That is the question.  I could go either way today.  Let's start with something I've been wanting to address for quite a while:  What is with the sense of entitlement in this country?  Why are our children so spoiled they expect to get the latest game system or fashions - and get them?  Wake up parents! 

 

Watching House*Hunters, I see these kids grown up - at least somewhat.  They are looking for a home and they have to have a master suite with two sinks.  Our family of five had one bathroom most of the time I was growing up and, when we became six, added a powder room (eventually  3/4 bath).  Know what?  We survived just fine, thank you very much.  Three teenagers.  My memory is a bit foggy right now but I am sure we fought over shower times and towels but we also had to learn teamwork - happily or not.

 

Oh, and granite countertops!  Have to have granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen!  How long before having to buy and use a special cleaner for that stainless steel every day gets old?  And I've read where dark colors of granite can give off unhealthy amounts of radon!

 

I would love to have a kitchen make-over.  Quartz countertops would be nice; bamboo floors.  An extension to make the back of the house, where the kitchen is, an "open-concept" kitchen/family room.  Am I willing to over-extend myself and my family to get what I want.  Nope.  We're barely making it as it is.  I'll be happy if we can stay in our humble abode.

 

So glad I got that off my chest.  I could go on and on.........but that's enough.

 

On a positive note, I had a great conversation with Liz today.  She's a blogging buddy who has become a friend.  I feel so comfortable speaking with her.  After getting fed up with spaces, she designed her own web site which I highly recommend.  She hasn't been spending much time there because of the lack of visitors.  I told her that I am getting fewer and fewer visitors except for the faithful five or so.  Hang in there, Liz!

 

Let's falderal (did you know that is a verb?  Nah.):

 

 If you have a spouse, do you have the same view on life style?  Not really.  Himself likes "things" more than I do.  I can live without the big screen tv but wanting one gnawed at his gut until he got one.

 

Superbowl Sunday in the USA!  Will you be watching?  If not, what are your plans?  If so, who are you planning to watch it with,  are rooting for one team over the other or just want to see a good game and great commercials!?  Oh, boy will I be watching and rooting for the Cardinals because of Kurt Warner is their quarterback (see previous entry).  We plan to see it with G&P who are our best couple friends.

 

Has the hole in the ozone layer affected you?  Not that I know of.

 

Donuts or cookies?  Oh, cookies for sure.  Yum.

 

Have you read The Shack by William P. Young?  This book changed the way I see God - in a good way.  I highly recommend it.

 

Can you tell I don't have much creativity today?  Sorry.  Here's hoping for a safe, fun, Cardinal-winning weekend!  g

 

....is even better than the fiction! 

 

Oh, man!  I put the wrong url. above.  The correct one is http://www.snopes.com/glurge/warner.asp

 

This is a great story of true character.  Sorry for the mix-up, g

 

 

I don't know why I signed up for the one day women's retreat held yesterday.  It is not my thing to be in a crowd of people and to spend money to do it.  I just knew I had to go.

 

Shortly after signing in, I saw the mom of my best friend in junior and senior high school.  This friend is the one who led me to Christ.  This lovely lady and I have a wonderful relationship and we got to catch up throughout the day .

 

Also there was C.  Years ago C and I instantly clicked when we met - I believe it was over the phone in my capacity of church secretary.  In fourteen years, we have only been face to face may be four times and had phone contact for various church reasons.  However, we have a bond that is unexplainable.  The retreat was at her home church and every time she saw me she either said my name loudly or mouthed it to me over and over again!  She is one funny person!

 

A number of years ago, I was blessed to be able to sing in the choir at a Billy Graham crusade.  Arriving early for rehearsal, I ran into many people from various churches I had attended over the years.  I thought, "This must be what heaven is like!  Seeing all the people who have touched me in my Christian walk in one place!" 

 

When I listen to that small voice which tells me where to go and what to do, I know that I am in God's will.  Being in His will has never brought me down the wrong path.  If only I had listened more!  So much heartache would have been avoided!  Listening is still difficult when I want my own way.  I don't know what is around the corner of my life.  But He knows.  Only He can guide me through the dark keeping me from stubbing my toe in my clumsiness.

 

That still, small voice led me to the retreat yesterday.  Seeing the people I saw and listening to the speakers blessed me more than I can express.  And my toes don't hurt because I followed His suggestion instead of my own desire which was to sleep in!

 

A new week is ahead.  It looks like the Girl and Bells are moving back in for a while.  Please pray along with me that I hear His voice over the noise that is in my mind.  This is a small house and we have different ways of doing things.  This could cause strife but I hope for a supernatural peace to come over our home.

 

Be blessed.  Be safe.  g

 

 

I didn't plan out my day accurately and don't have time to post a falderal.  Will be back as soon as I get back on track.

 

Have a great weekend!  g

 

 

It just hit me that today is Friday.  Yes, I've known all day that it is Friday but it didn't hit me that it is Friday Falderal time.  With the lack of visitors we've all been experiencing because of the "improvements' we were gifted with, well, I forgot!  Almost.

 

Might I make a suggestion?  I put all your sites in my "favorites" list in folders.  That way I can get to you easily.  Since it is hard to see who has updated I find it to be a blessing.  I try to visit everyone once a week but don't always get to. 

 

What shall we talk about today?  Maybe a hodge podge is in order:

 

1)  How have you been coping with the changes on spaces if you are still here?  If you have moved, are you happy with your new home?  As I stated above, your sites are in my favorites.  I really don't feel good about the changes.  I don't find them to be user friendly.  I'm afraid to move because I am not all that computer savvy and I don't know if I could get the site to look decent.

 

2)  What is your favorite comfort food.  Dark Chocolate.  And pasta.  And tomato-cheese casserole.  And, and...

 

3)  Do you believe in global warming?  You can't prove it by the weather we have around here.  I really don't know but I've seen arguments on both sides.

 

4)  What actor or actors do you think to be the best of our time?  Without a doubt, Robert*Duvall

and Anthony*Hopkins.  Actresses?  I can't think of anyone who would be up there.  Glen*Close?  Now if Joan*Crawford or Bette*Davis were still alive....

 

5) If you had to be anywhere but where  you are right now, where would you be?  Visiting my baby brother.  I miss him (he lives on the left coast).

 

Hopefully, I will get visitors to answer my trivia treasure trove.  I'm really interested in what you have to say!

 

bless you, g

 

 

Phew!  Had a rough couple of days there but am much better now.  Thanks for your kindnesses.

 

We are having an arctic blast here.  I know that is nothing compared to Minnesota, North Dakota and such but it is pretty rough for some.  Doesn't bother me and I am so thankful for a warm home and health that allows me to go out if I need to.

 

I get such joy from hearing Bells play with Himself.  She laughs and he laughs and it makes everything a bit better.  "Gampa" was one of the first names she said.  Actually, I think it was the first name.  Since before she was born I've wanted her to call me "Nonna," the Italian word for grandmother.  However, she only refers to me as "Boo-boo."  I've called her that for a long time and she decided that is my name!  No matter how much I correct her she won't budge.  Hey, as long as she calls me.......

 

Why Nonna?  Because I often want to be different.  When I sported a zebra print purse, my daughter was not pleased.  This was only last year!  When I got a couple of new purses, she said it was good that I could throw the zebra out.  I told her I was saving it for Bells to play with!  Ha!

 

Different is fun.  But not when you are a kid.  I remember crocheting a nose warmer when I was in grade school.  The next cold day I wore it to school and people stared and pointed and made fun.  I thought it was a great idea!  Kids are cruel out loud.  Adults talk behind your back.  Difference now is I hardly ever care.  Age is definately good for some things.

 

The poem "Warning" has been a favorite of mine for many years.  Now that the Red*H*t ladies have gotten a hold of it I am only one in a crowd.  However, I loved it before it was popular so...

 

Warning - When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

By Jenny Joseph

 

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired

and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

and run my stick along the public railings

and make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

and pick the flowers in other people's gardens

and learn to spit.

 

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

and eat three pounds of sausages at a go

or only bread and pickles for a week

and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes.

 

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

and pay our rent and not swear in the street

and set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Purple suits me.  blessings, g

 

My fms is acting up in my fingers so an entry will have to wait for now.  Hope you have a great week, g

 

Jane had an interesting assignment from one of her blog buddies:  List 10 of your favorite things but they have to start with a certain letter (assigned to you by the blog owner).  I said I was game and "Vanna" assigned the letter "r" to me.  Here goes (maybe I will finish it before tomorrow):

 

1)  (Seedless) raspberries- Don 't leave the seeds in or I will say something not nice.  Not to you, of course, but to myself.  Maybe.  This would be raspberries in a tort, cake or whatever.

 

2)  Rice - oh, the carb heaven I am in when eating rice - especially my family's specialty of our own type of "Spanish" rice.  Yum.

 

3)  The word "ramekin."  It is fun to say and hear.

 

4)  Reality shows with a purpose - I'm talking about Jon and Kate Plus 8 which helps you understand the lives of people with multiples, Little People, Big World which gives insight into how little people function in a world  not equipped for them and Untold Stories of the ER, etc.

 

5)  Reading - The places I've gone, the people I've seen and the information that is at the tip of my fingers such as recipes and words in a dictionary to help with this meme!

 

6)  Refunds at the food store when the cash register computer hasn't been updated and the price of an item is higher when it is supposed to be.  At my local supermarket, you get the item for free!

 

7)  Radios - especially in the car.  Good stuff.

 

8)  Retin-A - Helps with the complexion.

 

9)  (Free) roaming on the cell phone - I can't believe we used to pay for this!

 

10) Rules - Without them there would be anarchy - and none to break on occasion!

 

How about you?  Would you like a letter?  Lemme know......g

 

 

Where is time going?  It's already Tuesday?  Three PM  Tuesday?  I think I hear a "whoosh" of time passing by me.

 

Just finished reading Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin and Beth Carson.  I watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 religiously every week.  It is a real life "reality" television show about the Gosselin family who had twins and then sextuplets.  I thought I knew everything about this family until I read the book.  Oh, my, but did they go through hard times!  They are very real and that makes them easy to like.  I'd recommend the book if you need some inspiration.

 

Next on the book list is a bunch of books I ordered from the library on autism.  If this is the label my darling Bells is going to live with I need to be knowledgeable.  Once The Girl starts working again, more than likely I will be involved with Isabella's early intervention again.  She will start with the local school system as soon as they evaluate her which should be very soon. 

 

When I was praying last night, I asked God why Isabella had to be affected with this.  It struck me as I asked that I don't love this little girl any less than if she wasn't "special."  She is "fearfully and wonderfully made!"  She isn't a mistake.  She is exactly as God created her to be and we love her as she is.  Any other child would not be Isabella. 

 

She is my heart.  Is my heart broken over this?  I have to be honest with you.  Sometimes, like last night, it is.  It is sometimes selfishly broken for me; sometimes for my daughter.  But Isabella is such a happy person!  Isn't that a great, positive overshadowing the negative? 

 

It is thought by Isabella's therapists (occupational and early interventionist) that Bells will be able to lead a "normal" life.  She will be mainstreamed early on and be able to shop at the mall with her friends when she is older.  We'll see if they are right about this.  I hope and pray that they are.  In the meantime, we need to love her and kiss her and hug her and enjoy the happiness and joy that exudes from her. 

 

I am so blessed.  g

 

 

 

 

I wanted to write about today but I believe I have a "brain cloud" (a term from "Joe vs. the Volcano" I believe).  Let's see...

 

I've neglected to mention that The Girl lost her job two days before Christmas.  We hardly ever get to see Isabella and it is hard.  Please pray for our girl as she is depressed and looking for work.

 

After The Boy said he was going to stay overnight at a friend's house New Year's Eve, something told me to stay up until the wee hours.  Just before four a.m., I heard the loud music which always announces his arrival in the driveway.

 

When he walked in, he smelled like a brewery but insisted that he was fine.  Even his friends said he was fine!  I took out my trusty breathylizer from his rehab. days and he blew a .16 - twice the legal limit.  "But I'm fine!  I just drove around the block!"  "I'm taking away your keys," said I.  Himself and I decided to take away his car ("You cant do that!  It's my car!"  Just you watch me.) for two weeks.  I thought it needed to be longer but, for the softy we call Himself, that was a lot.  There's more to it but I know you get the idea.

 

People all around me insist over and over again that The Boy is not an alcoholic.  I'm not convinced but time will tell.

 

 Let's talk.  Friday Falderal:

 

Do you ever drink alcoholic beverages?  Not very much.  I enjoy the occasional half glass of wine but I can't have all that much.  People drink for different reasons one of them being to feel tipsy.  I can't stand being out of control.

 

Have you ever been the only one not drinking at an event?  Often.  Himself used to get ticked off because he felt I was being a snob around his friends but he got over it when I let him have it.  Can you imagine that?  ~humph~

 

Have you ever driven under the influence?  I must confess that, when I was in college working part-time, we went out for drinks after work.  I ought not to have driven home.  It was so out of character and I have felt terrible about it ever since. 

 

Do you believe that alcoholism is a disease?  Here we go again....you might remember my rantings on this when The Boy wa in rehab.  No, no, a thousand times no!  I believe that some might be more genetically disposed to alcoholism but it is not a disease.  (ref. July 10 at the end of the entry)

 

What are you up to this weekend?  Not a clue other than church on Sunday.

 

Oh, one more thing!  We watched the movie The Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson last night.  It was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

 

Be well and let me hear from you.  I miss all the activity we used to have around here.  I stop by each of your spaces (I have them listed in folders in my favorites) as often as possible.  g