I am short. I have been that way all my life. My parents were average in height. My sister is about 5'6". My brothers (I have two of them) are over 6 feet tall. I am the shortest of my family. My oldest brother called me "the runt" which is fitting because I am the youngest...and.shortest.
In the dictionary it say:
1. having little length; not long.
2. having little height; not tall: a short man.
3. extending or reaching only a little way: a short path.
4. brief in duration; not extensive in time: a short wait.
5. brief or concise, as writing.
6. rudely brief; abrupt; hurting: short behavior.
7. low in amount; scanty: short rations.
8. not reaching a point, mark, target, or the like; not long enough or far enough.
9. below the standard in extent, quantity, duration, etc.: short measure.
10. having a scanty or insufficient amount of (often fol. by in or on): He was short in experience.
11. being below a necessary or desired level; lacking: The office is short due to winter colds and flu.
That's 11 out of a total of 52 definitions. There's everything from cooking (such as short cake) to an electronic term called "bit". There are “short stops” in Baseball and shorts that you wear. My favorite is "short and sweet", esp. when it comes to church talks or long meetings. There's only so much that the attention span can handle.
Being short can be an advantage in some ways. I could wear any size heals on my shoes and NOT be taller than the guy I dated. When I was younger, I could fit in tight places for hide and seek (once I hid in our dryer). It was also easy to crawl around and find things that had been dropped on the floor or rolled under the bed. Short people can usually run fast and quick and I found that to be true in my case. In 6th grade I won an award for being the fastest. I will be honest. I am glad that if the “short genes” had to be in my family…that my girls have them and not my son. I’m glad that he's tall.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Nerves
Have you ever been nervous? What do you do? Do you get fidgety? Are you quick to anger? Do you get sick to your stomach? Or do you look like you are calm, only to feel like you are having a “war” inside? I have felt it all.
I've noticed, that another thing I do is talk a lot. This became clear to me upon my last visit at our dentist office. The only thing that stops me from talking more, in this situation, is that most of the time their hands are in my mouth, which brings me to my topic. How do you communicate at the Dentist office?
I find this subject to be of interest, not only because I have heard many jokes, and people talking about it, but also because I was a Dental Assistant in my youth.
It never fails that the conversation is very casual when you first arrive. “How are you?” ”Are there any problems?” Etc. However, when they start to work on your teeth, then you get the nitty, gritty questions like… “How’s your family?” “Where are they now?” “Do you have any Grandkids?" “Whom are you voting for?” Or…my favorite…”You use to be a Dental Assistant?” “Tell me about it.” The whole time you are trying to answer the questions without using your lips (since their instruments and hands are there). Sometimes you CAN get a word out (before the next question) and other times, you resort to sign language, mumbling, or just closing your eyes and pretending to sleep. Some offices now have headphones where you can listen to music or watch a movie. However things are going, my favorite is when you hear (either the Dentist or her staff say)…”This is not fair to ask questions when you can’t talk to us.” It is true, but being a Dental Assistant (a long time ago), I remember just trying to make things light and comfortable. It was easy to ask questions, not remembering that they really couldn’t answer it. I look back and think that I could have done things a lot different. I’m just hoping that the patients realized that I was just trying to be friendly and to help them to not feel nervous, just like my kind dentist (and her assistants) do for me.
I've noticed, that another thing I do is talk a lot. This became clear to me upon my last visit at our dentist office. The only thing that stops me from talking more, in this situation, is that most of the time their hands are in my mouth, which brings me to my topic. How do you communicate at the Dentist office?
I find this subject to be of interest, not only because I have heard many jokes, and people talking about it, but also because I was a Dental Assistant in my youth.
It never fails that the conversation is very casual when you first arrive. “How are you?” ”Are there any problems?” Etc. However, when they start to work on your teeth, then you get the nitty, gritty questions like… “How’s your family?” “Where are they now?” “Do you have any Grandkids?" “Whom are you voting for?” Or…my favorite…”You use to be a Dental Assistant?” “Tell me about it.” The whole time you are trying to answer the questions without using your lips (since their instruments and hands are there). Sometimes you CAN get a word out (before the next question) and other times, you resort to sign language, mumbling, or just closing your eyes and pretending to sleep. Some offices now have headphones where you can listen to music or watch a movie. However things are going, my favorite is when you hear (either the Dentist or her staff say)…”This is not fair to ask questions when you can’t talk to us.” It is true, but being a Dental Assistant (a long time ago), I remember just trying to make things light and comfortable. It was easy to ask questions, not remembering that they really couldn’t answer it. I look back and think that I could have done things a lot different. I’m just hoping that the patients realized that I was just trying to be friendly and to help them to not feel nervous, just like my kind dentist (and her assistants) do for me.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Roses
This morning, my husband woke me early saying that a friend of ours needed a blessing. I was really tired, but felt the need to be present. My friend ended up calling and asking if she could have the blessing tonight and also could she come and visit me after she took her daughter to school. She was extremely upset and I knew she needed to talk.
I couldn't go back to sleep wondering what had happened to her. I finally decided that I was awake...wide-awake, so I decided to get ready for my friends visit. I walked into the kitchen to find beautiful roses with a note (made by my husband) saying, "To the love of my life." My heart melted. I have not received many flowers in my lifetime. I’ve always joked that the day I would receive flowers would be the day of my funeral. At first I didn’t know what to think because I was so surprised and then I felt special! I felt loved! I never understood how flowers from your husband could make a bleak day (another snow/wind storm) be so bright.
My friend did come and talk to me and tonight my husband gave her a blessing (and also her daughter). During the afternoon, I was able to have a short visit with my oldest daughter and grandkids. I saw my son and daughter-in-law in a special Valentines interview on TV. I listened to my youngest daughter practicing the piano. The wind finally stopped blowing and the sun came out. It was a long day, but good. Tonight, I’m tired, but grateful for the smile that comes on my face every time I see the beautiful, red roses. Thank You, Marc!!!
I couldn't go back to sleep wondering what had happened to her. I finally decided that I was awake...wide-awake, so I decided to get ready for my friends visit. I walked into the kitchen to find beautiful roses with a note (made by my husband) saying, "To the love of my life." My heart melted. I have not received many flowers in my lifetime. I’ve always joked that the day I would receive flowers would be the day of my funeral. At first I didn’t know what to think because I was so surprised and then I felt special! I felt loved! I never understood how flowers from your husband could make a bleak day (another snow/wind storm) be so bright.
My friend did come and talk to me and tonight my husband gave her a blessing (and also her daughter). During the afternoon, I was able to have a short visit with my oldest daughter and grandkids. I saw my son and daughter-in-law in a special Valentines interview on TV. I listened to my youngest daughter practicing the piano. The wind finally stopped blowing and the sun came out. It was a long day, but good. Tonight, I’m tired, but grateful for the smile that comes on my face every time I see the beautiful, red roses. Thank You, Marc!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Death in the Family?
Will Sam die? Who will be Sonny’s next conquest? What other mob members are going to show up? Can Carly deliver a baby? Who will be killed next? Who will die, but will still be on the show? If you haven’t guessed, these are questions that I ponder every time I watch a daytime soap called “General Hospital.” Dun! Dun! Dun! Dun!!!
First off, I keep myself busy, so why do I have to stop everything at 2 P.M. to watch this show? I justify it by saying that it is a good time to eat lunch, but lets face it…I’m hooked.
I’ve watched General Hospital for 30 years. Some of the characters have never changed. Others have left and then suddenly reappeared. Some characters don’t even look like they have aged. I sure have, so what is their secret? There are the heros that makes your heart throb and the villains that you hate. Some of the villains also make your heart skip a beat (or two). There are topics that I have not enjoyed (I don't watch) and others that I absolutely can’t miss.
Right now there's a new "mob" Queen that's making the story line really interesting. Sam (one of my favorites) has been in an accident. It could be four people that hit her. One is a surgeon who’s an alcoholic, another is a pregnant mom (who hates Sam), and then there's Elizabeth that's on painkillers and finally Nicholas who has a disease that makes him "black out." To top it off, there is a killer/strangler that is loose in the streets of Port Charles. Who will be his next victim? Can you see why I'm addicted?
Sometimes my girls and I talk about these characters as if they are real people. Such is the life of the soap opera world. Oh, look at the time. I need to go eat lunch (wink). Maybe I can write more another time. Stay tuned...
First off, I keep myself busy, so why do I have to stop everything at 2 P.M. to watch this show? I justify it by saying that it is a good time to eat lunch, but lets face it…I’m hooked.
I’ve watched General Hospital for 30 years. Some of the characters have never changed. Others have left and then suddenly reappeared. Some characters don’t even look like they have aged. I sure have, so what is their secret? There are the heros that makes your heart throb and the villains that you hate. Some of the villains also make your heart skip a beat (or two). There are topics that I have not enjoyed (I don't watch) and others that I absolutely can’t miss.
Right now there's a new "mob" Queen that's making the story line really interesting. Sam (one of my favorites) has been in an accident. It could be four people that hit her. One is a surgeon who’s an alcoholic, another is a pregnant mom (who hates Sam), and then there's Elizabeth that's on painkillers and finally Nicholas who has a disease that makes him "black out." To top it off, there is a killer/strangler that is loose in the streets of Port Charles. Who will be his next victim? Can you see why I'm addicted?
Sometimes my girls and I talk about these characters as if they are real people. Such is the life of the soap opera world. Oh, look at the time. I need to go eat lunch (wink). Maybe I can write more another time. Stay tuned...
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Valentine's Day
Today I was thinking about Valentine’s Day. When I was young, I could hardly wait to make a box at school on that special day. Cutting hearts and using crepe paper was probably the start of my interest in crafts. I loved how different and creative everyone’s boxes were. This was a time to see what guys “liked” you. Even though the cards were the same…some were better than others and then there was the word “love” written by the name of the sender. Of course if you didn’t like the boy…then if grossed you out! If you received one from the “popular” boy, then you were one cloud nine! It was a day of treats and not much schoolwork. My Mom was a school teacher and told me that the two holidays she didn’t like were Halloween and Valentine’s Day. I could never understand why?
My teenage years meant dances. I was lucky enough to go both my Junior and Senior Year, so I enjoyed Valentine’s Day. College was different. All of a sudden I was alone and didn’t have dances or "special" cards from friends (BTW: my family was great). I felt lonely and I didn’t look forward to that day. It caused pain and I wondered how many other people felt that way.
Now I view this day differently. It is not as “fun” as it was in my youth (even though I’m married and have kids). I guess I have grown up and can see how expensive things can be. My daughter believes that this holiday is for the card making industry to make lots of money. I have a friend that owns her own business selling candy bouquets. She mentioned how busy the day before and the day of Valentines is. Does that mean that there is too much pressure to buy loved ones presents? How much thought is in it, if we have to hurry and buy something so we won’t get in trouble or make them feel bad. Wouldn’t a note of appreciation or an unexpected phone call be just as good? I have these same thoughts for Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t we spend more than one day or two days showing how much we love or care about someone?
I’m not downing those who love this holiday. Obviously this is a time to reflect how much we love that special someone. Hopefully we show it as often as we can. BUT, sometimes I just miss being a child and feeling that excitement for this holiday.
My teenage years meant dances. I was lucky enough to go both my Junior and Senior Year, so I enjoyed Valentine’s Day. College was different. All of a sudden I was alone and didn’t have dances or "special" cards from friends (BTW: my family was great). I felt lonely and I didn’t look forward to that day. It caused pain and I wondered how many other people felt that way.
Now I view this day differently. It is not as “fun” as it was in my youth (even though I’m married and have kids). I guess I have grown up and can see how expensive things can be. My daughter believes that this holiday is for the card making industry to make lots of money. I have a friend that owns her own business selling candy bouquets. She mentioned how busy the day before and the day of Valentines is. Does that mean that there is too much pressure to buy loved ones presents? How much thought is in it, if we have to hurry and buy something so we won’t get in trouble or make them feel bad. Wouldn’t a note of appreciation or an unexpected phone call be just as good? I have these same thoughts for Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t we spend more than one day or two days showing how much we love or care about someone?
I’m not downing those who love this holiday. Obviously this is a time to reflect how much we love that special someone. Hopefully we show it as often as we can. BUT, sometimes I just miss being a child and feeling that excitement for this holiday.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Being A Grandma
There are two favorite people in my life that I would like to mention in this blog. They are my two grandchildren whom I adore. Before they came into my life, my friends would say...."wait until you are a grandma.... it is so much fun." I wondered how anything could be "that" fun. Well, I'm here to say that it is a joy being a grandparent.
Grandchildren's love is unconditional. You don’t have to do much to make them feel your love. They are so excited to see you and can't wait to show you all their toys that you have seen a million times before. The funny part is that you don't mind seeing them a million times. They are so full of energy and get thrilled over the littlest things (like a McDonald toy even though they have several).
I have a grandson named Jarem and a granddaughter named Alexa. Jarem is 3 1/2 and Lexi (her nickname) is 9 months. Both are unique and fun! I love seeing their faces light up when Gramma comes. I love hearing them talk, sing (or try too...in Lexi's case), and try to speak Spanish. (On a side note, many in our family are blessed to know both Spanish and English. Jarem has heard his Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, and even his father speak Spanish). Although Jarem's Spanish doesn't sound like the rest of the families...it still sounds foreign to me. Reading books is a favorite past time and hearing Jarem read them to me is quite exciting (even though it is memorized). Playing games, throwing the basketball, soccer (when it is good weather), or just playing with toys make a grandma's life worth living. It is the simple things like hugs and kisses. I can feel their love and acceptance. I know they care and I hope that I can always “be there” for them.
I will admit that at first I was scared of being a Grandma. Would they love me for me? Would I be a “good” Grandma? Would they want to be around somebody that was old and aging? All my fears have been calmed down. I’m not afraid any more. I look forward to more Grandchildren that will bless our family and be welcome and part of my life. I look forward to the adventures that will be placed before me. I LOVE being a grandma!!!
Grandchildren's love is unconditional. You don’t have to do much to make them feel your love. They are so excited to see you and can't wait to show you all their toys that you have seen a million times before. The funny part is that you don't mind seeing them a million times. They are so full of energy and get thrilled over the littlest things (like a McDonald toy even though they have several).
I have a grandson named Jarem and a granddaughter named Alexa. Jarem is 3 1/2 and Lexi (her nickname) is 9 months. Both are unique and fun! I love seeing their faces light up when Gramma comes. I love hearing them talk, sing (or try too...in Lexi's case), and try to speak Spanish. (On a side note, many in our family are blessed to know both Spanish and English. Jarem has heard his Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, and even his father speak Spanish). Although Jarem's Spanish doesn't sound like the rest of the families...it still sounds foreign to me. Reading books is a favorite past time and hearing Jarem read them to me is quite exciting (even though it is memorized). Playing games, throwing the basketball, soccer (when it is good weather), or just playing with toys make a grandma's life worth living. It is the simple things like hugs and kisses. I can feel their love and acceptance. I know they care and I hope that I can always “be there” for them.
I will admit that at first I was scared of being a Grandma. Would they love me for me? Would I be a “good” Grandma? Would they want to be around somebody that was old and aging? All my fears have been calmed down. I’m not afraid any more. I look forward to more Grandchildren that will bless our family and be welcome and part of my life. I look forward to the adventures that will be placed before me. I LOVE being a grandma!!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Why am I Blogging?
I'm a mom. I'm middle age with a husband, 3 adult children (2 are married), 2 grandchildren, and a neighbor's cat (who has adopted us). So maybe you are asking...why is she doing a blog? I'm asking the same question. Is it because I'm bored and have a lot of time to do this? NOT! Is it the challenge of writing my feelings so everyone can read them and be impressed? Not really. I think the main reason is because all three of my children write (and do it well) and so...I decided to try it. So...here I am trying to think of what to say. This is hard!!! How do you do it? Does it get easier? I must say that I have a newfound respect for all bloggers. Way to go! You inspire me...and so...the journey begins...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
