I have a core group of friends called The Bodacious Book and Fabric Goddesses (BBFGs). We meet the last Monday of every month. Sometimes we gather to sew and other times we gather to discuss our book. We recently read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Excellent work of fiction about the post WW2 era set in the Channel Islands. If you haven't read, please do! You'll be ready to board a flight to Guernsey immediately. A movie was made based on the book and is currently on Netflix. So, last night we all decided to meet at Patty's house and watch the movie together.
Patty lives west of Hebron. I had never been to her house before so I put her address in my GPS and away I went. I knew where she lived. I just didn't know exactly which house. I was running a bit behind because I had worked out first so I was a little on the anxious side to get there by 6:30. As I was approaching Patty's house, "Mandy" told me to turn left. I looked, but I didn't see anywhere to turn. Besides, I knew she lived on the next street so I turned there. I drove by several houses trying to determine which one was hers. I couldn't figure out why Mandy had the wrong directions. That had never happened to me before. So, I turned around and went back down the street. Finally, I saw some vehicles I recognized! Barb's Dodge Caravan and Lynne's blue car were in the drive way. I flew down the drive and threw it in park! I was going to make on time!
I got out of the car, and a man came out of the garage. I had never met Jim before so I cheerfully greeted him and asked if everyone was in the house. He just looked at me and said they were in the kitchen. I said thanks and went in. Now this is my first time to Patty's house so I was slightly thrown by all of the little girl toys strewed among the living room. Patty has a 19 year old son! She is very active in her church so I thought maybe she had that stuff to entertain children when she hosts Bible groups. I found my way winding around the hall way. As I entered the kitchen, I throw up my arms, shouted "I'M HERE! THE PARTY CAN START!!. I then dropped dead in my tracks. I'm looking at two stunned 85+ year old ladies in their dusters snapping green beans! What the hell?!?!?
They looked at me. I looked at them. There were no words from anyone for what seemed like 20 minutes! Finally I said, I definitely have the wrong house. I explain I was meeting my friends for our monthly friendship meeting They warily asked me who I was looking for. I simply replied, Patty. They didn't know Patty. I said you know Patty Betounes. They still how no idea who I was talking about. One lady finally recovered enough to ask his her husband's name was Jim. YES!!! Now we are getting somewhere!. She told me that they lived next door, but to be careful of the dog. I'm a little perplexed because Patty has a little poodle, but I just let it go. I told them that I was sorry to intrude on them and that enough though I"m really loud, I am harmless. About this time her husband comes back into the house and asks if there's a problem. I explained that I was in the wrong house. He asked me why I would go into a house with asking first. I reminded him that he LET me the house without asking me! But, I explained that the cars in the driveway were very similar to my friends' cars and I assumed I was in the right place.
I got in my car and went next door. I didn't even get out of the car when I realized there were no vehicles in the driveway! So I backed out and decided to go to Virginia's house across the street, She is Patty's step-sister and I knew that Patty lived across from her. I didn't even get up the steps and Virginia is on the porch asking what I was doing! I repeated the entire story again. She is just looking at me with disbelief and then she busts laughing! She told me it's a good thing I didn't get out at the other house because they a huge dog and a pit bull. Apparently they don't like people! I asked if she knew the people across the street. She said yes and that Rosalie is a quilter too! Well, at least we had something in common after all. So, where does Patty live I asked Virginia. Once she quit laughing, she said I'll show you. We went to the BACK of the house and there is Patty's. She lives down this little lane to the sweetest cottage! Well how do I get there? Go back onto Route 40 and take the first right hand turn! Oh for Pete's sake, Mandy the GPS was right all long. Mandy=1 Denise= epic fail!
I hugged Virginia and asked her to call Rosalie and explain that I'm not some kind of psychopath trying to case her home and hopes of pulling off a heist! She said she would and I left. I found Patty's lane and started driving back. Lo and behold, there were the cars of my friends! So, I parked the Lexus again and trample up to the porch. I knocked and Patty came to the door There was no way in hell I was going to let myself into another stranger's house! She answered the door and I shouted I'M HERE! THE PARTY CAN START!! And boy do I have a story for you!
I did talk to Virginia this evening. I asked her if she talked to Rosalie. She said she did. Virginia assured them that I was harmless and a quilter too. They decided that explained a lot?!?!?!? Virginia said that they all got a big laugh out of it. They said the next time I will have to stay to help can green beans!
I don't make this shit up folks! This is my life in Newark, Ohio!
Make every day count!
Denise
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Four Cats, Two Old Ladies and Smooth Jazz
I recently turned 57. In order to celebrate in style, my friend Toni and I planned a girls' getaway weekend at her winter home in Florida. I took a personal day from school so I could extended my visit in the sunshine state. The goal was to enjoy as much sun, laughter, fun, wine, and girl bonding as possible. It was another highly anticipated Toni and Denise Adventure! They are epic! This adventure was definitely epic, but not in the usual way!
We weren't even sure if the trip was going to get off of the ground! Forty eight hours before take off, I was diagnosed with strep throat! Fifty six years old and I have the sickness of the month. The doctor asked me if I was exposed to it recently. I responded with my normal sarcasm, "I'm a teacher! What the hell do you think?" Then I whined about my trip! Thank goodness the doctor gave me the okay to fly! By the time I departed, I was on an antibiotic for 48 hours. I called Toni, and let her know we were back on for our girls' weekend.
When Toni picked me up at the airport in Tampa, she had some bad news. Her husband, Keith, had taken ill in Ohio and was in the emergency room. He assured us that we did not have to cancel plans. Talked to him again on Friday, and the same reply, "Everything is fine and you don't need to come home". Well, Saturday on our way to the beach, we stopped for breakfast at my favorite coffee shop, Caribou. While there we got another call from Keith. This time he didn't sound as fine. When Toni got off of the phone, I said, "Turn this boat around. We are going to Ohio!"
So, back home we went to her house to pack! That's not that remarkable until you throw in the fact that she has 4 cats! That's right, we had to pack up 4 cats before we could leave for Ohio! Never in my life have I traveled with one cat for 16 hours much less 4! Now, Toni is the ultimate cat lady! She has these cat condos for the car! Never I have ever seen anything like it! Two cats per condo! Each one takes up a whole seat. So we had two cats in the back seat and two cats in the back hatch. There was very little room left for human needs! It took us about 30 minutes to get everything in, but we are packing engineers! Once we got everyone in, we headed to I-75 and Macon, Georgia, our night's sleep over.
Now you can only imagine the serenading we got from the cats. Sidney, Simon, Corky and Ellie were not happy campers. Apparently cats don't like to be in the car. So to soothe them, we found a smooth jazz radio station to play for them. On their maiden trip to Florida it was Christmas time. They loved Christmas carols. We thought we might have listen to them, but the jazz worked. About 30 minutes into the trip, we smelled something rank. Yep, one of the cats shit! And to top it off, we were at a standstill in traffic! That's right, we now had to smell shit for the next 5 1/2 hours! After all, cats aren't dogs or kids! You can't just stop and take care of it!
Five hour later (11:58 p.m.) we arrive at the hotel. Talk about one comical event after another! Toni goes in and gets registered. I stay with the kitties and soothe them with my loud voice, baby talk and head scratches. When Toni comes out, she's like we are only allowed to have 2 cats! Oh freaking great! How are we going to smuggle in a second very large cat condo with 2 more cats! Did I mention that they take up an entire back seat? They don't even fit on the luggage carts that hotels provide. Once again we had to call on our engineering abilities and find a way to get the carrier on the cart. We finally got a plan in order, but then couldn't get the hotel door open! The kind girl behind the desk came to our rescue and helped us. Of course, she now knows we have 2 cats. How the hell will we get the other cat condo in later? I stayed with the other two while Toni went upstairs. She returns and we load the other one up. Once again the kind girl helps us get in. She's looking at them and we are holding our breath when lo and behold a guy wants in the other door with a 9 week old German Shepard puppy! While the clerk was oohing and aahing over the dog, we took off for the elevator! Possible eviction thwarted! Of course, once we got in the room we had to address Corky's accident in the car!
Corky is a beautiful long haired white and orange cat. He is actually my personal favorite of the 4. Well, you can only imagine what kind of a mess he was! There we are at 12:30 in the morning trying to clean him up. We have him in the tub. I"m holding him down rubbing his head while Toni is cleaning him. I can't even describe the smell. I look over at Toni at one point and said, "If this isn't true friendship, I don't know what is!" We did the best we could and let him go. Finally at 2:00 a.m. we are in bed with Sidney growling at us. Corky is hiding underneath a chair. Simon is under the night stand hissing . Good old Ellie is literally jumping through the air from the one bed to the other and then on the TV stand. She is doing a full circle! Good night to us!
Now, when we checked in the night before, the clerk warned us about letting the cats out to roam. While the beds are on a box, there is a small opening at the head boards where cats have been known to get behind. Toni, the pro, said, "Yes, I'm aware. I just block them off before I let them out!" Okay, cool! We cat proofed the beds before letting them out. All seemed good! The first thing I did in the morning was do a cat count. I'm sure you can guess where this is going! Only 3 out of 4 cats are accounted for! Really, this is how we are going to start the day!??!?! We were optimistic and decided to get ready and pack. Surely Sidney would come out eventually. So, once everything was ready to go, we still didn't have a Sid! Toni's plan was to catch the other 3 cats and put them in the carriers. She did so with little opposition! My plan was to take a load to the car and start packing it. Of course, we didn't take a picture before we left Florida so I had to rely on memory of the day before! Then when I got back, we would call maintenance to tear the bed apart. When I returned to the room Toni met me at the door with good news/bad news. I walked in the room, and it looked a little like a bomb went off. The good news was Sid did not go under the bed after all. He had situated himself between the bed, the wall and the nightstand. The really good news was she put him in the carrier. The bad news was he managed to bust the zipper and escape. Toni fixed the carrier and was now trying to capture him again. He was pissed, and she had to throw a towel over him so he didn't bite/scratch her. She's a warrior and got it on the second try!
Our goal was to leave at 10:00 a.m.. I'm happy to report that we left at 10:06 a.m. with 4 cats a squawking just like we did the day before! I looked at Toni, and she looked at me, and both said, "Smooth jazz!" The rest of the trip was uneventful! No cat shit! No more growling, hissing or crying. As long as the music played, they were as content as could be expected. Ten hours later I was dropping Toni off at Riverside, and I drove the kitties to her house. Luckily Mark and Sondra met me there! We safely got the cats in the house! As I was leaving, they were hissing and growling again at the other two. Me, they let me know pet them and comfort them before I left. Apparently we bonded enough on our adventure that they saw me as their second mommy! I think they wanted me to stay!
While this is just another comical experience in my life , there is a lesson to be learned. Well several lessons, but we will focus on the most important one. We never know what God's plan is for us. What started as a girl's weekend quickly became a trip of love. God put me in Florida that weekend so that I could help my friend in a time of need. We found out what we are made of and we strengthen our bond. There's nothing like cat shit and smooth jazz to solidify a friendship! My birthday celebration lasted 48 hours instead of 5 days. But that's okay! There is no other placed I wanted to be! So, what about Keith? He is still in the hospital, but they have determined what ails him, and he's on the road to recovery! Hopefully he will be out tomorrow! So, say a little prayer for him tonight! And always remember that God has a plan for all of us. We just have to wait for him to present it!
Make Everyday Count.........
Denise
We weren't even sure if the trip was going to get off of the ground! Forty eight hours before take off, I was diagnosed with strep throat! Fifty six years old and I have the sickness of the month. The doctor asked me if I was exposed to it recently. I responded with my normal sarcasm, "I'm a teacher! What the hell do you think?" Then I whined about my trip! Thank goodness the doctor gave me the okay to fly! By the time I departed, I was on an antibiotic for 48 hours. I called Toni, and let her know we were back on for our girls' weekend.
When Toni picked me up at the airport in Tampa, she had some bad news. Her husband, Keith, had taken ill in Ohio and was in the emergency room. He assured us that we did not have to cancel plans. Talked to him again on Friday, and the same reply, "Everything is fine and you don't need to come home". Well, Saturday on our way to the beach, we stopped for breakfast at my favorite coffee shop, Caribou. While there we got another call from Keith. This time he didn't sound as fine. When Toni got off of the phone, I said, "Turn this boat around. We are going to Ohio!"
So, back home we went to her house to pack! That's not that remarkable until you throw in the fact that she has 4 cats! That's right, we had to pack up 4 cats before we could leave for Ohio! Never in my life have I traveled with one cat for 16 hours much less 4! Now, Toni is the ultimate cat lady! She has these cat condos for the car! Never I have ever seen anything like it! Two cats per condo! Each one takes up a whole seat. So we had two cats in the back seat and two cats in the back hatch. There was very little room left for human needs! It took us about 30 minutes to get everything in, but we are packing engineers! Once we got everyone in, we headed to I-75 and Macon, Georgia, our night's sleep over.
Now you can only imagine the serenading we got from the cats. Sidney, Simon, Corky and Ellie were not happy campers. Apparently cats don't like to be in the car. So to soothe them, we found a smooth jazz radio station to play for them. On their maiden trip to Florida it was Christmas time. They loved Christmas carols. We thought we might have listen to them, but the jazz worked. About 30 minutes into the trip, we smelled something rank. Yep, one of the cats shit! And to top it off, we were at a standstill in traffic! That's right, we now had to smell shit for the next 5 1/2 hours! After all, cats aren't dogs or kids! You can't just stop and take care of it!
Five hour later (11:58 p.m.) we arrive at the hotel. Talk about one comical event after another! Toni goes in and gets registered. I stay with the kitties and soothe them with my loud voice, baby talk and head scratches. When Toni comes out, she's like we are only allowed to have 2 cats! Oh freaking great! How are we going to smuggle in a second very large cat condo with 2 more cats! Did I mention that they take up an entire back seat? They don't even fit on the luggage carts that hotels provide. Once again we had to call on our engineering abilities and find a way to get the carrier on the cart. We finally got a plan in order, but then couldn't get the hotel door open! The kind girl behind the desk came to our rescue and helped us. Of course, she now knows we have 2 cats. How the hell will we get the other cat condo in later? I stayed with the other two while Toni went upstairs. She returns and we load the other one up. Once again the kind girl helps us get in. She's looking at them and we are holding our breath when lo and behold a guy wants in the other door with a 9 week old German Shepard puppy! While the clerk was oohing and aahing over the dog, we took off for the elevator! Possible eviction thwarted! Of course, once we got in the room we had to address Corky's accident in the car!
Corky is a beautiful long haired white and orange cat. He is actually my personal favorite of the 4. Well, you can only imagine what kind of a mess he was! There we are at 12:30 in the morning trying to clean him up. We have him in the tub. I"m holding him down rubbing his head while Toni is cleaning him. I can't even describe the smell. I look over at Toni at one point and said, "If this isn't true friendship, I don't know what is!" We did the best we could and let him go. Finally at 2:00 a.m. we are in bed with Sidney growling at us. Corky is hiding underneath a chair. Simon is under the night stand hissing . Good old Ellie is literally jumping through the air from the one bed to the other and then on the TV stand. She is doing a full circle! Good night to us!
Now, when we checked in the night before, the clerk warned us about letting the cats out to roam. While the beds are on a box, there is a small opening at the head boards where cats have been known to get behind. Toni, the pro, said, "Yes, I'm aware. I just block them off before I let them out!" Okay, cool! We cat proofed the beds before letting them out. All seemed good! The first thing I did in the morning was do a cat count. I'm sure you can guess where this is going! Only 3 out of 4 cats are accounted for! Really, this is how we are going to start the day!??!?! We were optimistic and decided to get ready and pack. Surely Sidney would come out eventually. So, once everything was ready to go, we still didn't have a Sid! Toni's plan was to catch the other 3 cats and put them in the carriers. She did so with little opposition! My plan was to take a load to the car and start packing it. Of course, we didn't take a picture before we left Florida so I had to rely on memory of the day before! Then when I got back, we would call maintenance to tear the bed apart. When I returned to the room Toni met me at the door with good news/bad news. I walked in the room, and it looked a little like a bomb went off. The good news was Sid did not go under the bed after all. He had situated himself between the bed, the wall and the nightstand. The really good news was she put him in the carrier. The bad news was he managed to bust the zipper and escape. Toni fixed the carrier and was now trying to capture him again. He was pissed, and she had to throw a towel over him so he didn't bite/scratch her. She's a warrior and got it on the second try!
Our goal was to leave at 10:00 a.m.. I'm happy to report that we left at 10:06 a.m. with 4 cats a squawking just like we did the day before! I looked at Toni, and she looked at me, and both said, "Smooth jazz!" The rest of the trip was uneventful! No cat shit! No more growling, hissing or crying. As long as the music played, they were as content as could be expected. Ten hours later I was dropping Toni off at Riverside, and I drove the kitties to her house. Luckily Mark and Sondra met me there! We safely got the cats in the house! As I was leaving, they were hissing and growling again at the other two. Me, they let me know pet them and comfort them before I left. Apparently we bonded enough on our adventure that they saw me as their second mommy! I think they wanted me to stay!
While this is just another comical experience in my life , there is a lesson to be learned. Well several lessons, but we will focus on the most important one. We never know what God's plan is for us. What started as a girl's weekend quickly became a trip of love. God put me in Florida that weekend so that I could help my friend in a time of need. We found out what we are made of and we strengthen our bond. There's nothing like cat shit and smooth jazz to solidify a friendship! My birthday celebration lasted 48 hours instead of 5 days. But that's okay! There is no other placed I wanted to be! So, what about Keith? He is still in the hospital, but they have determined what ails him, and he's on the road to recovery! Hopefully he will be out tomorrow! So, say a little prayer for him tonight! And always remember that God has a plan for all of us. We just have to wait for him to present it!
Make Everyday Count.........
Denise
Sunday, September 3, 2017
What's Your Grandma Super Power?
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
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, 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
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