I can't imagine on a personal level how a year could have gotten any better. OK, we could have won the lottery! While all these blessings came to us, we were totally aware and affected by what was going on outside our little nest.
No need to elaborate on the economy, the war, unemployment or the many other things going on in our country unlike anything I can ever remember. Thank God this entire year gas prices have been under control. Where is Ronald Reagan when we need him?
This has been the year of deaths of people I never met but touched my life. It started with Jett Travolta and Natasha Richardson. Two untimely and shocking ways to go. Remember, as with Natasha, we lost Sonny Bono in much the same way ten years earlier. Makes you wonder about skiing in January. As for Jett, I can feel his parent's pain.
There were the deaths of celebrities, politicians, writers, sports figures, a who's who of the icons of my generation. I will not name them as you can find the list on your own. I am going to list those who touched me most.
Walter Cronkite and Ed McMahon. Walter told me JFK was dead and that the US had landed on the Moon. A news anchor to whom I'm sure every news person tries to emulate. Ed was Johnny's sidekick, who hosted "Star Search" long before "American Idol" or "Dancing with the Stars". He knew what people liked. Who didn't wish that he would show up on your doorstep with money from "Publisher's Clearing House". Both led wonderful lives, grew to be very old and forever remembered by us all.
Then there was Farrah and Patrick. My contemporaries. Prepared for their deaths. Cancer, more often than not, gets you. Just my personal experience. Kudos to both for their valiant fights. Farrah gave me a new haircut, starring roles in movies based on my favorite books....."Blood & Money", "Small Sacrifices" and "The Burning Bed". Plus, she choose to live her life with a man who gave me my forays into adulthood with "Peyton Place" and "Love Story". Patrick showed us that true love prevails by becoming a major star and staying with Lisa, the love of his life. In my list of top ten favorite movies of all time, there is "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost". May you both rest in peace.
Then there was Jack Kemp, a quarterback and a good Republican. Within a couple of weeks we lost Teddy and his sister Eunice. Though I never shared their political views I knew everything there was to know about them and fascinated by the whole Kennedy clan. What a gift Eunice gave us with the Special Olympics. Ted, whose legacy was marred by some bad behavior, gained our respect as the Patriarch of a family who faced insurmountable tragedies. Ironically, he was the only one of his brothers who lived to be a senior citizen and die of natural causes. Rest in peace to you both.
I was called in from recess in 1963 to be told JFK was dead. I was with my mother in 1977 planning my wedding when we heard that Elvis had died. Had just entertained friends at home and turned on the TV while cleaning up to find out about Princess Di's car accident. I worked in a television station when Challenger exploded in 1986and saw first hand the coverage. I was on my way to work when I heard on the radio of the 9/11 attacks. As all of you know through certain horrific events that touched you, you will always remember where you were when you found out. Another one of those days came my way on 6/25/09, hours after hearing of Farrah's death, I walked into "Old Time Pottery" with my future daughter-in-law to shop for the wedding when my daughter called to tell me about Michael Jackson.
I remember the excitement of the 1983 Motown 25th anniversary special when I saw him "moonwalk" for the first time, my love of the Jackson 5, "Thriller" and "Bad". Again, the source of some questionable behavior. I think he will always be remembered as the little boy lost who had more talent that we can ever conceive of. Thank you Michael for being a part of my life.
Billy Mays annoyed me, but I sure have a lot of Oxy-Clean. He could have sold me so much more. You go David Carridine for being in your 70's and losing your life to some kind of strange sexual act.
As before, there are so many 2009 losses. These are the ones that touched me most.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
2009
Personally, 2009 has been the best year ever. Not perfect but as close as it gets. Our son worked hard enough to secure a position immediately upon college graduation over 200 hundred miles away leaving us and his fiance behind.
The early months were tough as he came back to us every weekend. There was a wedding to plan. The wear and tear on him and his car were of great concern. Miraculously, he was laid off in April. Which was not good, but he would come home, attend grad school and become a husband to a woman we loved. Everyone was a bit relieved. Of course, he had caught wind of his impending lay-off and sent out resumes.
A month after he returned from Atlanta, when his place in grad school was secured, his future bride had signed a contract to teach kindergarten and a lease was signed for another year in Raleigh, he was offered a better job in Greensboro 70 miles away. Needless to say, he took it and has a much shorter commute this time but still grueling.
In the meantime he married Autumn in the most beautiful wedding ever and our dream is that a year from now she will have a position close to his work, they will buy a home, which logistically be located between ours and her parent's homes.
Plus, they managed to give us Tasha, an eight year old, Lhasa Apso, with one eye, crooked teeth and, without a doubt, the most wonderful dog ever. As you know I don't like dogs, certainly tried to understand why everyone I knew adored them but could never quite figure it out. Secretly, I dreaded Tasha when told of her adoption. An animal in my house? I've known her since May and her image is on all my screen savers, I go to Pet Smart, I shop for her clothes. She is with us about a week a month on various days, if she is here I don't leave the house unless she goes with me, I am head over heels in love. Go figure?
In addition, we have a daughter, a college Sr., pulls off 4.0's, works for the EPA, in honors' fraternities and is courted by pharmaceutical companies. She is still our baby and we enjoy every minute together.
Plus, my brother, at almost 50, married for the first time to a fabulous woman who gave us a very special nephew. My mother is healthy and happy and so much a part of everything mentioned above.
Can't say this in a Christmas letter or it would be bragging. Or so I think. I have no exotic vacations to tell you about, no major improvements to our home, except decluttering and paint, no boats or fancy cars or even a cell phone that more than make calls. Fact is we live in 2009 and times are tough.
Always my family's Polly Anna. My wish is that you all get to experience my 2009.
The early months were tough as he came back to us every weekend. There was a wedding to plan. The wear and tear on him and his car were of great concern. Miraculously, he was laid off in April. Which was not good, but he would come home, attend grad school and become a husband to a woman we loved. Everyone was a bit relieved. Of course, he had caught wind of his impending lay-off and sent out resumes.
A month after he returned from Atlanta, when his place in grad school was secured, his future bride had signed a contract to teach kindergarten and a lease was signed for another year in Raleigh, he was offered a better job in Greensboro 70 miles away. Needless to say, he took it and has a much shorter commute this time but still grueling.
In the meantime he married Autumn in the most beautiful wedding ever and our dream is that a year from now she will have a position close to his work, they will buy a home, which logistically be located between ours and her parent's homes.
Plus, they managed to give us Tasha, an eight year old, Lhasa Apso, with one eye, crooked teeth and, without a doubt, the most wonderful dog ever. As you know I don't like dogs, certainly tried to understand why everyone I knew adored them but could never quite figure it out. Secretly, I dreaded Tasha when told of her adoption. An animal in my house? I've known her since May and her image is on all my screen savers, I go to Pet Smart, I shop for her clothes. She is with us about a week a month on various days, if she is here I don't leave the house unless she goes with me, I am head over heels in love. Go figure?
In addition, we have a daughter, a college Sr., pulls off 4.0's, works for the EPA, in honors' fraternities and is courted by pharmaceutical companies. She is still our baby and we enjoy every minute together.
Plus, my brother, at almost 50, married for the first time to a fabulous woman who gave us a very special nephew. My mother is healthy and happy and so much a part of everything mentioned above.
Can't say this in a Christmas letter or it would be bragging. Or so I think. I have no exotic vacations to tell you about, no major improvements to our home, except decluttering and paint, no boats or fancy cars or even a cell phone that more than make calls. Fact is we live in 2009 and times are tough.
Always my family's Polly Anna. My wish is that you all get to experience my 2009.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I Miss My Emails
At the turn of this century one of the coolest things I got to do was stay in touch with friends through e mail. I was always one to send a Christmas letter, birthday card or jot down "thinking of you" note. The innovation of e mail was a delight to me as so many did not share my passion of staying connected through mail. I was finally hearing from those I hadn't heard from in years. It was wonderful for a while.
Ten years later my e mails consist of things business related or someone trying to sell me something. God bless the businesses that I have given my address to as they daily update me with promotions or offers. However, they are the junk mails I don't have time to look at or fear that any response will result in more of the same. These are good, businesses trying to succeed in this economy. I resent a promise of a gift card when my address will be given to millions. Tough times. I have recently joined the unemployed and certainly respect what they are trying to do.
Point is, I missed the emails from friends. I know that I can be a bit verbose when I write anything and I figured my lack of responses was because people had no time to keep up. I got the jokes, videos and inspirational pieces they sent and it was good to know they were still out there. However, I missed the personal contact.
I knew of Face book through my children and considered it as something they did. It seemed like too much information to too many people and a way to brag about something. Then a friend who I not seen in 15 years, "Friended" me. I had always been in contact with her so I figured if she liked it I would too. Found out why my personal emails were gone. They were all on Face book! Five months after this revelation I am in contact with friends and associates, some since HS (Class of '73).
I love this way of keeping up. Embarrassed it took me so long to get there.
Ten years later my e mails consist of things business related or someone trying to sell me something. God bless the businesses that I have given my address to as they daily update me with promotions or offers. However, they are the junk mails I don't have time to look at or fear that any response will result in more of the same. These are good, businesses trying to succeed in this economy. I resent a promise of a gift card when my address will be given to millions. Tough times. I have recently joined the unemployed and certainly respect what they are trying to do.
Point is, I missed the emails from friends. I know that I can be a bit verbose when I write anything and I figured my lack of responses was because people had no time to keep up. I got the jokes, videos and inspirational pieces they sent and it was good to know they were still out there. However, I missed the personal contact.
I knew of Face book through my children and considered it as something they did. It seemed like too much information to too many people and a way to brag about something. Then a friend who I not seen in 15 years, "Friended" me. I had always been in contact with her so I figured if she liked it I would too. Found out why my personal emails were gone. They were all on Face book! Five months after this revelation I am in contact with friends and associates, some since HS (Class of '73).
I love this way of keeping up. Embarrassed it took me so long to get there.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Put A Shirt On....Please
Calling all men. Our society deems it acceptable for gentlemen to be in public places without a shirt.....i.e, the beach or the pool. We all know this if fine but as I walked into a restaurant the other day that had a sign posted....."Shirts and Shoes Please", you have think that our men have taken the shirtless thing a bit too far.
We all know that they would love the tables to be turned and women could have this topless freedom. Men love boobs. The baby boomers started with their National Geographic and Sear's catalogue's as the way to provide them with a better view of of their burgeoning passion. In the early sixties it was a young boy's only view of this new obsession. Today, a nine year old boy has access to any image he desires of the all consuming breast. He can go on the Internet and see to his heart's desire and if his parents have blocked him, he will find a friend who hasn't been shut out. The images of the "mighty" bra from the Sear's catalogue have been replaced with the ultra sexy ones of Victoria's Secret that comes to his door. Plus, in these times, all they have to do is go outside their home and catch a fulfilling image of their most sacried sight . Glad I lived to see this.
You love us ( our girls) and we love that you do. However, with you guys, not so much. We sometimes lust after your good bodies at the beach or the pool, we are not obsessed with them. Doesn't matter if you are twenty, thirty or sixty, we do not want to see you mow the yard, go out to get the paper, walk your dog, or take out garbage without your shirt unless you have the body of a "Greek God". Your back may look like a sweater with all its hair, you may have the propensity for "man boobs", or are skinny or chubby. I am only speaking for myself when I say that these visions are not sexy. We love you for so many reasons. God bless you for still looking when we are not comfortable with our bodies and begin to sag. But for us,......... Put A Shirt On...... Please!
We all know that they would love the tables to be turned and women could have this topless freedom. Men love boobs. The baby boomers started with their National Geographic and Sear's catalogue's as the way to provide them with a better view of of their burgeoning passion. In the early sixties it was a young boy's only view of this new obsession. Today, a nine year old boy has access to any image he desires of the all consuming breast. He can go on the Internet and see to his heart's desire and if his parents have blocked him, he will find a friend who hasn't been shut out. The images of the "mighty" bra from the Sear's catalogue have been replaced with the ultra sexy ones of Victoria's Secret that comes to his door. Plus, in these times, all they have to do is go outside their home and catch a fulfilling image of their most sacried sight . Glad I lived to see this.
You love us ( our girls) and we love that you do. However, with you guys, not so much. We sometimes lust after your good bodies at the beach or the pool, we are not obsessed with them. Doesn't matter if you are twenty, thirty or sixty, we do not want to see you mow the yard, go out to get the paper, walk your dog, or take out garbage without your shirt unless you have the body of a "Greek God". Your back may look like a sweater with all its hair, you may have the propensity for "man boobs", or are skinny or chubby. I am only speaking for myself when I say that these visions are not sexy. We love you for so many reasons. God bless you for still looking when we are not comfortable with our bodies and begin to sag. But for us,......... Put A Shirt On...... Please!
Monday, October 5, 2009
RSVP
Does anyone know what these four letters mean? Wikipedia states that they are French (Repondez sil vous plait) translated to "Please Respond". In more simple terms, RSVP can be short for "Restricted Seating Verify Participation". Hope that clears it up for everyone.
Myself, who loves to entertain and an invitation maker to boot, have thrown these letters out for over thirty years. In the beginning I put in the RSVP because I thought it was a classy thing to do. I knew that it would give some kind of count for a party to which I knew everyone invited would come. Those who didn't RSVP would show up with a platter of nuggets from Chick Fil A to add to my perfectly planned table and my guests would love them sometimes more than what I had prepared. That was fine and still is.
Later came the children's birthday parties. Again, to those I invited, knew that most would come. You would invite twenty-five and plan junk food accordingly and they would come. Those of you who had children in the mid to late eighties know that the birthday party was moving far beyond simple. No more cake, ice cream, paper hats and pin the tail on the donkey. The 90's began the birth of the mega party. This was the era of visits to McDonald's, Chucky Cheese, Putt Putt, bowling or a pool party. These were the simple ones that I'm proud I stuck to. Before my children were twelve years old they had been to parties which included limousine and pony rides to visits from live Barbie's or Barney. All these parties warranted a $10 gift. When planning, one could count on everyone attending. Who wouldn't? RSVPs continued to get a 50/50 response with calls from parents asking to have their child included.
When these children became teens, the real mega parties began. Event centers were rented and more were invited. The gift became $20 (cash please) and, of course, you knew if invited they would come. I know of many children whose parties were so large that the gifts could have paid for a good chunk of college. It seemed like such a racket and the RSVP was still taken lightheartedly. That was fine and still is.
As these now teenagers went from high school to college, the affairs intensified. Video montages were created to celebrate their lives and the parties became even bigger and better. To all the long suffering people who had been included in every birthday party, it was yet another present to buy. The negative RSVP's did roll in with gifts attached. My own two children graduated from HS within two years of each other and in the Spring of '10 will have graduated from college within two years of each other. How proud we are and just want to share our happiness with notification and an invitation to a cookout or something. You now hesitate to send these announcements as not to appear to be asking for a gift. So sorry to family and close friends who always get them. This time the event is more intimate (in my case) and there is still a 50/50 split on the RSVP. We know that these days will be acknowledged by all of you in your thoughts and prayers. We pretty much knew who would show up. This was fine.
In the summer of 2009 something new and wonderful happened here. The weddings of our son and my brother, all within thirty-three days of each other. The invitations were sent for even more elaborate functions. Cards with addressed, stamped envelopes were included or a phone number or email address for an event to take place six weeks away. To my horror there was still a 50/50 response. This was not fine.
As I tried to figure it out and asked about it, there are those who think that no reply means a negative response. Then there are those who think that they need not reply because the hosts will certainly know they will be there or those who live in far away places who assume that everyone should know that they are not willing to make the trip. This is not acceptable. If you receive a stamped return card six weeks before said event all you have to do is write your name, number attending, lick it and mail it. If you think something better will come up on that day, go ahead and get it over with and say you will not attend. When the RSVP asks for a phone call or e mail reply, do it! This is even easier. If you do not want to speak to the person who thought enough of you to include you in their special day, call during work hours or send an email which requires no physical contact whatsoever. Speaking as the person on the other end, your affirmation brings delight, your regret brings disappointment, but we understand. To disregard brings stress, bewilderment and a bit of anger.
We are talking major venues rented, sit down dinners, bands/DJ's and seating here. It feels like a slap in the the face when you ignore this distinctive day. Of course, I know that there are those of you who are extremely busy, we all are, and you may put the invitation away with good intentions. We all know that saved mail sometimes becomes lost mail. You have been given three weeks to reply, don't wait until the last minute. If you say you are coming and ultimately don't show up you are committing the biggest faux pas ever. Other than death or illness of you or anyone in your immediate family there is no excuse for changing your mind.
You will continue to get invitations to events of those you hardly know and those you know so well. Everyone deserves the same respect. For those you don't know that well, galas for children you have never met of co-workers to distant relatives to long lost friends may make you feel like your gift is needed or they need to fill seats to make them look popular. Whatever you think of it, remember that a beautifully designed announcement, envelope and stamp were purchased to put your name on and that was not cheap.
Gifts are not an issue. I can honestly say, in my house at least, no one talks about or makes lists of those who stiffed them. Back in the birthday party days however, I do remember taking my children to parties where the guest of honor only spoke to those deemed acceptable and knew there were those invited because their parents had the reputation of giving generous gifts. So uncool! No matter what you feel about the motive of an invitation, remember that you were thought of and the sender wanted nothing more than to share a special day with you.
If I have ever failed to RSVP, I apologize and am devastated. It will never happen again. As mentioned before, I first thought it took class to tack a RSVP on a card. I now know that the person with real class is the one who responds in a timely manner. My new definition of RSVP is Really Special Validate Please.
Does anyone know what these four letters mean? Wikipedia states that they are French (Repondez sil vous plait) translated to "Please Respond". In more simple terms, RSVP can be short for "Restricted Seating Verify Participation". Hope that clears it up for everyone.
Myself, who loves to entertain and an invitation maker to boot, have thrown these letters out for over thirty years. In the beginning I put in the RSVP because I thought it was a classy thing to do. I knew that it would give some kind of count for a party to which I knew everyone invited would come. Those who didn't RSVP would show up with a platter of nuggets from Chick Fil A to add to my perfectly planned table and my guests would love them sometimes more than what I had prepared. That was fine and still is.
Later came the children's birthday parties. Again, to those I invited, knew that most would come. You would invite twenty-five and plan junk food accordingly and they would come. Those of you who had children in the mid to late eighties know that the birthday party was moving far beyond simple. No more cake, ice cream, paper hats and pin the tail on the donkey. The 90's began the birth of the mega party. This was the era of visits to McDonald's, Chucky Cheese, Putt Putt, bowling or a pool party. These were the simple ones that I'm proud I stuck to. Before my children were twelve years old they had been to parties which included limousine and pony rides to visits from live Barbie's or Barney. All these parties warranted a $10 gift. When planning, one could count on everyone attending. Who wouldn't? RSVPs continued to get a 50/50 response with calls from parents asking to have their child included.
When these children became teens, the real mega parties began. Event centers were rented and more were invited. The gift became $20 (cash please) and, of course, you knew if invited they would come. I know of many children whose parties were so large that the gifts could have paid for a good chunk of college. It seemed like such a racket and the RSVP was still taken lightheartedly. That was fine and still is.
As these now teenagers went from high school to college, the affairs intensified. Video montages were created to celebrate their lives and the parties became even bigger and better. To all the long suffering people who had been included in every birthday party, it was yet another present to buy. The negative RSVP's did roll in with gifts attached. My own two children graduated from HS within two years of each other and in the Spring of '10 will have graduated from college within two years of each other. How proud we are and just want to share our happiness with notification and an invitation to a cookout or something. You now hesitate to send these announcements as not to appear to be asking for a gift. So sorry to family and close friends who always get them. This time the event is more intimate (in my case) and there is still a 50/50 split on the RSVP. We know that these days will be acknowledged by all of you in your thoughts and prayers. We pretty much knew who would show up. This was fine.
In the summer of 2009 something new and wonderful happened here. The weddings of our son and my brother, all within thirty-three days of each other. The invitations were sent for even more elaborate functions. Cards with addressed, stamped envelopes were included or a phone number or email address for an event to take place six weeks away. To my horror there was still a 50/50 response. This was not fine.
As I tried to figure it out and asked about it, there are those who think that no reply means a negative response. Then there are those who think that they need not reply because the hosts will certainly know they will be there or those who live in far away places who assume that everyone should know that they are not willing to make the trip. This is not acceptable. If you receive a stamped return card six weeks before said event all you have to do is write your name, number attending, lick it and mail it. If you think something better will come up on that day, go ahead and get it over with and say you will not attend. When the RSVP asks for a phone call or e mail reply, do it! This is even easier. If you do not want to speak to the person who thought enough of you to include you in their special day, call during work hours or send an email which requires no physical contact whatsoever. Speaking as the person on the other end, your affirmation brings delight, your regret brings disappointment, but we understand. To disregard brings stress, bewilderment and a bit of anger.
We are talking major venues rented, sit down dinners, bands/DJ's and seating here. It feels like a slap in the the face when you ignore this distinctive day. Of course, I know that there are those of you who are extremely busy, we all are, and you may put the invitation away with good intentions. We all know that saved mail sometimes becomes lost mail. You have been given three weeks to reply, don't wait until the last minute. If you say you are coming and ultimately don't show up you are committing the biggest faux pas ever. Other than death or illness of you or anyone in your immediate family there is no excuse for changing your mind.
You will continue to get invitations to events of those you hardly know and those you know so well. Everyone deserves the same respect. For those you don't know that well, galas for children you have never met of co-workers to distant relatives to long lost friends may make you feel like your gift is needed or they need to fill seats to make them look popular. Whatever you think of it, remember that a beautifully designed announcement, envelope and stamp were purchased to put your name on and that was not cheap.
Gifts are not an issue. I can honestly say, in my house at least, no one talks about or makes lists of those who stiffed them. Back in the birthday party days however, I do remember taking my children to parties where the guest of honor only spoke to those deemed acceptable and knew there were those invited because their parents had the reputation of giving generous gifts. So uncool! No matter what you feel about the motive of an invitation, remember that you were thought of and the sender wanted nothing more than to share a special day with you.
If I have ever failed to RSVP, I apologize and am devastated. It will never happen again. As mentioned before, I first thought it took class to tack a RSVP on a card. I now know that the person with real class is the one who responds in a timely manner. My new definition of RSVP is Really Special Validate Please.
The Conversion
I have never been an animal lover. Or not since I was four years old and my parents took me to a Christmas parade, in the crowd there was a dog on a leash who decided to attack me and bite me in the belly. Needless to say, I missed the parade and went to the hospital.
From that time until about third grade, I had little contact with dogs and when I did, I was terrified of them. When I was about ten years my Mom and Dad decided that we needed a dog. There were a couple through my teenage years who lived with us and I did not like them. I really wasn't afraid, just thought they were a nuisance and messy. I had a cat I loved for a while until she pooped in my bed.
In the ensuing years there were dogs of friends I could tolerate and even liked. My best friend from about third grade until middle school had a St. Bernard named Gretel. She was a sweetheart. As I entered adulthood there wasn't a dog that made an impression on me.
I married into a family of dog lovers ironically. I slept in my in-laws home with a eighty pound Collie in between my new husband and myself. I hated it. Poor Missy had an eating disorder (she couldn't stop) and died a few years later. Then they all became lovers of a breed which I will not name as not to offend anyone. They are small, annoying, destructive and have trouble with potty training.
The first one of them came into our lives a few weeks before we purchased a room full of furniture for $500. It was 1982 and this new addition to our family belonging to my brother-in-law waltzed into our apartment, lifted his leg and peed on my new sofa. My brother-in-law thought it was cute and funny. I will never forgive him for that. These little darlings are still a part of the family.
I did encounter dogs of friends, family and neighbors during this time who were tolerable and sometimes enjoyable. I was a runner then and also encountered those who liked to chase and growl at me. Dogs could not win my heart. I heard the tales of the costs of taking care of them, saw shoes eaten, carpets destroyed and totally opted out. Then as my daughter approached her tenth birthday she decided that since all her friends had one, she needed a puppy. Always one to spoil my children, we went shopping. Along the way I filled her head with such propaganda as you will have to feed it , bathe it and walk your new pet each day. Her tenth birthday present was not a live dog.
Over ten years later, a dog in our immediate family became imminent as our son was about to marry a woman who was adamant that they have a dog. My husband and I were told that there would be an adoption of an eight year old Lhasa Apso with one eye. My first thought was "I am going to have to let this animal come into my home, sleep, poop in the yard and wipe her butt on our rugs". I was about to have a dog in my house who would bark, destroy our things and be a general pain in the neck. Of course, pleasing my future daughter-in-law was more important, so I knew that I would have to learn to live with the visits.
Then I met Tasha for the first time and fell head over heels in love. My first experience with love at first sight. She is classy, sophisticated and beautiful. She barks when the doorbell rings, she doesn't shed, doesn't jump up on you and has never peed on our floor. She has pooped when she was new to visiting our home she came in and we all went out to dinner. We turned on the security system, she activated it and it scared the you know what out of her. Who could get mad at her for that?
Tasha's image is now the screen saver for my computer, cell phone and my camera is full of her pictures. There are friends and family members who continue to be shocked when I whip out a photo. I actually go to Pet Smart and have a rewards card. When I babysit for her I refuse to go anywhere without her. I guess I am the extreme late bloomer when it comes to dogs. I just had to find the right one. Thank you new daughter-in-law.
I have never been an animal lover. Or not since I was four years old and my parents took me to a Christmas parade, in the crowd there was a dog on a leash who decided to attack me and bite me in the belly. Needless to say, I missed the parade and went to the hospital.
From that time until about third grade, I had little contact with dogs and when I did, I was terrified of them. When I was about ten years my Mom and Dad decided that we needed a dog. There were a couple through my teenage years who lived with us and I did not like them. I really wasn't afraid, just thought they were a nuisance and messy. I had a cat I loved for a while until she pooped in my bed.
In the ensuing years there were dogs of friends I could tolerate and even liked. My best friend from about third grade until middle school had a St. Bernard named Gretel. She was a sweetheart. As I entered adulthood there wasn't a dog that made an impression on me.
I married into a family of dog lovers ironically. I slept in my in-laws home with a eighty pound Collie in between my new husband and myself. I hated it. Poor Missy had an eating disorder (she couldn't stop) and died a few years later. Then they all became lovers of a breed which I will not name as not to offend anyone. They are small, annoying, destructive and have trouble with potty training.
The first one of them came into our lives a few weeks before we purchased a room full of furniture for $500. It was 1982 and this new addition to our family belonging to my brother-in-law waltzed into our apartment, lifted his leg and peed on my new sofa. My brother-in-law thought it was cute and funny. I will never forgive him for that. These little darlings are still a part of the family.
I did encounter dogs of friends, family and neighbors during this time who were tolerable and sometimes enjoyable. I was a runner then and also encountered those who liked to chase and growl at me. Dogs could not win my heart. I heard the tales of the costs of taking care of them, saw shoes eaten, carpets destroyed and totally opted out. Then as my daughter approached her tenth birthday she decided that since all her friends had one, she needed a puppy. Always one to spoil my children, we went shopping. Along the way I filled her head with such propaganda as you will have to feed it , bathe it and walk your new pet each day. Her tenth birthday present was not a live dog.
Over ten years later, a dog in our immediate family became imminent as our son was about to marry a woman who was adamant that they have a dog. My husband and I were told that there would be an adoption of an eight year old Lhasa Apso with one eye. My first thought was "I am going to have to let this animal come into my home, sleep, poop in the yard and wipe her butt on our rugs". I was about to have a dog in my house who would bark, destroy our things and be a general pain in the neck. Of course, pleasing my future daughter-in-law was more important, so I knew that I would have to learn to live with the visits.
Then I met Tasha for the first time and fell head over heels in love. My first experience with love at first sight. She is classy, sophisticated and beautiful. She barks when the doorbell rings, she doesn't shed, doesn't jump up on you and has never peed on our floor. She has pooped when she was new to visiting our home she came in and we all went out to dinner. We turned on the security system, she activated it and it scared the you know what out of her. Who could get mad at her for that?
Tasha's image is now the screen saver for my computer, cell phone and my camera is full of her pictures. There are friends and family members who continue to be shocked when I whip out a photo. I actually go to Pet Smart and have a rewards card. When I babysit for her I refuse to go anywhere without her. I guess I am the extreme late bloomer when it comes to dogs. I just had to find the right one. Thank you new daughter-in-law.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
About Me
As I approach my 55th birthday, I have suddenly found myself unemployed. My husband has a great career, our children are self-sufficient, almost....one is a senior in college so things are not that bleak. However, I will have to wait for the kitchen remodel, the new deck or the dream of having a professional come in to plug and lime our yard and put out mulch. I know my sacrifices are minimal in the scheme of things in the world today. I plan to freelance in the myriad of things I love to do. One of which is writing and my blog will be focused on the day to day life of a baby boomer. Hope you will enjoy!
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