow you to love them while dogs are filled with love for us. I'm not talking about the vicious dogs we hear about but the family dogs that make our lives happier just with their presence.
My friend's husband just came home from the hospital and she put on Facebook how he was resting in a chair with their little dog on his lap. Immediately, I thought how comforting that would be and how much healing would come because of it. There's a joke about how no-one in your family greets you at the door like your dog does and that's because they are so tuned into you to complete their lives.
My dog, Corky, was never happier than when we were all together in one room. It was as though that was the only time he could relax and know his human family was all right. It made him nervous to have us all going off in different directions because it made it harder for him to manage us. I remember how he'd follow me as I made my way around the house, plop himself in a doorway and sigh as though I was so much trouble to him.
There is another memory I have of a young male relative of a friend who developed cancer in his stomach and he went home to die. His dog would sleep right on top of the tumor area and darned if he didn't recover. I believe in the power of healing thoughts no matter where they come from.
When we look into our dog's eyes, what we'll see is kindness and gentleness and more love than we sometimes deserve. They just might be the eyes of an old soul who has come to aid us in our journey through this mysterious life we've been given.
My friend's husband just came home from the hospital and she put on Facebook how he was resting in a chair with their little dog on his lap. Immediately, I thought how comforting that would be and how much healing would come because of it. There's a joke about how no-one in your family greets you at the door like your dog does and that's because they are so tuned into you to complete their lives.
My dog, Corky, was never happier than when we were all together in one room. It was as though that was the only time he could relax and know his human family was all right. It made him nervous to have us all going off in different directions because it made it harder for him to manage us. I remember how he'd follow me as I made my way around the house, plop himself in a doorway and sigh as though I was so much trouble to him.
There is another memory I have of a young male relative of a friend who developed cancer in his stomach and he went home to die. His dog would sleep right on top of the tumor area and darned if he didn't recover. I believe in the power of healing thoughts no matter where they come from.
When we look into our dog's eyes, what we'll see is kindness and gentleness and more love than we sometimes deserve. They just might be the eyes of an old soul who has come to aid us in our journey through this mysterious life we've been given.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Destroy or Lift Up
There are trillions of videos, some home made, to watch on Youtube and I've been watching a lot of them lately. You can watch full episodes of Dr. Phil without the commercials, too. Something that I've learned from watching these videos is how raising a child is an immense responsibility for the parents. They can either destroy any chance that child has to live a normal life or they can do their job as parents to teach the child how to live a successful life. I'm not saying that some kids don't go wrong even with the best upbringing or that some kids aren't able to rise above a poor one, though.
Our responsibility to do the best for our offspring is universal and it has to be one of the main reasons we exist at all. If we deliberately fail to be good parents by pure selfishness, we should be ashamed. Many of the videos I watched proved that good parents are selfless, giving up their own comforts for their children. On the other hand, too many of those videos were horror stories of how to be a bad parent.
My own mother wasn't a typical good parent. I always felt as though I was "tolerated" by her but that she didn't connect with me in any way. She obviously wasn't very interested in me but she didn't treat me cruelly, just impassively. It wasn't actually abuse but it had an everlasting effect on me. We most often learn our worth from our parents. Sometimes a child brought up to feel worthless is able to rise above their beginnings but I'd bet most don't. It's just been in my elder years that I've discovered my true worth and I'm pretty damned valuable.
Family is so very important but how you build your family is probably most important of all.
Our responsibility to do the best for our offspring is universal and it has to be one of the main reasons we exist at all. If we deliberately fail to be good parents by pure selfishness, we should be ashamed. Many of the videos I watched proved that good parents are selfless, giving up their own comforts for their children. On the other hand, too many of those videos were horror stories of how to be a bad parent.
My own mother wasn't a typical good parent. I always felt as though I was "tolerated" by her but that she didn't connect with me in any way. She obviously wasn't very interested in me but she didn't treat me cruelly, just impassively. It wasn't actually abuse but it had an everlasting effect on me. We most often learn our worth from our parents. Sometimes a child brought up to feel worthless is able to rise above their beginnings but I'd bet most don't. It's just been in my elder years that I've discovered my true worth and I'm pretty damned valuable.
Family is so very important but how you build your family is probably most important of all.
Monday, August 12, 2013
How I Spent My Summer
I don't know if they still do this the first week of school but I remember when we did. It always seemed like such a waste of time because my summers were always, always the same...nothing but playing outside. Those were the days. Now a parent feels they've failed their children if they don't provide summer camps, summer vacations, and exotic weekends for the little boos.
If I were to write an essay about how I spent this summer, it would read a little differently. No summer camps, vacations, or exotic weekends but I did sell the house, spend July moving into an apartment I love, and, oh yes, had a spot of skin cancer removed which took 8 stitches...probably caused by some of those long ago summers spent outside playing with no sunscreen.
When I was a child in the 1940's, it was safe to send your little one outside to play with no supervision. Perverts were few and far between in those days and I've spent a lot of time wondering why there are so many today. I was a street wise child with an intact radar system that warned me who to stay away from. That didn't prevent the odd pervert from trying to invade my space but I knew enough to run. Unlike today, there was no-one for me to report incidences like this. As I look back, I wonder what would have happened if I'd gone to a police officer instead of going to my grandmother. All I got from her was, "Oh, you're just imagining it!". I hate that expression to this day. When a child comes to you and says someone is trying to or, heaven forbid, has molested them in some way, it is imperative that their words are not dismissed.
I remember playing baseball in vacant lots with the neighborhood kids with no parents around to organize us. It was fun. We didn't have matching jerseys or coaches telling us what to do so it was pure freedom for a child to learn the game without too much structure. I never see kids playing baseball freely like this any more but I do see them playing basketball. Always boys, though, and never girls.
We roller skated back in the day. We called on our friends with song..."Cathy, oh Cathy!". I wonder when that ritual bit the dust? We wandered the streets from morning to mealtimes and then back out again. We did the odd dangerous thing, too, but we learned how to take care of ourselves. Young girls loved to dress alike, just like now, but we wore matching poodle skirts and sweater sets. I was the first girl in my grade 7 class to daringly wear jeans to school and I remember one of the teachers snidely asking me if I lived on a farm. Do you suppose I started a trend???
I'm not one who would like to go back to the way it was in the 1950's. Every decade has it's good and bad points and the worst of the 1950's is how females were held back. Females have so much more equality these days and I hope they understand how brave their ancestors were to help implement it.
Now, back to my summer. It's been an interesting one with it's share of good and bad but it's been nothing I couldn't handle. After all, I grew up in the 1940's and 1950's so I know how to handle the unexpected.
If I were to write an essay about how I spent this summer, it would read a little differently. No summer camps, vacations, or exotic weekends but I did sell the house, spend July moving into an apartment I love, and, oh yes, had a spot of skin cancer removed which took 8 stitches...probably caused by some of those long ago summers spent outside playing with no sunscreen.
When I was a child in the 1940's, it was safe to send your little one outside to play with no supervision. Perverts were few and far between in those days and I've spent a lot of time wondering why there are so many today. I was a street wise child with an intact radar system that warned me who to stay away from. That didn't prevent the odd pervert from trying to invade my space but I knew enough to run. Unlike today, there was no-one for me to report incidences like this. As I look back, I wonder what would have happened if I'd gone to a police officer instead of going to my grandmother. All I got from her was, "Oh, you're just imagining it!". I hate that expression to this day. When a child comes to you and says someone is trying to or, heaven forbid, has molested them in some way, it is imperative that their words are not dismissed.
I remember playing baseball in vacant lots with the neighborhood kids with no parents around to organize us. It was fun. We didn't have matching jerseys or coaches telling us what to do so it was pure freedom for a child to learn the game without too much structure. I never see kids playing baseball freely like this any more but I do see them playing basketball. Always boys, though, and never girls.
We roller skated back in the day. We called on our friends with song..."Cathy, oh Cathy!". I wonder when that ritual bit the dust? We wandered the streets from morning to mealtimes and then back out again. We did the odd dangerous thing, too, but we learned how to take care of ourselves. Young girls loved to dress alike, just like now, but we wore matching poodle skirts and sweater sets. I was the first girl in my grade 7 class to daringly wear jeans to school and I remember one of the teachers snidely asking me if I lived on a farm. Do you suppose I started a trend???
I'm not one who would like to go back to the way it was in the 1950's. Every decade has it's good and bad points and the worst of the 1950's is how females were held back. Females have so much more equality these days and I hope they understand how brave their ancestors were to help implement it.
Now, back to my summer. It's been an interesting one with it's share of good and bad but it's been nothing I couldn't handle. After all, I grew up in the 1940's and 1950's so I know how to handle the unexpected.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Let's Do Something Dangerous
When the grandsons came to visit, they loved to go with Grampa to the "magic cave" (his workroom) where we feared they were allowed to use power tools and knives. I don't think we wanted to know for sure and always hoped Grampa loved them enough to make sure they weren't hurt. He would have feared for his life if they did get hurt!
I remember the first day Matt came storming in the front door, kicking his shoes off behind him and leaning through the doorway with a big grin on his red-headed face. "Grampa, let's do something dangerous!", he yelled as he ran in. It was then we knew for sure.
Grampa didn't believe in coddling the kids and let them take chances we mothers would never allow. I remember being on the annual Good Friday hike when he put little Nick, not yet a year old, on his shoulders and ran down a steep hill with him. I thought Kim and Brian would have a heart attack.
There were so many adventures, many just a little scary, that the kids had with Dennis and I'm sure that's why they tailed him around when he was with them. You never knew what exciting thing was going to happen next. I say "kids" but the girls had more sense than the boys and Dennis seemed to be a lot more careful with them, too. Sexist.
When we get together now, the boys love to regale us with memories of some of the fun, and dangerous, stunts they did with their Grampa. Sadly, they remember me as the worrier.
I remember the first day Matt came storming in the front door, kicking his shoes off behind him and leaning through the doorway with a big grin on his red-headed face. "Grampa, let's do something dangerous!", he yelled as he ran in. It was then we knew for sure.
Grampa didn't believe in coddling the kids and let them take chances we mothers would never allow. I remember being on the annual Good Friday hike when he put little Nick, not yet a year old, on his shoulders and ran down a steep hill with him. I thought Kim and Brian would have a heart attack.
There were so many adventures, many just a little scary, that the kids had with Dennis and I'm sure that's why they tailed him around when he was with them. You never knew what exciting thing was going to happen next. I say "kids" but the girls had more sense than the boys and Dennis seemed to be a lot more careful with them, too. Sexist.
When we get together now, the boys love to regale us with memories of some of the fun, and dangerous, stunts they did with their Grampa. Sadly, they remember me as the worrier.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Getting Tougher
It's kind of interesting how, when looking out of the ordinary, we either feel acute embarrassment or develop a "what the heck" attitude. When I went through the terrible scabbing of having radiation on my lip, it really bothered me to go out in public but now that I'm wearing this darned big bandage on my cheek I feel much differently about it. About the only concession I give is that I don't like eating in public because I fear putting people off their meal. Other than that I wander around and do my daily outings as needed with that wonderful "what the heck" attitude.
We were in a restaurant not long after John lost his leg and that's when I really noticed how some people respond to the out-of-ordinary. Most people might show a slight surprise at first sighting but then quickly gain their composure and behave in a polite and tactful manner. There was one old gal, though, who even stopped eating her dinner to stare for ages at John and his missing leg. Very poor manners! I don't think John cared because he is one strong individual but I wanted to go over to the b---h and tell her off.
When I was out with the lip scab, I kept my head down out of shame so didn't see any horrified glances. Now that I'm stronger in mind (like John), I do notice how my bandage affects others and it's kind of interesting. Adults either don't show any obvious interest or they remember their manners and ignore it. Children do stare a bit but most have had manners instilled in them so they don't stare for long and look more curious than anything else.
We are a society of everyone wanting to blend in with the crowd...or stand out in a positive way if at all. Anything out of the ordinary sort of throws us for the moment until we can sort it out in our heads as to what it means and to act accordingly. From my point of view these days, with my 1/2" x 2" cheek bandage, is that we've done a good job teaching our children to have good manners. Remember the one, "Don't stare!".
We were in a restaurant not long after John lost his leg and that's when I really noticed how some people respond to the out-of-ordinary. Most people might show a slight surprise at first sighting but then quickly gain their composure and behave in a polite and tactful manner. There was one old gal, though, who even stopped eating her dinner to stare for ages at John and his missing leg. Very poor manners! I don't think John cared because he is one strong individual but I wanted to go over to the b---h and tell her off.
When I was out with the lip scab, I kept my head down out of shame so didn't see any horrified glances. Now that I'm stronger in mind (like John), I do notice how my bandage affects others and it's kind of interesting. Adults either don't show any obvious interest or they remember their manners and ignore it. Children do stare a bit but most have had manners instilled in them so they don't stare for long and look more curious than anything else.
We are a society of everyone wanting to blend in with the crowd...or stand out in a positive way if at all. Anything out of the ordinary sort of throws us for the moment until we can sort it out in our heads as to what it means and to act accordingly. From my point of view these days, with my 1/2" x 2" cheek bandage, is that we've done a good job teaching our children to have good manners. Remember the one, "Don't stare!".
Friday, August 09, 2013
Brenda Heist..I Understand.
There's a tragic story of a severely depressed woman going through a divorce and terrified she can't support her two young children. So she walks away and doesn't come back for 11 years. Brenda Heist knew her children would be well cared for by their father but, in her eyes, she was only a drain on the family and was better off gone.
I watched this sad story on Youtube on a Dr. Phil show and I ached with understanding how she could have left the way she did because I remember often wanting to do the same thing during my depression days. I remember thinking how easy it would be to just leave all my troubles behind me and to start a new, untroubled life somewhere else. I remember the draw those thoughts had for me. What stopped me was simply being unable to hurt my children in that way. Brenda Heist was a little deeper depressed than I was and it led to her living an even sadder life than the one she left behind.
There, but for the grace of whoever, go I.
I watched this sad story on Youtube on a Dr. Phil show and I ached with understanding how she could have left the way she did because I remember often wanting to do the same thing during my depression days. I remember thinking how easy it would be to just leave all my troubles behind me and to start a new, untroubled life somewhere else. I remember the draw those thoughts had for me. What stopped me was simply being unable to hurt my children in that way. Brenda Heist was a little deeper depressed than I was and it led to her living an even sadder life than the one she left behind.
There, but for the grace of whoever, go I.
Reply..And God Will Do You A Favor??
I hate chain letters and Facebook requests to repost in order to receive some kind of favor from God. How can a religious person believe that God is sitting up there waiting for one of his flock to reply to a chain letter or Facebook post before deigning to do us good?
And what about the money chain letters? They ask you to send it on to 8 friends and then you'll receive lots of money but, if you don't, you'll lose money. What kind of friends send that sort of threatening mail?
And then there's the chain letter that warns you what happened to people who failed to send it to their friends. They got horrible diseases or their child was killed. It's cruel to instil fear in gullible people who pass the letter on...just in case!
I don't answer mail like this. It must have been created by someone with a devious mind and too many of us lemmings have kept it going. I'm no lemming and no-one will ever receive a chain letter from me. Fingers crossed! LOL!
And what about the money chain letters? They ask you to send it on to 8 friends and then you'll receive lots of money but, if you don't, you'll lose money. What kind of friends send that sort of threatening mail?
And then there's the chain letter that warns you what happened to people who failed to send it to their friends. They got horrible diseases or their child was killed. It's cruel to instil fear in gullible people who pass the letter on...just in case!
I don't answer mail like this. It must have been created by someone with a devious mind and too many of us lemmings have kept it going. I'm no lemming and no-one will ever receive a chain letter from me. Fingers crossed! LOL!
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Because of You
Reba McIntyre sings a song called "Because of You", which seems to lay blame on maybe her mother for instilling fear in her of too many things. Maybe I just see myself in that song and feel guilt for making my babies take the safest road in everything.
I carry a lot of fear of the unknown and therefore don't take chances. It terrifies me to see my children or grandchildren take chances with their safety but I have to accept they're out of my control. Lucky for them, probably. If I had my way, they'd live in a bubble of safety where no danger could ever threaten them...but what kind of life would that be?
Is life worth living if you never step out of your comfort zone? When I do take the odd chance, I end up feeling intense relief that I survived the moment. I don't relish the thrill at all. Long, long ago, I gave up roller coaster rides because they'd become sheer terror for me so why subject myself to that?
I'm not a daring person but I think I used to be. There are memories of moments in my life when I took foolish chances and enjoyed the thrill of it all but those days have gone for me. Now I just want to have uneventful and pleasant days. It must be old age but who cares. It is my firm belief that we should all live our lives in a way that makes us happy, just as long as it hurts no-one else.
Oh, yes. And when a grandchild decides to go sky diving...don't tell me beforehand.
I carry a lot of fear of the unknown and therefore don't take chances. It terrifies me to see my children or grandchildren take chances with their safety but I have to accept they're out of my control. Lucky for them, probably. If I had my way, they'd live in a bubble of safety where no danger could ever threaten them...but what kind of life would that be?
Is life worth living if you never step out of your comfort zone? When I do take the odd chance, I end up feeling intense relief that I survived the moment. I don't relish the thrill at all. Long, long ago, I gave up roller coaster rides because they'd become sheer terror for me so why subject myself to that?
I'm not a daring person but I think I used to be. There are memories of moments in my life when I took foolish chances and enjoyed the thrill of it all but those days have gone for me. Now I just want to have uneventful and pleasant days. It must be old age but who cares. It is my firm belief that we should all live our lives in a way that makes us happy, just as long as it hurts no-one else.
Oh, yes. And when a grandchild decides to go sky diving...don't tell me beforehand.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Editing
I read a comment on how to edit out unnecessary words in your writing and it looked pretty darned good. But...it left no emotion. That's why I choose to litter my blog with lots of unnecessary words. Emotion in writing is not a bad thing...maybe not aesthetically correct but, what the heck!
If I had to skinny down my words in this blog it wouldn't be near as much fun to write it.
If I had to skinny down my words in this blog it wouldn't be near as much fun to write it.
Monday, August 05, 2013
Getting Old
Today is my 73rd birthday and if it weren't for the darned stitches on my cheek I wouldn't feel anywhere near that age. My face is quite swollen but my attitude has greatly improved from yesterday simply because the healing process is making me feel stronger each day. We human beings are truly wondrous creatures, aren't we?
Age has never been a concern of mine for some reason. I remember my grandmother lying about her age and it seemed so foolish to me. I feel much the same way about dying my hair...I happen to like the look of naturally white or grey hair. If someone were to judge me as unacceptable because of my age or color of hair, I'd just say it was their loss. Someone so shallow would never be anyone I'd like to hang out with, either.
Luckily I have friends of all ages and that's a great thing. Two of my youngest friends, Lisa and Anna, broaden my areas of understanding by spending time with them. I hope they learn a little something from me, too. It's an advantage to all of us to have in-depth contact with people of all ages.
I'll be having my birthday dinner at Kim's. Cindy and Don will be there, too, but Shelley is way down in Tampa. I've received birthday wishes from friends near and far and it does my heart good to hear them. I don't think most old folk want their birthdays remembered so that they'll get presents but just to know that someone thought about them is a nice feeling.
It's a gorgeous summer day out and I'm so content and comfortable in my new apartment. Life remains good!
Age has never been a concern of mine for some reason. I remember my grandmother lying about her age and it seemed so foolish to me. I feel much the same way about dying my hair...I happen to like the look of naturally white or grey hair. If someone were to judge me as unacceptable because of my age or color of hair, I'd just say it was their loss. Someone so shallow would never be anyone I'd like to hang out with, either.
Luckily I have friends of all ages and that's a great thing. Two of my youngest friends, Lisa and Anna, broaden my areas of understanding by spending time with them. I hope they learn a little something from me, too. It's an advantage to all of us to have in-depth contact with people of all ages.
I'll be having my birthday dinner at Kim's. Cindy and Don will be there, too, but Shelley is way down in Tampa. I've received birthday wishes from friends near and far and it does my heart good to hear them. I don't think most old folk want their birthdays remembered so that they'll get presents but just to know that someone thought about them is a nice feeling.
It's a gorgeous summer day out and I'm so content and comfortable in my new apartment. Life remains good!
Sunday, August 04, 2013
Apartment Living
Could I be any happier about selling the house and moving into an apartment? Not on your life! I get up in the morning, make the bed and enjoy a coffee while someone else looks after every other thing about the building...keeps the gardens, grounds and inside of the building neat...and will also look after any repairs or squirrel removal if necessary. I have more than enough room in a 2 bedroom apartment to feel extremely comfortable, too. I do hear the muffled activity of my neighbors in the elevator and the hall occasionally but nothing other than that. I told Kim that there is a kind of comfort knowing there are people nearby, something like how I feel at the trailer park in Florida. It's much, much quieter here, though.
Apartment living is best for singles than families, though, because of the noise factor and also that children need a place to play outdoors. This is a mainly senior building but there are a few younger people here but no kids that I've seen. I have seen quite a few dogs but haven't heard a single one.
I don't worry about having my little guys, Nolan and Nash, here for visits because they are very well-behaved children. Nolan talks a lot (a whole lot!) but he's not rambunctious. I actually wish that Nash spoke more but I should be careful what I wish for, shouldn't I? There's a lovely playground just a block or two away where I can take them, too. Spending time with those little boys does my heart good.
I'm on the 6th floor here so there's no need to even lock the patio door. I do lock and close the safety bar on the hall door when I'm here alone, though, because it makes me feel safer. I've noticed how fearful I've become of being in a secluded spot. Maybe that comes with age. There's a lovely tree lined path behind the building that apparently leads to another playground but I doubt I could ever take my babies there. I'd be too nervous. I know that's silly but I can't help it.
The apartment looks so nice now and really pleasant to be living in. My computer area is messy but the new desk should be here in a few weeks. That's when I'll have Nick set up the printer and camera so I can take pictures of my new home.
Elderly people who hang on to houses too large and too high-maintenance are very foolish. My advice is for them to ask many questions of other seniors who live in apartments so they can choose one that suits their needs. Make a list of what they can't live without (like a balcony or extra bedroom), then sell the house and live the rest of their life more stress free.
There comes a time in everyone's life when their living situation no longer is appropriate and, even though it's a bit difficult to make the change, it can work out for the best if you plan well. Know what you want and need to make you happy...and then move on!
Apartment living is best for singles than families, though, because of the noise factor and also that children need a place to play outdoors. This is a mainly senior building but there are a few younger people here but no kids that I've seen. I have seen quite a few dogs but haven't heard a single one.
I don't worry about having my little guys, Nolan and Nash, here for visits because they are very well-behaved children. Nolan talks a lot (a whole lot!) but he's not rambunctious. I actually wish that Nash spoke more but I should be careful what I wish for, shouldn't I? There's a lovely playground just a block or two away where I can take them, too. Spending time with those little boys does my heart good.
I'm on the 6th floor here so there's no need to even lock the patio door. I do lock and close the safety bar on the hall door when I'm here alone, though, because it makes me feel safer. I've noticed how fearful I've become of being in a secluded spot. Maybe that comes with age. There's a lovely tree lined path behind the building that apparently leads to another playground but I doubt I could ever take my babies there. I'd be too nervous. I know that's silly but I can't help it.
The apartment looks so nice now and really pleasant to be living in. My computer area is messy but the new desk should be here in a few weeks. That's when I'll have Nick set up the printer and camera so I can take pictures of my new home.
Elderly people who hang on to houses too large and too high-maintenance are very foolish. My advice is for them to ask many questions of other seniors who live in apartments so they can choose one that suits their needs. Make a list of what they can't live without (like a balcony or extra bedroom), then sell the house and live the rest of their life more stress free.
There comes a time in everyone's life when their living situation no longer is appropriate and, even though it's a bit difficult to make the change, it can work out for the best if you plan well. Know what you want and need to make you happy...and then move on!
Friday, August 02, 2013
Stitched
I'd take a picture but my camera isn't hooked up to the computer yet. I look like a boxer that went 15 rounds and lost anyway. The dermatologist cut out a skin cancer from my cheek and I counted 5-6 stitches before it got covered in bandages. I was expecting 1-2 stitches so I'm in a bit of shock. The other spot on my nose only needed abrading so it looks fine. The anaesthetic they use causes the skin to swell right up so the whole side of my face is swollen but not painful. I took 2 Tylenols just in case it begins to hurt too bad once the freezing wears off.
All of this because I have fair skin and got the odd sunburn 50 years ago...more recent sunburns on the sailboat might also have had something to do with it. I have to say I'm sick to death of skin problems and hope I'll never have to go through this again.
I have a huge bandage on my cheek and a little one on my nose. The swelling is supposed to be down in a couple of days and the stitches come out in 2 weeks. I can only hope I don't end up looking like Mrs. Frankenstein.
All of this because I have fair skin and got the odd sunburn 50 years ago...more recent sunburns on the sailboat might also have had something to do with it. I have to say I'm sick to death of skin problems and hope I'll never have to go through this again.
I have a huge bandage on my cheek and a little one on my nose. The swelling is supposed to be down in a couple of days and the stitches come out in 2 weeks. I can only hope I don't end up looking like Mrs. Frankenstein.
My Matt
My grandson, Matt, is taking me shopping tomorrow for a new T.V. and he called last night to give me my warnings. He's worried that I'll be taken advantage of by a slick salesman and that's because we seniors are known to sometimes be gullible and easily led. My Matt is in "momma bear" mode and is out to protect me. That makes me feel good.
I spent many, many hours with Kim and Cindy's kids while they were growing up and we formed bonds that can never be broken. My bonds with Shelley's kids are a little less strong because they always lived so far away and I saw them less often. The bonds exist regardless. Forming these bonds with your progeny require quality time spent with them to convince them how much loved they are and how much they mean to you. Once formed, they are forever.
I didn't bond with my grandchildren so that they'd be of use to me in my old age, though. I bonded because I needed to do so for my own emotional growth and I knew it was good for them, too. Loving time spent with your children simply improves everyone's life.
Matt's brother, Nick, is meeting us at the store tomorrow and then coming back here with us to help install the T.V. Nick will also re-install the computer when my new desk arrives. I can't even imagine how difficult all this would be without the massive amount of help I've received from my family. It's terrifying to think of how many seniors are out there with no-one to rely on.
On a worrisome note...today I have two ugly spots removed from my face and I'm a little worried about how much it will hurt and how it will all look when it's done. I'm sure that one of them is squamous skin cancer because I've had two removed from my chest already. Not ever having been a true sun worshipper, I don't know why I've been afflicted with this mess. In any case, the worst that should happen is that I'll have two more little scars to mar my beauty. LOL! It's something that has to be done and dealt with so I'll just have to suck it up.
Cindy and Don are coming tonight to put up pictures on the walls for me...some are concrete so I can't nail into it myself. Kim is also coming after work to go out for dinner with us if I feel up to it.
Family. It's a blessing to have a good one, isn't it?
I spent many, many hours with Kim and Cindy's kids while they were growing up and we formed bonds that can never be broken. My bonds with Shelley's kids are a little less strong because they always lived so far away and I saw them less often. The bonds exist regardless. Forming these bonds with your progeny require quality time spent with them to convince them how much loved they are and how much they mean to you. Once formed, they are forever.
I didn't bond with my grandchildren so that they'd be of use to me in my old age, though. I bonded because I needed to do so for my own emotional growth and I knew it was good for them, too. Loving time spent with your children simply improves everyone's life.
Matt's brother, Nick, is meeting us at the store tomorrow and then coming back here with us to help install the T.V. Nick will also re-install the computer when my new desk arrives. I can't even imagine how difficult all this would be without the massive amount of help I've received from my family. It's terrifying to think of how many seniors are out there with no-one to rely on.
On a worrisome note...today I have two ugly spots removed from my face and I'm a little worried about how much it will hurt and how it will all look when it's done. I'm sure that one of them is squamous skin cancer because I've had two removed from my chest already. Not ever having been a true sun worshipper, I don't know why I've been afflicted with this mess. In any case, the worst that should happen is that I'll have two more little scars to mar my beauty. LOL! It's something that has to be done and dealt with so I'll just have to suck it up.
Cindy and Don are coming tonight to put up pictures on the walls for me...some are concrete so I can't nail into it myself. Kim is also coming after work to go out for dinner with us if I feel up to it.
Family. It's a blessing to have a good one, isn't it?
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Don't Take Close-ups
Faye and I were talking the other day about how we don't feel our age until we look in a mirror and then we're shocked. Even worse is when someone takes a close-up picture of us (like Don did and then put it on Facebook!) and we realize we're really ancient.
Age doesn't and never has mattered to me but I don't want to look like a hag, either. Wrinkles don't matter but I was hoping for more unlined skin in my old age. Grey hair doesn't matter but it should at least look neat and not windswept in pictures. Fat matters.
I've never liked having my picture taken but now I'll avoid cameras like death so don't anyone come near me with one or there will be big trouble. Leave me to a few misconceived illusions for a while yet.
Age doesn't and never has mattered to me but I don't want to look like a hag, either. Wrinkles don't matter but I was hoping for more unlined skin in my old age. Grey hair doesn't matter but it should at least look neat and not windswept in pictures. Fat matters.
I've never liked having my picture taken but now I'll avoid cameras like death so don't anyone come near me with one or there will be big trouble. Leave me to a few misconceived illusions for a while yet.
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