It's cold!! Do I love it, not particularly but on the other hand, I don't hate it. I've lived here for my entire 67 years and have no desire to leave. I have wintered in Florida....meh! I have vacationed in Hawaii, S, America, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico....meh! They were all warm and wonderful but they weren't home. Sunny days were great, rainy days sucked. Sometimes it was too hot to be outside just as many days (weeks and months) are too cold to be outside here. I've always found it much easier to get warm than to get cool. You can always put on more clothes but taking them off has its limits and its pathetic downside for those in eyesight!
Lee, on the other hand, takes blood thinners in his old age and dresses for a polar vortex in May. For him (and me,) a winter, Floridian vacation is a necessity. His southern adventure is merely weeks away....and yes, I'm counting! Each day in February we are gaining about 1 minute of daylight. When we hit the spring equinox (March 21st,) we'll be gaining nearly 3 minutes per day. Every minute is a welcoming pill toward curing my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) Books help, TV helps and early to bed helps but nothing can trump daylight and sunshine!
Our winters as kids were cold and snowy. Much colder and much snowier than this century. We had snow days when the roads were nearly impassable...few and far between!. I don't remember ever closing when it was cold...but I also don't remember parents micro-managing every single decision that happened in our schools. I can't imagine having the responsibility to take care of 1300 kids from 4 -18. Whatever those folks are paid, it might be too little....it might seem like a lot but if you put things into perspective, it's pennies per child. Let them do their jobs and do yours too!
It does come down to doing what's best, meshed with doing what you can afford, intertwined with doing what makes you happy. Baby it's cold outside but it's HOME!
Friday, February 1, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
Gifts
Lately, I've been getting rid of stuff. Some stuff is really good, some stuff is really old, some stuff is really kitschy and just plain junk. It seems that every week Lee takes a box or two to the local thrift store. Most of each donation is good...really good. I have recently sent leather briefcases, perfectly good electronics (with remotes) and even fairly expensive Christmas decor. I sincerely hope someone knows and appreciates the value and enjoys my purged items.
Sadly, some of these were gifts :-( This reminds me how important it is to give caring, necessary, well-thought-out gifts to friends and family. I think (hope) I have always done this. I remember Lee getting a shirt one Christmas that was red and white striped and definitely came from a second-hand store. It would have made a wonderful "Where's Waldo" costume. It was definitely the thought that (dis) counts....and there was little. I do not re-gift and I do not thrift gift unless it still has the tag on it or it's a joke.. Actually, I seldom frequent second-hand shops unless I'm on a quest for an object and it's for something other than clothing! On the other hand, antique and rummage joints are right up my alley...So I guess I'm a junk hypocrite! I can live with that!
But back to the gift angle. I listen and watch for things that might be mentioned by friends and family. Things that they enjoy or might not be able to afford or feel the need to purchase for themselves. Lately, for my family, I like to contribute to something they might like to do as a family or enjoy by themselves. This year I bought concert tickets for my grandgirls and tee shirts of the band. I gave a "scholarship" to preschool for my grandson in a cool frame where all of his artwork could be stored. Jett and family now have gift cards to Diggerland where he can ride and "drive" all the big, real construction equipment. Jeff has a golfing gift certificate and Jess got working attire and shoes she couldn't afford. I know all these things will be utilized and enjoyed and not stuck in a drawer or cupboard till they decide to purge too.
Friends are some of my favorites to gift. They are truly appreciative and are great givers themselves. Recently everyone was chiding me for already purchasing a few gifts for Christmas 2019.. When I see it and I know it will be liked, I buy it. Not only does it put me ahead of the game but it allows me to purchase nicer things throughout the year. I can't really do that for my family as their likes and dislikes and wants and needs may change throughout the year but by August, I generally have several ideas for all of them.
I think I really would have loved being a personal shopper. I seldom hit the stores themselves just to randomly shop. I peruse online, compare prices and occasionally order and send to the box store for pick up. It's not because I'm lazy (although my knees definitely are) but rather I might impulse shop and get something I don't really need....like chocolate! I think looking for just the right gift for just the right person is a gift in itself. The only gift I know for certain that most will enjoy is my gift of gab. I've been told by many that I have been blessed by that virtue (if you may.) It's definitely one gift that few have returned and one that keeps on giving...😉
Sadly, some of these were gifts :-( This reminds me how important it is to give caring, necessary, well-thought-out gifts to friends and family. I think (hope) I have always done this. I remember Lee getting a shirt one Christmas that was red and white striped and definitely came from a second-hand store. It would have made a wonderful "Where's Waldo" costume. It was definitely the thought that (dis) counts....and there was little. I do not re-gift and I do not thrift gift unless it still has the tag on it or it's a joke.. Actually, I seldom frequent second-hand shops unless I'm on a quest for an object and it's for something other than clothing! On the other hand, antique and rummage joints are right up my alley...So I guess I'm a junk hypocrite! I can live with that!
But back to the gift angle. I listen and watch for things that might be mentioned by friends and family. Things that they enjoy or might not be able to afford or feel the need to purchase for themselves. Lately, for my family, I like to contribute to something they might like to do as a family or enjoy by themselves. This year I bought concert tickets for my grandgirls and tee shirts of the band. I gave a "scholarship" to preschool for my grandson in a cool frame where all of his artwork could be stored. Jett and family now have gift cards to Diggerland where he can ride and "drive" all the big, real construction equipment. Jeff has a golfing gift certificate and Jess got working attire and shoes she couldn't afford. I know all these things will be utilized and enjoyed and not stuck in a drawer or cupboard till they decide to purge too.
Friends are some of my favorites to gift. They are truly appreciative and are great givers themselves. Recently everyone was chiding me for already purchasing a few gifts for Christmas 2019.. When I see it and I know it will be liked, I buy it. Not only does it put me ahead of the game but it allows me to purchase nicer things throughout the year. I can't really do that for my family as their likes and dislikes and wants and needs may change throughout the year but by August, I generally have several ideas for all of them.
I think I really would have loved being a personal shopper. I seldom hit the stores themselves just to randomly shop. I peruse online, compare prices and occasionally order and send to the box store for pick up. It's not because I'm lazy (although my knees definitely are) but rather I might impulse shop and get something I don't really need....like chocolate! I think looking for just the right gift for just the right person is a gift in itself. The only gift I know for certain that most will enjoy is my gift of gab. I've been told by many that I have been blessed by that virtue (if you may.) It's definitely one gift that few have returned and one that keeps on giving...😉
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
An urge to purge!
All of the sudden, I have an urge to purge... not physically, thank heaven but OBJECTively! I'm sorting, filing and burning!
Yesterday, I got rid of every single duplicate checkbook I had..and there were lots....way back to 2007 and even a bit of bookwork from 2005... Decided that it was time to remove some leftover files of Dad's. He's been gone 12 years and I can still hear him telling me why I should keep...pretty much everything. My broker sends monthly statements..Dad explained that they wouldn't be pre-hole-punched it they didn't intend me to keep them in a binder. Really Dad. get away from the typewriter and your used paper and pencil and step into the 21st century. He never did and was completely happy right where he was. I am now completely unhappy with all this stuff and it's headed to the burn barrel. I understand the need to keep some things for IRS purposes. I used to keep everything for 7 years. I just had a nice chat with my broker who said I suggest you keep 3 years as some companies (and banks) tend to change their names through buyouts and the like. The older you get, you may want to keep 5 years for Medicaid purposes. So, by tonight, everything in my den closet will be no older than 5 years old..... YAY ME!!! All has to be burned or shredded and shredding is a tedious job that seems archaic next to burning. So, if you see smoke signals coming from EIEIO during the next few days, you'll know it's my financial insecurities going up in a blaze of glory.
Now for purge # 2. Books and magazines. I have kept every HGTV magazine I ever purchased.... They'll all be gone soon and I'm fine with that. I'm not so fine with parting with my books. 99% of the books I have read in the past 5 years have been enjoyed on my Kindle. I can make the print bigger, take it with me anywhere and get my mail and Facebook on it. It's a treasure! I could actually have my books read to me if the need were to arise. But, now my heartbreak...what to do with the books. Mind you these are not classics or national treasures but to me they are. Many are from my treasured authors. Sidney Sheldon was the first author to make me not want to put a book down. I probably could reread these books and completely enjoy them over again. I saw a photo the other day of a giant tree stump that some gal repurposed into a book lending spot. Wouldn't that be wonderful....maybe the giant tree at the bottom of Oak Hill....just another pipe dream. All "we'd" need is a corner of someplace that is always open. Maybe the little building next to Jennings or a sliding window in the old firehouse. Maybe some shelves at Millstream. We just need bookshelves...somewhere!! You could borrow a book, read it, return it and borrow another. Books for kids, for Moms, for cooks and for Dads....Dads read too! I just don't want to give these books to Goodwill. Something will come up.
Purge # 3. Boxes....empty boxes. phone boxes, Kindle boxes, camera boxes. firestick boxes...just a lot of empty boxes... The label with possible serial numbers will be photographed and the boxes will be following the checkbooks to "The Barrel!"
If these 3 purges happen by the end of the weekend, it will have been a successful week. The double closet will be much lighter and I won't have had to stick my finger down my throat once! ;-)
Yesterday, I got rid of every single duplicate checkbook I had..and there were lots....way back to 2007 and even a bit of bookwork from 2005... Decided that it was time to remove some leftover files of Dad's. He's been gone 12 years and I can still hear him telling me why I should keep...pretty much everything. My broker sends monthly statements..Dad explained that they wouldn't be pre-hole-punched it they didn't intend me to keep them in a binder. Really Dad. get away from the typewriter and your used paper and pencil and step into the 21st century. He never did and was completely happy right where he was. I am now completely unhappy with all this stuff and it's headed to the burn barrel. I understand the need to keep some things for IRS purposes. I used to keep everything for 7 years. I just had a nice chat with my broker who said I suggest you keep 3 years as some companies (and banks) tend to change their names through buyouts and the like. The older you get, you may want to keep 5 years for Medicaid purposes. So, by tonight, everything in my den closet will be no older than 5 years old..... YAY ME!!! All has to be burned or shredded and shredding is a tedious job that seems archaic next to burning. So, if you see smoke signals coming from EIEIO during the next few days, you'll know it's my financial insecurities going up in a blaze of glory.
Now for purge # 2. Books and magazines. I have kept every HGTV magazine I ever purchased.... They'll all be gone soon and I'm fine with that. I'm not so fine with parting with my books. 99% of the books I have read in the past 5 years have been enjoyed on my Kindle. I can make the print bigger, take it with me anywhere and get my mail and Facebook on it. It's a treasure! I could actually have my books read to me if the need were to arise. But, now my heartbreak...what to do with the books. Mind you these are not classics or national treasures but to me they are. Many are from my treasured authors. Sidney Sheldon was the first author to make me not want to put a book down. I probably could reread these books and completely enjoy them over again. I saw a photo the other day of a giant tree stump that some gal repurposed into a book lending spot. Wouldn't that be wonderful....maybe the giant tree at the bottom of Oak Hill....just another pipe dream. All "we'd" need is a corner of someplace that is always open. Maybe the little building next to Jennings or a sliding window in the old firehouse. Maybe some shelves at Millstream. We just need bookshelves...somewhere!! You could borrow a book, read it, return it and borrow another. Books for kids, for Moms, for cooks and for Dads....Dads read too! I just don't want to give these books to Goodwill. Something will come up.
Purge # 3. Boxes....empty boxes. phone boxes, Kindle boxes, camera boxes. firestick boxes...just a lot of empty boxes... The label with possible serial numbers will be photographed and the boxes will be following the checkbooks to "The Barrel!"
If these 3 purges happen by the end of the weekend, it will have been a successful week. The double closet will be much lighter and I won't have had to stick my finger down my throat once! ;-)
Monday, January 21, 2019
Alone
When being alone is a choice, I love it. I'm not quite sure how I would feel if being alone was what was handed to me. I am not insecure, or depressed, or anxious around people. I can hang with the best (and the worst) and hold my own in most any environment. I can don my frilly frocks (who am I kidding, my last frilly frock was my wedding dress) and rub elbows with the elite or sit by a bonfire and tell dirty jokes while the men (and sometimes the women) drink and fart. I can enjoy both crowds but if choosing, I'd be by the farters. I enjoy our morning breakfast club and have for over 30 years. Some of my tablemates may change but it's always light-hearted and enjoyable. Generally, these folks know more about me and mine than me and mine! That's OK! I also have a lunch bunch group of old friends that I enjoy immensely. Once a month, I cleanse my impure thoughts and my pent up frustrations on these poor gals! They listen and love unconditionally. I have those old friends who know me best and still care about me. I enjoy going out to dinner...mostly because I don't have to cook! I wish I could snap my fingers and be there and back as so many restaurants I enjoy are too far away now. Maybe it's actually just a chauffeur that I need. What I like best about all these outings is going home. The anticipation of my home, my recliner, my TV, my TiVo and my phone are all a jumbled mess of old and new that I have become wonderfully accustomed to. ( I know..sentence ending in a preposition..got it.) I actually like being alone!
Being alone is cathartic. I can do whatever I please, whenever I please for as long as I please. I probably shouldn't look up spoiled ...that's liable to be the definition. I justify my joy in my seclusion by thinking I have earned it. I raised my kids to the best of my ability...some failures and successes. I have built, what I feel, is a lovely home where I can enjoy my grandkids and live out my golden years. I owe little and can spread a bit of unsolicited happiness when the mood strikes me. To me, alone just means that I'm by myself...it doesn't mean lonely! I love some of the definitions of alone: unattended - that's ok, abandoned - not, forsaken - doubtful, abnormal - probably but the best is retired - exactly.
As long as alone is a choice...and so far it is!, I'm fine. I have communication when I need it and I have isolation when I crave it. I have my surroundings when I yearn for solitude and beauty and I have my family and friends when I need frivolity, love and companionship. For now, I'm good. "All by Myself " may be my melodic mantra in years to come but for now I live by four easy rules:
Being alone is cathartic. I can do whatever I please, whenever I please for as long as I please. I probably shouldn't look up spoiled ...that's liable to be the definition. I justify my joy in my seclusion by thinking I have earned it. I raised my kids to the best of my ability...some failures and successes. I have built, what I feel, is a lovely home where I can enjoy my grandkids and live out my golden years. I owe little and can spread a bit of unsolicited happiness when the mood strikes me. To me, alone just means that I'm by myself...it doesn't mean lonely! I love some of the definitions of alone: unattended - that's ok, abandoned - not, forsaken - doubtful, abnormal - probably but the best is retired - exactly.
As long as alone is a choice...and so far it is!, I'm fine. I have communication when I need it and I have isolation when I crave it. I have my surroundings when I yearn for solitude and beauty and I have my family and friends when I need frivolity, love and companionship. For now, I'm good. "All by Myself " may be my melodic mantra in years to come but for now I live by four easy rules:
- Take care of my home - try to keep organized, uncluttered and clean ( I've mastered a couple)
- Find Beauty in the Ordinary - My Ordinary surrounds me completely...from birds and animals, to trees to the rising of the sun and moon... I've definitely got this one!
- Watch out for Noisy Thoughts - They can be my best friend or my worst enemy. I have learned to keep mental monsters at bay and summon joyful noise on command. It might be eagles chirping or the Beach Boys singing and of late, a tune on the Ukulele by Miss B. A great rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow does the trick every time♥
- Love my grandchildren unconditionally - and never stop teaching them what I've learned through my successes and failures...even when I think they're not listening!
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Anticipation
Having versus anticipating! We all want stuff. Some of us save for it and finally, it becomes a reality. Once we have it, it's part of our everyday life and we begin to want something else, something new. So, we save for it or plan for it, get it, enjoy it and it becomes part of our everyday life!......... So maybe we should break the cycle and anticipate experiences instead of just stuff. I'm not a big traveler so seeing the world, or even the good ole USA, probably isn't in my new experience folder but short jaunts, projects and even experiences for those I love can fill a folder to bursting!
Taking my family on excursions usually fills me up. They generally can't afford the bells and whistles so I buy them and blow them myself. My soul is happy to see them happy. Their anticipation is mine! My projects make me happy too and as of late, I've decided I need to make me smile a little more. Once again, it's the anticipation, the planning, the research even if it's just a me project. Me projects are things like our theater, our Culture Cottage, Jim Bob, the pool fence...I enjoy these projects because it makes me happy.... Imagine that!♥
Possessions can be exhilarating but anticipation really matters according to clinicians who actually study it! They have found that anticipation of an experience causes excitement and enjoyment, while anticipation of obtaining a possession often causes impatience. (I may have to argue that point a bit...I still love the thrill of the wait and the joy of its arrival or completion!) Experiences are enjoyable from the very first moments of planning, all the way through to the memories you will embrace forever.
So, the variables of having versus anticipating (or possessions versus experiences) can be summed up kind of like one man's trash is another man's treasure. Do what makes you happy! If it's buying for others, do it. If it's planning family outings, do it. If it's dragging a 60-year-old truck into your front yard, do it! Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, happiness is in the mind of anticipator♥
Monday, January 14, 2019
Monday, Monday
Ahhhh..Monday, my favorite day of the week. Everybody thinks I'm crazy and most abhor the thought of Mondays. Those are usually folks who have to get back to the grind and deal with coworkers, students, crappy driving weather and the like. I'm on Daylight Sandy time all year round! Works quite nicely for me and keeps my need for mood enhancers at a minimum. I never "did well" with other folks timetables whether it be an employer, a friend or a child.....as I look at it now...it's kind of the World according to Me! You can ask most anybody and they'll concur with my findings that I like my schedule. If I say 8, I mean 8 not 8:15 or even 7:45...I mean 8:00! That most likely shoves me quickly into the bitch column but I've always been OK with that too. Flexibility has never been a strong suit with me... I know it, my family knows it, my friends know it so as Bailee used to say as a toddler, "Deal about it!"
It's not that I can't be flexible.... often necessity demands it and I begrudgingly adjust. Somethings though, are just set in stone....like laundry... I do laundry on Monday...so don't bring me a pair of jeans that you'd like to wear on Wednesday night, Wednesday morning. They should have been in the laundry Monday and they'd be all ready. (You do understand that I no longer have children in my household.)
I don't like to eat dinner late.... that would be most anytime after 7p.m. Earlier, I've been growing accustomed to (hey, I'm old now!) I seldom eat lunch so when 5-6p.m. rolls around, my stomachs are growling (not a typo.)
I'm a bit of a planner. I have purchased one thing for Christmas 2019 and I also have a list of ideas. I keep my ears and eyes open when folks mention likes and dislikes and wants and needs. This usually leads to purchases people need (like) and seldom return. Jett's birthday (2-6) has been done and wrapped since before Christmas. Valentine goodies are in the bag and cards are addressed. No, I don't have Easter ...but I'm on it!
In August I booked a family get-away to the Outer Banks for early April. I called and spoke with the rep last week about getting the pool heater turned on and she explained that the pools and hot tubs wouldn't be opened until April 20th. NOT what we had discussed several times in the past 5 months. It seems they were "notified by maintenance 2 months ago" of the pool opening date. No notification was given to the renters....Pretty sure I'm not taking my grandkids to a huge house with a pool and hot tub and then tell them they can't use it. Lee has a sign at his shop that states: Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part! Guess what... no trip to the OBX this spring.
Needless to say, sometimes Gramazon's staunch "her way" style doesn't sit well with everybody. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks so often we must take the bad with the good. There is far more good and everybody generally benefits. So, on Monday when the world is grumbling, I'm saying "Ahhhhh" and enjoying the day.......and laundry!
It's not that I can't be flexible.... often necessity demands it and I begrudgingly adjust. Somethings though, are just set in stone....like laundry... I do laundry on Monday...so don't bring me a pair of jeans that you'd like to wear on Wednesday night, Wednesday morning. They should have been in the laundry Monday and they'd be all ready. (You do understand that I no longer have children in my household.)
I don't like to eat dinner late.... that would be most anytime after 7p.m. Earlier, I've been growing accustomed to (hey, I'm old now!) I seldom eat lunch so when 5-6p.m. rolls around, my stomachs are growling (not a typo.)
I'm a bit of a planner. I have purchased one thing for Christmas 2019 and I also have a list of ideas. I keep my ears and eyes open when folks mention likes and dislikes and wants and needs. This usually leads to purchases people need (like) and seldom return. Jett's birthday (2-6) has been done and wrapped since before Christmas. Valentine goodies are in the bag and cards are addressed. No, I don't have Easter ...but I'm on it!
In August I booked a family get-away to the Outer Banks for early April. I called and spoke with the rep last week about getting the pool heater turned on and she explained that the pools and hot tubs wouldn't be opened until April 20th. NOT what we had discussed several times in the past 5 months. It seems they were "notified by maintenance 2 months ago" of the pool opening date. No notification was given to the renters....Pretty sure I'm not taking my grandkids to a huge house with a pool and hot tub and then tell them they can't use it. Lee has a sign at his shop that states: Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part! Guess what... no trip to the OBX this spring.
Needless to say, sometimes Gramazon's staunch "her way" style doesn't sit well with everybody. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks so often we must take the bad with the good. There is far more good and everybody generally benefits. So, on Monday when the world is grumbling, I'm saying "Ahhhhh" and enjoying the day.......and laundry!
Friday, January 11, 2019
Don't Panic
A fun night in Buffalo despite the snow and cold. Gramazon gave the grandgirls (and Mom) a trip to Buffalo to see Panic at the Disco. (Btw, that's a band) The weather was a little scary so Papa offered to be their chauffeur for the trip.
Back to September...Bailee had left a note on my desk with all the information necessary to get tickets for a concert with a band I had NEVER heard of. Unfortunately, it was in the middle of January in Buffalo....one of the snowiest cities in the northeast, I said, "No way was I driving to Buffalo!" Then Aunt Lacie volunteered and said, "Julz would love that too..I'll drive them!" Fast forward to Christmas and that was their big gift. Fast forward again...and we had 10 inches of snow and schools closed...
Yesterday: They loaded into Gramazon's car and headed to the Marriott Harborside for a girls night out and a Papa night in! Travel was good, girls were relaxed, Papa had a nice dinner and I had the entire king-sized bed and a fart-free room. TMI but I did make Papa take an unworn Christmas gift from years ago ....pajama pants. Didn't want to scare the girls as Gramazon was too cheap to get another room.
Papa hit the sack early and the girls headed to the Key Bank Center for the show. As a piano floated above the crowd and showmen shot up through the floor, they watched, listened and videoed intently. Here are some pix from a fun night on the town!
Back to September...Bailee had left a note on my desk with all the information necessary to get tickets for a concert with a band I had NEVER heard of. Unfortunately, it was in the middle of January in Buffalo....one of the snowiest cities in the northeast, I said, "No way was I driving to Buffalo!" Then Aunt Lacie volunteered and said, "Julz would love that too..I'll drive them!" Fast forward to Christmas and that was their big gift. Fast forward again...and we had 10 inches of snow and schools closed...
Yesterday: They loaded into Gramazon's car and headed to the Marriott Harborside for a girls night out and a Papa night in! Travel was good, girls were relaxed, Papa had a nice dinner and I had the entire king-sized bed and a fart-free room. TMI but I did make Papa take an unworn Christmas gift from years ago ....pajama pants. Didn't want to scare the girls as Gramazon was too cheap to get another room.
Papa hit the sack early and the girls headed to the Key Bank Center for the show. As a piano floated above the crowd and showmen shot up through the floor, they watched, listened and videoed intently. Here are some pix from a fun night on the town!
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