If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you know that most of my posts tend to be witty that boarder on sarcastic with a little reflection sprinkled in now and then. And quite honestly, I haven't written many in while. It's not that I don't have anything to say...we ALL know I always have something to say whether I should or not! It's just that I don't seem to have the time to sit down and write lately. One of those reasons is I spend a lot of my spare time hanging out/visiting/thinking about grandkids! In fact, one might even say I'm obsessed with them. And, I'm okay with that. You see, I never knew such a strong, unconditional, take your breath away kind of love existed until I married their PaPa and became Grandma Neese. So, now these days, my attentions are focused less on the biting observations and instead on the perils and joys of grandparenthood. (Not a real word, but that's okay!)
The past week had some high points, some low points, and things in between. This weekend I had time to reflect on many things. One question that came to mind was 'what kind of grandma am I?' What is my purpose in my grandchildren's lives? I spent some time thinking about my own grandmothers, my friends who are grandmothers, and stereotypes of grandmothers. What I realized is that all grandmothers have a purpose and what I like to call the "grandma superpower."
Let's take my Grandma Koenig for instance. Her superpower was domestication. She was a Mayberry FRD Aunt Bee kind of girl. My grandmother could cook and sew like no other. Even though I was a certified tomboy, she would make me dress after dress. I wasn't much of a girly girl, but I wore them until I developed my own style. Most of those dresses were frilly and polka dotted! The one I remember the most was a yellow swiss dot ruffled creation. It had a beautiful yellow sash with a matching hair bow. White patent shoes and ruffled socks completed the outfit. And Bonnie Koenig could cook! Oh my! My favorite memory of my grandmother is molasses cookies. They are my favorite. Every time I went to her house she would have the dough chilling in the fridge. She and I would bake them together. The smell of baking molasses cookies was and still is a comforting aroma for me. My grandma would use cooking as a way to distract me from my parents' divorce, my new blended family, my woes with friends and any other pre-teen drama. I knew that I could go to her whenever I had a problem. She may not be able to solve it, but she listened and made sure I knew I was loved.
Then there is Grandma Hershberger. Her superpower was adventure. Along with my Aunties Joyce, Joanne and Cheryl, they provided us with so many opportunities to see the world whether it was through vacations, books, outings or scavenger hunts. When my parents divorced, all 4 of these strong, independent women took it upon themselves to provide my brothers and I with experiences. They took us on our first airplane ride. They took us to the mountains, the beaches, the caverns, the amusement parks and the countryside. They educated us on the history of the United States. They made sure we had the same opportunities that other kids did. But the biggest adventure my grandmother ever took me on was in every book I've ever read. You see Carrie Hershberger passed her love of books onto me. Through her passion, I found solace in books in hard times. I have found strength during low times. I have found humor in good times. I have found the Lord in trying times. I have found reasoning skills in Nancy Drew. I have found myself in books. Just about every book I've read, I was able to find a little bit about myself in them.
All of this made me ponder my grandma skills. What is my superpower? It took me a while to figure it out. I know that I want to be the grandma that always puts their needs first. I want to be the grandma that is always helping them to learn and grow. I want to be the grandma that they will always be comfortable coming to during good and bad times. I want to be the grandma that lights up their faces when I walk into the room. So, I hope that my superpower is encouragement. I want to encourage them to always believe in themselves. I want to encourage them to try different things. I want to encourage them to be empathetic to others. I want to encourage them to be the best persons they can be.
It sounds like a tall order, and it is. I take grandparenting seriously. When I look at Bryn, Macie, Graeme, Lukas and Lily, I see little people who need their grandparents to share their superpowers with them. They definitely can't count on just one grandparent to give them everything they need because we all excel at different things. Each grandparent has a special purpose in their lives. I know that each of my grandparents enriched my life in different ways. So, tonight sit back and think about your grandma or grandpa super power. What do you bring into your grandchild's life? What did your grandparents bring into yours?
And Jordan and Shanna, I hope you have great memories of Grandma Joyce. What was her superpower? What will you always remember her by? May her superpowers sustain you as you learn to live life with only your memories.
Make Everyday Count
Denise
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Sunday, January 22, 2017
The Adventures of Grandparenting
In October I married my high school sweetheart. When I said "I do" to my man, I also said "I do" to his 3 sons, 2 daughter-in-laws, 5 (soon-to-be 6) grandchildren and 1 dog! Since I could never have children of my own, I was thrilled, if not a bit overwhelmed, with a ready made family. I tell everyone how awesome it is and how I didn't have to go through labor nor years of poverty and no sleep to have them! It is a bit tenuous navigating the ins and outs of step-children hood. The boys are all grown with families of their own. So they really don't need me as a stepmother. So, I get to fulfill the role of bonus adult in their lives. I love it because we get along and don't have to deal with the normal issues that come with smaller children. Now the best part of the deal, other than my hubby, is that I do get to be Grandma Neese to their beautiful children. ( They are small and can't pronounce Denise. It comes out as Neese. However, Macie is starting to put it all together!). This is a role that cherish! Mark says I was meant to be a grandma! I would like to think he's right because I love those little mop-heads with all my heart. However, having never raised children of my own, there is a learning curve involved to being a grandparent.
Case in point: This week my daughter-in-law, Amanda, was really sick. She was sent home from work. She works at a day care center. So it's not really a good idea for the teacher to contribute to an already whirlpool of germs and diseases! She needed to take the next day off. I offered to keep the kids for her so she could sleep and get better. After assuring her it would be fine, she gratefully agreed. Did I mention they are 3.5 and 1.5?
I told Amanda to call me when they woke up, and I would come get them. So, at 8:00 I drove down the street to get them. Did I mention they only live 5 minutes down the street? Score!! We love having them so close. Packed the kids and their sippy cups into the car and off we went. Brought them to house and made them breakfast. Now Macie is at the stage where she wants to "help"! And her little brother wants to do EVERYTHING she does. I bought them a bench that they can bring to the kitchen and help. So, they were in charge of the frozen waffles. That's right! Frozen waffles...no shame in my game! I showed Macie how to depress the latch lever. (Yes, that's what it's called. I googled it!) Graeme was so memorized they he had to investigate. He discovered if he twisted the doneness knob, the waffles would pop back up! (I made that term up! I apparently have an inexpensive, old toaster, and I couldn't find the term). So we played about 5 minutes of pop goes the waffle before I couldn't take Macie yelling at her brother and him laughing hysterically anymore! I'm glad to announce we finally ate and all was well.
After several hours of coloring, playing dinosaurs, learning to ride the tricycle, and reading books, it was time to eat again! I called their mother to get permission to take them to the mall for lunch and to play in the play area. I decided if I let them run, climb and jump at the mall everyone would be ready for a nap when we returned. Smart, right!??!?! So I called their momma and asked for permission. She questioned me as to whether or not I was up to it. I replied that I deal with a room of teenagers everyday, 2 small children would be a piece of cake! LOL! So, I got them bundle up in their coats, hats and mittens and out the door we went. As we got to the car, I realized that I forgot my diaper bag. Yep! I have my own diaper bag! So, back in the house we went. Grabbed the bag and back out the door we went. The whole time Macie is telling me to hurry up! I decided ahead of time we would eat at the Taco Bell. I'd get them kid meals. Apparently, I haven't been the mall in a while because there are only 3 restaurants open: Chinese, Japanese and Charley's. Well crap! Now I had to come up with plan B. In my wisdom, I decided that Charley's would be the best. While I was contemplating the menu, the grandbabies became little jacket rabbits! They take off in different directions to check out all of the bells and whistles in the food court. So I chased after them and corralled them between me and the counter of Charley's. I finished ordering! As they prepared our food, I found a high chair and a table close to the play area and a group of elderly grandparents. I could tell they were experienced grandparents and great-grandparents because they just kept smiling and nodding at me. I'm sure they were thinking, "girl, you are new at this arent' you!" I smiled back thinking, "I'll show you!"
Somehow I got all us and a tray of food to the table. I divvied up the food and tore it up into small pieces to cool off. I reached into my diaper bag for the sippy cups. Guess what!??! No damn sippy cups! I forgot. That's okay, we got this. So, I ran back to the counter and got two small cups, lids and straws. Macie is a champ. She can use a straw with 85% accuracy. Graeme, not so much. We struggled with who was going to hold the cup and who wasn't. I won. As he is drinking his water, I hear "Uh oh" to see Macie's cup go hurling to the floor! The table of grandparents started laughing...again! I give them a "meh" look and carried on! After we finished eating and finding the custodial staff to clean up the water, we headed to the play area. (Lunch was a success by the way! You can never good wrong with chicken tenders and french fries)
They had a blast climbing and running! Graeme especially loved me chasing him back into the play area! He did find a little girl who he was smitten with! He even tackled her to give her a hug. Once again the old people are laughing as I apologize to the little girl's dad!
Once we got home, it was naptime! Or so, I thought! Apparently they were so energized by the activity that they were still wound up. After grandma's mandatory quiet time on the couch with Paw Patrol on the TV and books in hand, Grame started to fall asleep. Miss Independent announced that she wasn't tired! Of course not, even though she kept yawning like a cat basking in the sun! So, we had some quality time at the kitchen table making get well cards for mommy and daddy and Valentine notes for PawPaw Mark. Then it was iPad time with one of the numerous games I have downloaded for her. Finally after an hour, she said she wanted to lay on the couch. But under no circumstances was she going to sleep as she yawned and rubbed her eyes. After about 15 minutes, she was asleep and snoring like a drunken sailor.
As I watched them sleep and listened to them snore, I puffed up with pride. I survived the day with these two little angels that call me Grandma. I fed them, entertained them, and got to them to nap. I would be returning them to their parents unscathed! When they woke up, I got them organized, bundled up and drove them home. As I was leaving, they both came running to me and gave me hugs and kisses. They both told me that they loved me followed by more hugs and kisses. It was in that moment I realized that I didn't survive at all. Instead I provided Macie and G-man with a day filled with love and nurturing. They didn't care about the fails of the day. They remember the fun and laughter we had. I call that winning!
I'm new to this job. I know I will make mistakes along the way. But I believe the great memories we will have will outweigh the oopses! It's an adventure I look forward to and I cherish!
Make Every Day Count
Denise
Case in point: This week my daughter-in-law, Amanda, was really sick. She was sent home from work. She works at a day care center. So it's not really a good idea for the teacher to contribute to an already whirlpool of germs and diseases! She needed to take the next day off. I offered to keep the kids for her so she could sleep and get better. After assuring her it would be fine, she gratefully agreed. Did I mention they are 3.5 and 1.5?
I told Amanda to call me when they woke up, and I would come get them. So, at 8:00 I drove down the street to get them. Did I mention they only live 5 minutes down the street? Score!! We love having them so close. Packed the kids and their sippy cups into the car and off we went. Brought them to house and made them breakfast. Now Macie is at the stage where she wants to "help"! And her little brother wants to do EVERYTHING she does. I bought them a bench that they can bring to the kitchen and help. So, they were in charge of the frozen waffles. That's right! Frozen waffles...no shame in my game! I showed Macie how to depress the latch lever. (Yes, that's what it's called. I googled it!) Graeme was so memorized they he had to investigate. He discovered if he twisted the doneness knob, the waffles would pop back up! (I made that term up! I apparently have an inexpensive, old toaster, and I couldn't find the term). So we played about 5 minutes of pop goes the waffle before I couldn't take Macie yelling at her brother and him laughing hysterically anymore! I'm glad to announce we finally ate and all was well.
After several hours of coloring, playing dinosaurs, learning to ride the tricycle, and reading books, it was time to eat again! I called their mother to get permission to take them to the mall for lunch and to play in the play area. I decided if I let them run, climb and jump at the mall everyone would be ready for a nap when we returned. Smart, right!??!?! So I called their momma and asked for permission. She questioned me as to whether or not I was up to it. I replied that I deal with a room of teenagers everyday, 2 small children would be a piece of cake! LOL! So, I got them bundle up in their coats, hats and mittens and out the door we went. As we got to the car, I realized that I forgot my diaper bag. Yep! I have my own diaper bag! So, back in the house we went. Grabbed the bag and back out the door we went. The whole time Macie is telling me to hurry up! I decided ahead of time we would eat at the Taco Bell. I'd get them kid meals. Apparently, I haven't been the mall in a while because there are only 3 restaurants open: Chinese, Japanese and Charley's. Well crap! Now I had to come up with plan B. In my wisdom, I decided that Charley's would be the best. While I was contemplating the menu, the grandbabies became little jacket rabbits! They take off in different directions to check out all of the bells and whistles in the food court. So I chased after them and corralled them between me and the counter of Charley's. I finished ordering! As they prepared our food, I found a high chair and a table close to the play area and a group of elderly grandparents. I could tell they were experienced grandparents and great-grandparents because they just kept smiling and nodding at me. I'm sure they were thinking, "girl, you are new at this arent' you!" I smiled back thinking, "I'll show you!"
Somehow I got all us and a tray of food to the table. I divvied up the food and tore it up into small pieces to cool off. I reached into my diaper bag for the sippy cups. Guess what!??! No damn sippy cups! I forgot. That's okay, we got this. So, I ran back to the counter and got two small cups, lids and straws. Macie is a champ. She can use a straw with 85% accuracy. Graeme, not so much. We struggled with who was going to hold the cup and who wasn't. I won. As he is drinking his water, I hear "Uh oh" to see Macie's cup go hurling to the floor! The table of grandparents started laughing...again! I give them a "meh" look and carried on! After we finished eating and finding the custodial staff to clean up the water, we headed to the play area. (Lunch was a success by the way! You can never good wrong with chicken tenders and french fries)
They had a blast climbing and running! Graeme especially loved me chasing him back into the play area! He did find a little girl who he was smitten with! He even tackled her to give her a hug. Once again the old people are laughing as I apologize to the little girl's dad!
Once we got home, it was naptime! Or so, I thought! Apparently they were so energized by the activity that they were still wound up. After grandma's mandatory quiet time on the couch with Paw Patrol on the TV and books in hand, Grame started to fall asleep. Miss Independent announced that she wasn't tired! Of course not, even though she kept yawning like a cat basking in the sun! So, we had some quality time at the kitchen table making get well cards for mommy and daddy and Valentine notes for PawPaw Mark. Then it was iPad time with one of the numerous games I have downloaded for her. Finally after an hour, she said she wanted to lay on the couch. But under no circumstances was she going to sleep as she yawned and rubbed her eyes. After about 15 minutes, she was asleep and snoring like a drunken sailor.
As I watched them sleep and listened to them snore, I puffed up with pride. I survived the day with these two little angels that call me Grandma. I fed them, entertained them, and got to them to nap. I would be returning them to their parents unscathed! When they woke up, I got them organized, bundled up and drove them home. As I was leaving, they both came running to me and gave me hugs and kisses. They both told me that they loved me followed by more hugs and kisses. It was in that moment I realized that I didn't survive at all. Instead I provided Macie and G-man with a day filled with love and nurturing. They didn't care about the fails of the day. They remember the fun and laughter we had. I call that winning!
I'm new to this job. I know I will make mistakes along the way. But I believe the great memories we will have will outweigh the oopses! It's an adventure I look forward to and I cherish!
Make Every Day Count
Denise
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Saying Yes to the Dress
I'm getting married in October. I first fell in love with Mark when I was 15 and he was 18. Now 38 years later, here we are taking the plunge into matrimony. With that comes planning a wedding. My first marriage was a lovely ceremony of 4. It was exactly what I wanted. This time around I want a wedding. What I don't understand is why?
You see as a little girl I never dreamed of my wedding. I never saw myself as a bride much less a gown. I found it all just stupid and a waste of money. In fact , well into my 40s I even hated going to weddings. The only thing worse for me was a baby shower! I still remember the Saturday about 10 years ago when I had to go to both on the same day! Let's say a lot of wine was consumed at the reception. To be honest, I just don't think I'm a sentimental kind of gal when it comes to these time honored traditions.
And then something changed! When I got my dissolution and moved into my apartment, I started to watch "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC. In fact, my neighbor Ashley, Bear-Bear (her Newfie) and I would spend Friday nights watching hours of SYTTD, drinking wine and embroidering/knitting. I have no idea why?!?!?! I wasn't seeing anyone much less looking to get married again. We would sit and laminate about our single hood woes and drink more wine.
Fast forward: Well, this Monday all of those episodes came in handy. When my vacation to Europe got cancelled, I decided to use the opportunity to going dress shopping. (See blogpost Teachable Moments) I had extra money to spend and the time off. I assembled my posse: June, my future mother-in-law; Toni, my friend and wedding officiant; and Shelly, one of 3 bridesmaids. Off we went to Universe Bridal and Prom in West Lafayette, Ohio.
It was crazy! We met with Michelle our personal bridal aficionado! She gave us the lay of the land and sent us off into one of many wedding dress rooms! Now you would think a self proclaimed SYTTD junkie would know exactly what she wanted! Oh hell no! I had no idea other than I want to look good and I want to take his breath away when I walked down the aisle. As I stood in the sea of ivory, I started to have an anxiety attack! I felt as if I was being suffocated by miles of tulle, lace and organza! I finally looked at my posse and said, "Girls, pick 3-4 choices each! I can't do this!" Those girls went to work! Next thing I knew, I had about 15 dresses to try on.
Now girls, listen up. Trying on dresses requires Herculean strength! Some of those dresses weigh pounds! And let's be honest, plus size dresses have to be heavier because there's more fabulousness to cover! At one point I thought I may have torn my rotartor's cuff! Ouchy! And then there was the unfortunate trapped in the dress situation! Ladies, if you find yourselves dress shopping, please be sure to check the size of the dress you are putting on before sliding it over your head! If you're trying to squeeze your size 16 body into a size 12 dress, it's going to go all bad! It caused me to have a second anxiety attack when I couldn't disengage from it! I thought I was going to live that damn dress for the rest of my life! Thank goodness for Shelly! She came to my rescue and freed me from my prison. Unfortunately poor Shelly will never be able to unseen what she saw in order to release me from the sea of organza!
After many auditions, THE dress appeared. I put it on and it was the front runner. But it was missing something! So, my Randy/Monte, Michelle, "jacked me up" her style. She brought me a blinged out belt and tied it on. She turned me around and it happened. The aha moment happened. The skies opened up and the angels began to sing. I had found the dress! And then the most freaky thing happened! I cried! Say what??!?!?! I just stood there and was flabbergasted! I just had this feeling that overcame me and all I could think of was Mark. I don't know if it was the realization that I am actually going to marry the love of my life. Or if menopause has turned me into a hormonal mess! What I do know is that I had a wonderful time and I can't wait until October!
So, the moral of this story is that no matter how old you are you can still find the love of your life. When that love comes along your whole out look on life changes. Now I'm dreaming of that wedding that I never knew I would ever want. May be because I'm older, I can live in the moment and enjoy it more. I look forward to all of the decisions coming my way!
Make Everyday Count....
Denise
You see as a little girl I never dreamed of my wedding. I never saw myself as a bride much less a gown. I found it all just stupid and a waste of money. In fact , well into my 40s I even hated going to weddings. The only thing worse for me was a baby shower! I still remember the Saturday about 10 years ago when I had to go to both on the same day! Let's say a lot of wine was consumed at the reception. To be honest, I just don't think I'm a sentimental kind of gal when it comes to these time honored traditions.
And then something changed! When I got my dissolution and moved into my apartment, I started to watch "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC. In fact, my neighbor Ashley, Bear-Bear (her Newfie) and I would spend Friday nights watching hours of SYTTD, drinking wine and embroidering/knitting. I have no idea why?!?!?! I wasn't seeing anyone much less looking to get married again. We would sit and laminate about our single hood woes and drink more wine.
Fast forward: Well, this Monday all of those episodes came in handy. When my vacation to Europe got cancelled, I decided to use the opportunity to going dress shopping. (See blogpost Teachable Moments) I had extra money to spend and the time off. I assembled my posse: June, my future mother-in-law; Toni, my friend and wedding officiant; and Shelly, one of 3 bridesmaids. Off we went to Universe Bridal and Prom in West Lafayette, Ohio.
Now girls, listen up. Trying on dresses requires Herculean strength! Some of those dresses weigh pounds! And let's be honest, plus size dresses have to be heavier because there's more fabulousness to cover! At one point I thought I may have torn my rotartor's cuff! Ouchy! And then there was the unfortunate trapped in the dress situation! Ladies, if you find yourselves dress shopping, please be sure to check the size of the dress you are putting on before sliding it over your head! If you're trying to squeeze your size 16 body into a size 12 dress, it's going to go all bad! It caused me to have a second anxiety attack when I couldn't disengage from it! I thought I was going to live that damn dress for the rest of my life! Thank goodness for Shelly! She came to my rescue and freed me from my prison. Unfortunately poor Shelly will never be able to unseen what she saw in order to release me from the sea of organza!
So, the moral of this story is that no matter how old you are you can still find the love of your life. When that love comes along your whole out look on life changes. Now I'm dreaming of that wedding that I never knew I would ever want. May be because I'm older, I can live in the moment and enjoy it more. I look forward to all of the decisions coming my way!
Make Everyday Count....
Denise
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Teachable Moments
The bags are packed for Scotland and England. The rain coats and toe/hand warmers are bought. The British pounds and my passport are ensconced in their secret hiding places. The phone is internationally prepared to receive and send text messages. The itinerary is set. My traditional night before I leave poem is written. The credit card company is properly notified so that I can spend oodles of money. The departure time is set. The enthusiasm is overflowing. Everything is ready to go, but for one important thing.
Us. We are no longer going. Due to the recent ISIS attack in Brussels, our school district had to make an extremely hard decision. Should we carry through with our plans to give our students an educational experience of a lifetime and risk the lives of our students and chaperones? Or should we stay on US soil where we may or may not be safer? In the end our administration decided that keeping our students and parents safe and sound was the number 1 priority. In light of the events today, it was the right, but heartbreaking decision.
So at 9:45 today, we found ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to inform parents and students that we were no longer going on a trip of a life time. The tears and the disappointment on their faces was heart breaking. The journey they all started planning two years ago is now a broken dream. What should have been an experience like no other became a teachable moment in world affairs. Instead of crossing the pond as an excited, anxious group, we are now a disappointed group grounded on Ohio turf. Instead of learning about British parliament and the Magna Carta, we are now teaching them about homeland security. Instead of being awestruck by the magnificence of Stonehenge, we are now teaching them about the rubble of terrorism. Instead of enjoying the musical, "Thriller" on the London stage, we are now teaching them about the horrifying images seen on TV. Instead of experiencing the hospitality of the British population, we are now teaching them about the evilness of a small group of people. Instead of creating happy lifetime memories, we are now teaching them how to deal with the sad reality of the world.
The reality of this situation is that it is a teachable moment. No matter how you look at it, we are showing them the world. Unfortunately, it isn't the world we wanted to show them. We wanted to let them learn about the magnitude of history that is Europe. We wanted them to experience various cultures. We wanted to give them international travel. We wanted to expose them to different foods. We wanted to watch them blossom and grow in confidence. We wanted to show then how to embrace the world around them. Instead we are teaching them about a world that isn't always kind. We are teaching them that there are groups out there that take pleasure in harming others. We are teaching them about world politics. We are teaching about how actions in foreign countries have an effect on a little rural school district in Ohio.
But we are also teaching them about the resilience of humanity. If we can't take our trip, I hope we can find the positive in such an evil doing. In all of the tragedy, I know we will learn about compassion. Over the hours, days and weeks, we will see the good stories about humans helping humans in the midst of disaster. We will see people loving one another. We hear stories of random acts of kindness. We will see people rebuild their lives. We will see new ways of fighting evilness. We will see our governments work together to end this way of life. We will work to rebuild trust in our mankind. We will see hope in the eyes and hearts of good people of the world.
We will teach our children to how to feel safe again. We will teach them to love their world around them and embrace it with compassion.
To all of the people of Belgium, you are in my thoughts and prayers. It breaks my heart to see the images on TV. I know you will rebound and grow from this situation. You will become stronger people in the face of this tragedy. You will show us how to live again.
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Us. We are no longer going. Due to the recent ISIS attack in Brussels, our school district had to make an extremely hard decision. Should we carry through with our plans to give our students an educational experience of a lifetime and risk the lives of our students and chaperones? Or should we stay on US soil where we may or may not be safer? In the end our administration decided that keeping our students and parents safe and sound was the number 1 priority. In light of the events today, it was the right, but heartbreaking decision.
So at 9:45 today, we found ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to inform parents and students that we were no longer going on a trip of a life time. The tears and the disappointment on their faces was heart breaking. The journey they all started planning two years ago is now a broken dream. What should have been an experience like no other became a teachable moment in world affairs. Instead of crossing the pond as an excited, anxious group, we are now a disappointed group grounded on Ohio turf. Instead of learning about British parliament and the Magna Carta, we are now teaching them about homeland security. Instead of being awestruck by the magnificence of Stonehenge, we are now teaching them about the rubble of terrorism. Instead of enjoying the musical, "Thriller" on the London stage, we are now teaching them about the horrifying images seen on TV. Instead of experiencing the hospitality of the British population, we are now teaching them about the evilness of a small group of people. Instead of creating happy lifetime memories, we are now teaching them how to deal with the sad reality of the world.
The reality of this situation is that it is a teachable moment. No matter how you look at it, we are showing them the world. Unfortunately, it isn't the world we wanted to show them. We wanted to let them learn about the magnitude of history that is Europe. We wanted them to experience various cultures. We wanted to give them international travel. We wanted to expose them to different foods. We wanted to watch them blossom and grow in confidence. We wanted to show then how to embrace the world around them. Instead we are teaching them about a world that isn't always kind. We are teaching them that there are groups out there that take pleasure in harming others. We are teaching them about world politics. We are teaching about how actions in foreign countries have an effect on a little rural school district in Ohio.
But we are also teaching them about the resilience of humanity. If we can't take our trip, I hope we can find the positive in such an evil doing. In all of the tragedy, I know we will learn about compassion. Over the hours, days and weeks, we will see the good stories about humans helping humans in the midst of disaster. We will see people loving one another. We hear stories of random acts of kindness. We will see people rebuild their lives. We will see new ways of fighting evilness. We will see our governments work together to end this way of life. We will work to rebuild trust in our mankind. We will see hope in the eyes and hearts of good people of the world.
We will teach our children to how to feel safe again. We will teach them to love their world around them and embrace it with compassion.
To all of the people of Belgium, you are in my thoughts and prayers. It breaks my heart to see the images on TV. I know you will rebound and grow from this situation. You will become stronger people in the face of this tragedy. You will show us how to live again.
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Every last word
If you're my Facebook friend, this post is just a review of the many laughs I've given you over the years. If you are a reader of my blog, then you're in the dark. You see, I frequently post conversations that I have with people. Most of them are between Mark and I, but no one is safe from my need to share all aspects of my life. The sad part is that they are completely true! So, I felt a need to completely embarrass myself, and others, with the World Wide Web.
Just today, my brother Mitchell and I had a conversation about my upcoming nuptials with Mark. My brother is a sarcastic smart ass just like me. We started out talking about the cake and ended up discussing fashion, or his lack of it, and what he'll wear when he t
Convo with my bro:
(Commenting on a post of an OSU cake for our wedding)
Me: I love it, but we are going with cupcakes. We will OSU them up though!
Mitch: Can I dress like Jim Tressell? Sweater vest?
Me: Sure
Mitch: I've done that look many times before.
Me: Sadly, you're right! 😏
Mitch: you're a bridezilla! 😳
Me: that doesn't make a bridezilla! It makes me the fashion police!😭
I recently spent the weekend in Coshocton at the Heart of Ohio Quilters Guild Retreat. I found out exactly what some of my friends think of me. Apparently it's not for my intelligence and good looks but for my hobbies!
Today's convo:
Me: Hi Patty!
Patty: hey!
Me: ready to sew?
Patty: yeah but just remembered something
Me: what?
Patty: I just took one look at you and realized I forgot my wine!
Me: Really that's what you think of when you see ?
Patty: maybe!?!?!?
Me: 😳😳😳😳😳😳
As I mentioned, I have been going to this retreat for like 15 years. So, it made perfect sense when I blurted this out in front of strangers!
Convo upon arriving at the hotel.
Me: what room are we in?
Barb: room 202
Me: I've slept in this room before
Barb: me too
Me: truth be known I've probably slept in every room here!
Barb: 😳
Me: hmmm .. I guess that didn't sound good to the people who don't know me!😏
Sometimes, well all of the time, I just never think before I speak! As if you need more evidence than the last convo!
Another moment in the lives of Denise and Mark
To the tree guys...
Mark: we're leaving for a few
Tree guys:ok
Me: it should only be 45 minutes. We're going across the street to hospital for lunch.
Tree guys: not a problem.
As we walk away...
Mark: you know they're laughing at us.
Me: why?
Mark: they think we're old because are going to the hospital to eat!
Me: 😳
Of course, there are also those moments that only happen to us! We are always just one moment away from hilarity and comedy!
Me: honey can you come here?
Mark: what's up?
Me: look at rod in my closet. It's starting to bow. Can you fix it? I want to be proactive and take care of it before it collapses
Mark: let me look.
(Manly inspection)
Mark: yep! I'll just put a support in the middle!
Me: great!
(Mark walks away)
***boom****
Both: 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
Me: so much for being proactive!
Then there are those random thoughts!
Just today, my brother Mitchell and I had a conversation about my upcoming nuptials with Mark. My brother is a sarcastic smart ass just like me. We started out talking about the cake and ended up discussing fashion, or his lack of it, and what he'll wear when he t
Convo with my bro:
(Commenting on a post of an OSU cake for our wedding)
Me: I love it, but we are going with cupcakes. We will OSU them up though!
Mitch: Can I dress like Jim Tressell? Sweater vest?
Me: Sure
Mitch: I've done that look many times before.
Me: Sadly, you're right! 😏
Mitch: you're a bridezilla! 😳
Me: that doesn't make a bridezilla! It makes me the fashion police!😭
I recently spent the weekend in Coshocton at the Heart of Ohio Quilters Guild Retreat. I found out exactly what some of my friends think of me. Apparently it's not for my intelligence and good looks but for my hobbies!
Today's convo:
Me: Hi Patty!
Patty: hey!
Me: ready to sew?
Patty: yeah but just remembered something
Me: what?
Patty: I just took one look at you and realized I forgot my wine!
Me: Really that's what you think of when you see ?
Patty: maybe!?!?!?
Me: 😳😳😳😳😳😳
As I mentioned, I have been going to this retreat for like 15 years. So, it made perfect sense when I blurted this out in front of strangers!
Convo upon arriving at the hotel.
Me: what room are we in?
Barb: room 202
Me: I've slept in this room before
Barb: me too
Me: truth be known I've probably slept in every room here!
Barb: 😳
Me: hmmm .. I guess that didn't sound good to the people who don't know me!😏
Sometimes, well all of the time, I just never think before I speak! As if you need more evidence than the last convo!
Another moment in the lives of Denise and Mark
To the tree guys...
Mark: we're leaving for a few
Tree guys:ok
Me: it should only be 45 minutes. We're going across the street to hospital for lunch.
Tree guys: not a problem.
As we walk away...
Mark: you know they're laughing at us.
Me: why?
Mark: they think we're old because are going to the hospital to eat!
Me: 😳
Of course, there are also those moments that only happen to us! We are always just one moment away from hilarity and comedy!
Me: honey can you come here?
Mark: what's up?
Me: look at rod in my closet. It's starting to bow. Can you fix it? I want to be proactive and take care of it before it collapses
Mark: let me look.
(Manly inspection)
Mark: yep! I'll just put a support in the middle!
Me: great!
(Mark walks away)
***boom****
Both: 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
Me: so much for being proactive!
Then there are those random thoughts!
Today's convo:
Me: Where is the Super Bowl this year?
Mark: i don't know. Probably Dallas. Why don't you just google it?
Me: No, I don't care enough.
Mark: I can name all of the winners of all the Super Bowls.
Me: (Oh please, no!))
Mark: Year 1: (blah, blah, blah)
Mark: Year 2: (blah, blah, blah)
Mark: Year 3: (blah, blah, blah)
Me: Are you going to name everyone of them?
Mark: No
Me: Oh thank the heavens!
I can't wait until Football season is over!
I'm not an early morning kind of girl! So any conversation is going to go towards the sarcastic side!
Here you go Teresa Coakley:
Mark: Did you know Jamie Foxx was a hero?
Me: (Trying to get ready for work) What?
Mark: You know the actor Jamie Foxx. He is a real life hero
Me: Why?
Mark: He saved people by pulling them from a burning car.
Me: Wow! I would say so then
Mark: Did you know he was a stud quarterback too?
Me: Yes, he is a stud in everything he does! *admiration eyes*
Mark: Yeah, he is Just like me!
Me: *eye rolls, heavy sighs* smh....(Just walk away, Joe!)
And then there is the times when Karma bits you in the ass!
That moment when your pet peeve bites you in the ass!😏
Mark: can you come here please?
Me: what do you want?
Mark: just come to the bathroom.
Me: *heavy sigh, stomp, stomp * what?
Mark: come in here
Me: *eye roll*. What?
Mark: *shuts door*. Now hang it!
Even the most important moments of our life are comical
Another daily convo in the life of Mark and Denise:
Mark: I think it's time to set a date.
Me: (Looking up from my Candy Crush game?) A date for what?
Mark: Ummm, to get married!??!?!
Me: Oh!
Mark: What are thinking?
Me: It really doesn't matter to me
Mark: Ok, how about 2025?
Me: no!
Mark: How about next fall?
Me: Do you mean 2016 or 2017
Mark: 2017.
Me: Okay (I get up and leave the room)
5 minutes later I come back with the computer...
Me: We are getting married Oct 21, 2017
Mark: Ohio State's bye week?
Me: Of course honey
Mark: That's my girl!
But every now and then, the fewest words have the most meaning.
Tonight's convo:
Silence! He's playing cards!
😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
And the present conversation:
Mark: What are you doing?
Me: Blogging
Mark: What about?
Me: I thought I'd share with the blogging world some of our conversations
Mark: What? Are you going to make me look like an idiot?
Me: Who me?
Make Every Day Count..
Denise
Saturday, January 23, 2016
When did this happen?
Today was a rough, emotional day. I spent most of it crying as I watched the funeral procession for Officer Tom Cottrell who was intentionally gunned down last Saturday night while protecting the sleepy town of Danville. Officer Cottrell was not targeted personally. The perpetrator 's objective was to kill a man in uniform. Unfortunately for Officer Cottrell and his family, he was the first one to come into contact with the killer.
As I sat cemented to my chair, I began to question life. I looked at Mark, and through tears, I simply ask, "When did this happen?" He said, "What, baby?" I replied, "When did we become a nation that no longer respects the laws of the land and the lives of our law officials?" He simply said, "I don't know".
For as along as I can remember, I was taught that the policemen were my friends. My parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, teachers, etc. always stressed to my brothers and I that the police officer was a place of safety. We were to go to them if we were ever in trouble. If we got lost, the police would help us find our families. If someone was hurt, the police would call for the ambulance. If someone was hurting you, the police would protect you. As I grew older, I learned that I was to respect the badge. They were there to protect our town and our family from lawbreakers. I knew when I earned my driver 's license that I was to abide by all the laws. I also knew that if I found myself on the wrong side of the law, I was to do what the police officer told me to do. He was the authority and I was to respect that.
What happened to this way of thinking? Why does it seem that we no longer respect the badge and the life behind it? When did the laws set forth in federal, state and local doctrines become optional? When did we become a society that feels as if it is above the law? When did we no longer value the lives of others? These questions have been haunting me today. I'm 53 years old. I'm educated. I'm a 31 veteran of the classroom. I have seen a lot in those 53 years. But for some reason I can't find a logical explanation for any of these questions. I just don't understand and it hurts my heart.
I have been accused over the years for being a Pollyanna. While some find this an insult, I take it as a compliment. I choose, as I sit here and write, that I will look for the positives in this tragedy. I want to believe that something good will come of this senseless act of violence. Perhaps the scholarship fund being set up at COTC in his name will produce some great law enforcement officials who will honor Officer Cottrell's name and life. Perhaps the college fund for his daughters will enable them to seek careers that will allow them to help others just like their daddy. Perhaps this will be a learning moment for others to understand the importance of the law enforcement agencies and change the way we do things. Perhaps all of the little children who stood along the line paying respects will be the catalyst of change in the next generation. Perhaps it will motivate each and every one of us to be kinder to one another. Perhaps it will soften our hearts and we can learn to just love. Perhaps.....
Make Every Day Count..
Denise
Make Every Day Count..
Denise
Anyone who would like to donate in Officer Cottrell's honor can do so through various outlets. Go to the Newark Advocate link for more information
http://www.newarkadvocate.com
http://www.newarkadvocate.com
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Brangelina Who?
Evening Readers….
Move over Brangelina! You are old news. Shamy, who? Sorry Bennifer, you are about to uncouple. There is a new power team in town, and they are taking over the world! Okay, maybe not the world, but definitely 34th Street in Newark. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you, the one and only
Sophie and Joey otherwise known as SoJoe! That's right, I have a moniker for my fur babies! It all came about because I needed a word when referring to both of them. Since they are opposite sexes, girls nor boys would work. Sometimes I call them kids! But that just gets you weird stares at 7 in the morning when you are walking through the hood, and your neighbors hear you. One day while picking up dog poo, they started chasing a bunny and all hell broke loose. So, I pulled a Judy Gray and started yelling all of the kids' names at one time. Needless to say, in my frustration, the word SoJoe came out of my mouth, and it has stuck! After all, they are definitely worthy of their own smash up name! I mean look at them! They ooze entitlement! For those of you who live under a rock or in another country and don't know me, Sophie is the white dog and belongs to me. Joey is obviously the black one and belongs to my boyfriend Mark.
When we moved into the new house, so did the dogs. Prior to moving, they both were accustomed to being an only dog and, quite frankly, spoiled rotten. Now Sophie has always had another dog around whether it was her sister Stormy, who passed 3 years ago or the neighbor dogs, Lady, Ebony, Buffy and Dot. Joey, on the other hand, was the center of the universe for Mark and his mom. Poor Joey, he had no idea what was going to happen to him when he met Miss Sophie Marie. His nose was definitely bent out of shape when he had to share his dad. He didn't like it much! However, he has come around and looks forward to Sophie's weekly visits. I personally think it's because he knows that when she is here, he will get an egg on his food each morning. Of course that is all contingent on her staying away from his food when it is served! And Sophie, she just looks at him as if he is an idiot! She is her mother's daughter and doesn't tolerate nonsense well.
Well, that all changed today. After 4 weeks of togetherness, they have finally bonded as a team. You see Joey has some separation issues. Prior to moving here, he stayed with Mark, his mom and son and very rarely was left alone. Well, in less than 4 weeks, I go back to school and Mark is working 12 hour days at his new job. Therefore, Joey has been subjected to crate training. Let's just say, he's not a fan! In fact he hides under the bed if he even thinks there is a possibility that I am leaving. So, Mark and I decided to try to pen him up in the kitchen on short trips to town to see how he does. So far, so good. He's been able to keep it together for up to 2 hours. Today we had Sophie. Now Sophie has been free range for 13 of her 14 years! She's a pro!
Well, Mark had a dentist appointment and I had a baby shower. We were going to overlap by 30 minutes. The decision was made to pen Joey in the kitchen and let Sophie have the rest of the house. We separated them with the baby gate. While at the shower I got a reply to may message asking how it went. He said the dentist went fine! SoJoe, not so good! He said that " both were in the kitchen and the baby gate was destroyed. Really, no joke" I guess you can call it an epic failure! As you can see
from the picture, the baby gate was still standing, but had a hole in it! Given that all of the missing pieces were in the living room, we are assuming that Miss Sophie did the damage. What we are not sure about is how she got on the other side! You see the hole is not big enough for a 44 pound dog to go through it. It is too tall for a 14-year old arthritic dog to jump. Unless Joey jumped it first and helped Sophie over it, we are at a loss for an explanation! Just like the mystery of the shit on the wall. (See my entry "Because Ryan Paxton said so!" for that story!)
So you see, SoJoe is a force to be reckoned with! They accomplish the unthinkable! They have super dog powers or something! Or they are simply smarter than their owners! All I can say is to stay tuned. I have a feeling this is only the first of many SoJoe stories to come!
Make Every Day Count,
Denise
Move over Brangelina! You are old news. Shamy, who? Sorry Bennifer, you are about to uncouple. There is a new power team in town, and they are taking over the world! Okay, maybe not the world, but definitely 34th Street in Newark. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you, the one and only
When we moved into the new house, so did the dogs. Prior to moving, they both were accustomed to being an only dog and, quite frankly, spoiled rotten. Now Sophie has always had another dog around whether it was her sister Stormy, who passed 3 years ago or the neighbor dogs, Lady, Ebony, Buffy and Dot. Joey, on the other hand, was the center of the universe for Mark and his mom. Poor Joey, he had no idea what was going to happen to him when he met Miss Sophie Marie. His nose was definitely bent out of shape when he had to share his dad. He didn't like it much! However, he has come around and looks forward to Sophie's weekly visits. I personally think it's because he knows that when she is here, he will get an egg on his food each morning. Of course that is all contingent on her staying away from his food when it is served! And Sophie, she just looks at him as if he is an idiot! She is her mother's daughter and doesn't tolerate nonsense well.
Well, that all changed today. After 4 weeks of togetherness, they have finally bonded as a team. You see Joey has some separation issues. Prior to moving here, he stayed with Mark, his mom and son and very rarely was left alone. Well, in less than 4 weeks, I go back to school and Mark is working 12 hour days at his new job. Therefore, Joey has been subjected to crate training. Let's just say, he's not a fan! In fact he hides under the bed if he even thinks there is a possibility that I am leaving. So, Mark and I decided to try to pen him up in the kitchen on short trips to town to see how he does. So far, so good. He's been able to keep it together for up to 2 hours. Today we had Sophie. Now Sophie has been free range for 13 of her 14 years! She's a pro!
Well, Mark had a dentist appointment and I had a baby shower. We were going to overlap by 30 minutes. The decision was made to pen Joey in the kitchen and let Sophie have the rest of the house. We separated them with the baby gate. While at the shower I got a reply to may message asking how it went. He said the dentist went fine! SoJoe, not so good! He said that " both were in the kitchen and the baby gate was destroyed. Really, no joke" I guess you can call it an epic failure! As you can see
So you see, SoJoe is a force to be reckoned with! They accomplish the unthinkable! They have super dog powers or something! Or they are simply smarter than their owners! All I can say is to stay tuned. I have a feeling this is only the first of many SoJoe stories to come!
Make Every Day Count,
Denise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)