Is this me?

January 1, 2012 has just begun.  2011 has been a busy year.  Stanley was born March 17, 2011 and has been a joy for me.  I invited them to move in with me so they could save some money for a house of their own.  So in September they moved all their stuff in with no storage space to spare. 

We re-did the basement with subfloor and gorgeous walnut flooring and added a closet, new windows, and painted the walls and ceiling, new light, fixtures.  I can hardly wait till they move out so I can have a fantastic rec room again.  It is wonderful having them here.  My daughter–in–law is the best.  She can cook like a professional chef and is always surprising us with a new recipe.  It’s great.  She loves to clean which is a bonus.  Mikes a great handyman to have around too.  David is still at home too and adds to the spice of things here.  I have been challenged at work and really like to go to work most days.  I still buy lottery tickets and if I win I plan to retire ASAP.  I won $22.00 yesterday.  My mom came to visit me this year.  What fun we had.  We reminisced about her past and all her boyfriends.  She was quite the popular girl.  She was the Veronica (as apposed to Betty, from the Archie comics.) of her time.  My daughter Laura graduated from Medical school and is now home with us here in Guelph,  She is currently applying to many hospitals in Canada to get a job.  She has 3 interviews in January, Toronto, London Ontario, and Regina Sask. 

Do I have any new years resolutions?  Just a couple and that would be to exercise more and not to spend too much money.  I would like to get my blogging back too.  So for today this is it and I will try to entertain you in some upcoming blogs.  Nette

Today is my Birthday

Today is my birthday.  May 30^th.  I love the month of May not only because it is my birthday month, but because it is spring time.  The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the birds are singing.  Yes I love my birthday month.  ( I could rebuff this by saying this month of may has been horrible.  Rain rain rain.)

I love being pampered on my birthday, and am not shy to tell people it is my birthday.  As I get older I appreciate my birthday greetings from all my friends so much more.  I love that facebook reminds everyone that your birthday is coming up.  I woke up with tons of birthday wishes.  Thanks friends.

I had an early birthday dinner with my family on Saturday.  Mike cooked dinner and we all took turns cooing with Stanley.  Have I told you how cute he is?  Today after work the girls are taking me out for dinner.  I am so lucky to have such great friends and co-workers. 

Speaking of friends, Susan took me to the movies yesterday.  We saw Bridesmaids and it was knee slapping funny.  Thanks Louise.

As my tradition I buy myself a gift as well.  I love this new tradition of mine.  Try it. It’s cool.

For those of you who read my sisters blog, “Sanne’s Grain of Salt”, she roasted my today.  Don’t believe a word she says.  I never took temper tantrums.  She also said something cute and that was that we are Gemini and that means twin.  Yes we are twins for 5 days.  Then she turns one year older on June 4.  Happy Birthday Sanne.

I will have a great day and thanks in advance for the birthday greetings.

Nette

My Story

I am surprised that I haven't had any comments about my last blog.  It is a story I thought I would write and see if my readers wanted more.  It seems no.  mmmm.... I will have to come up with something else.  I can always talk about my grandson.  How advanced he is for 2 mths.  I will come up with some interesting blogs for sure, so keep reading, my inspiration is coming, just like summertime. later folks, nette

a story

All she remembers as she regains consciousness is that she was on a boat, a big boat.  Why she was on the boat and how she ended up on this sandy beach is not even a blur. It’s a total blackout.  Beside her lays a man with a knife in his back, still unconscious. She gasps.  She suddenly steps back in fear.  He stirs and lets out a tiny moan.  She moves towards him and is about to take out the bloody knife, then stops.  She stands up still a little wobbly.  “Where the hell am I?"  She said aloud, as she takes in the breathtaking scenery of the sand and the waves whooshing ashore, the palm trees and the blue sky with the sun beaming down on them.  She falls on her knees and grasps her head.  “Try to think. Think.  What happened? How did I get here?” Nothing comes to her.

               She turns again to the sound of his moans. “I must help him. But…what if I did this to him…or what if he’s the bad guy."

               “Mister? Mister? Can you hear me?” She shakes him gently.  He stirs again, opens his eyes and whisperes, “Get that damn thing out of my back will you?” But you may bleed out” I stupidly said. A little louder he says “,  Damn it.  Just pull it out.”  She hesitates, then gives one quick pull and its out.  Just a little blood spurts out and she tries to stop it by putting pressure down on the wound with her hand. He looks up and says “Thanks, I’m Thomas.”

“What the hell happen? I don’t remember anything”.  Thomas replies with a shocking answer, “That makes two of us.  One minute I was on board the Evening Star, about to introduce myself to you when some guy shoves this knife in my back. Then he knocks you upside the head. You kick him in the groan and push me overboard and then you jump in after me.  As we try to get to shore you all of a sudden went under and lost consciousness and I had to go down for you and swim for the both of us. Once I got us to shore I must have lost consciousness.” He takes a breath and says, “So you tell me what the Hell is going on”?

Mother's Day

Today is Mothers Day.  I cannot say enough about my mom. I have written about her previously in my blog.  My sister phoned me this morning and asked me what annoyed me about mom while growing up.  I couldn’t come up with anything.  (I could write a book about my dad’s annoyance) I kinda had to make something up.  Yes it is true that I didn’t like sitting at the table until I finished my greens or my cream of wheat. 

Today let us celebrate the new moms.  Audrey is such a loving mom to Stanley and I see it in her eyes how happy she is.  She is kind and always happy to have me drop in to hold and cuddle and kiss the little man. 

My friend Sue has a friend that is a new mom to twins.  Happy Mother’s day double to her.

We as mothers work hard and love hard.  Happy Mothers Day to my co-workers and friends. 

Nette

Diet?

I read my sisters blog daily and she writes often about losing weight or lack of it.  I recently read that losing weight would be so much easier if it worked like our bank accounts.  If that were true I would be a toothpick. 

So here are my thoughts: Your weight naturally fluctuates during the day, and if you have been constipated for a few days that could explain the uptrend, diarrhea the opposite.  To avoid these fluctuations make sure you weigh yourself the same time every day, (after a bowel movement).

You could also be retaining water, we all know that salt is bad, so stop eating salty chips, peanuts, nachos and eat chocolate while watching TV.

You could have hit a plateau which is known as “weight-loss plateau”.  Some plateaus can last a couple of years, but that’s okay because everyone knows that you always get off that plateau.  I’m sure mine is coming any day now.

Another reason could be that you forgot you were on a diet and plaster butter on that fresh slice of bread or nibbling while you cook. (a sip of wine a nibble of cheese, wine, you know what I mean) so stop cooking and eat out.  The most important thing is to not weigh yourself on a Monday because we ALL forget that we are on a diet during the weekend.  So I suggest you weigh yourself on Thursday, because you have been good Monday through Wednesday because you felt guilty being bad on the weekend.  Don’t weigh yourself Fridays because by then you are frustrated and tired of being good.  So I think that is the bottom line.  So be kind to yourself and stay healthy. 

All kidding aside we all know it is hard to diet, and easier to put it off until another day.

Nette.

NDP for me

Stanley

Hi, my name is Jeanette and I am back by popular demand.  I have been too consumed with awww for my new grandson that I have neglected my blog. Needless to say he is amazingly adorable. 

Today I would like to encourage you to vote NDP, Why? I will tell you why in my sisters words, (she educates me on NDP)

“When Moses Znaimer took over CARP magazine he changed the name to Zoomer and coined or utilized the name as the senior Boomers. Seniors is an important part of our society and should be an important part of this election campaign. The NDP have made promises to double the pension for seniors.

            As we have written before, seniors are our hidden poor. When we say hidden we mean that they are a self respecting and quiet group. Too much so perhaps, but that is the Canadian way. Canadians are not known for making waves. We are generally a placid population. But to overlook the senior votes is becoming more of a mistake with each passing year as the boomers move into their zoomer years. This is the group who regularly vote and this may be one of the reasons why the NDP are gaining on the other parties. Not only, the youth are disenchanted with the records of the 2 prominent parties. The seniors are taking a hard look at what is to their best interest.

The NDP are gaining momentum in the polls to the point that the last few days both the Conservatives and the Liberals have begun attacks on Jack Layton. Voting for the NDP will not split the vote in a way that will be detrimental to the voters. It will be detrimental to the other parties but that can only be a good thing for the voters. Don’t be fooled. Don’t blink.” (Susanne Abildgaard)

So this is just one reason to vote NDP, but it is a good one.  Think about it, especially those of us tha,t are surviving on one income and limited funds to invest in a lot of RRSP’s, we need the old age pension to survive in the manner we have been accustomed to.  All for now, Nette

boycott gas

This is probably something you’ve all heard about, if not it is something you need to hear about. This year on April 15th, 2011 millions of people throughout the world are teaming together to put an end to these ridiculous gas prices many are experiencing and not purchasing gas.

Millions are refusing to buy gasoline on this day to take a stand against the Middle Eastern oil industry in hope to take back control of the insane prices they are making us pay.
Back in April 1997 there was a gas out conducted in the United States protesting the excessively high prices many were experiencing. After this day, the gasoline prices dropped over 30 cents over night.
This year, on April 15th, 2011 millions are hoping to have the same effect and take a stand for their wallets. Gas prices are soaring through the roof and damaging many budgets. People are having to sell their vehicles because they are unable to afford the gas prices. If you have been affected by these high gas prices, take the stand.

My Story

Let me tell you a little bit about me. I was 4 yrs old when I arrived in Canada, before that I lived in Denmark.  While I lived in Denmark at the young age of 4 I had already moved 3 times, then the long trek to Canada via boat.  Little did I know that I would move 8 more times. This is why I was (am) very shy growing up.  It’s hard to move to a new school midway through the year.  I still remember walking in to the classrooms for the first time and all the kids are staring at me.  Then they would chat amongst themselves at recess looking my way.  I see myself standing against the brick wall almost crying (I probably did in the younger grades). Very traumatic. I remember playing in the park at the tender age of 4 and my sister Susanne 5. Susanne was always a leader and would get the other kids to play her games. Little did we know that we spoke a totally different language.  Here we are talking in Danish and they English (or maybe even Italian, since we lived downtown Toronto ), we thought they were stupid kids because they didn’t know how to play the game. Dahhhh.  By the time I entered Kindergarten I could speak the language quite well.  (I think. No one told me otherwise). My mother spoke very little English when she arrived, but as you know from my other blogs mom is very stubborn and was determined to learn the language.  My father worked late at night so she was home with us 3 kids and a black and white television.  That is how she learned English.  She would watch the 3 stooges, Abbott and Costello, in the Frankenstien and Mummy movies. We didn’t know it was a comedy, we were sitting in my moms lap and covering our eyes.  We were scared shitless and so was my mom.  Back then parents didn’t monitor what their children watched. They didn’t know about the dangers of exposing your children to violence.  But that’s another topic. I will continue my journey with you next blog.  nette   

Thanks guys

I know most of you are going to give up on my blog if I don’t start posting more often.  I want to blog about Stanley but he is still so young that he isn’t doing anything exciting to write about, except getting cuter and cuter every day. I went over yesterday and he had the little outfit that Michelle gave him and the onesee that Laurie gave him.  I want to take this time to thank all my friends that have thoughtfully given gifts for my grandson.  Thankyou, Kathy, Elizabeth, Michelle, Laurie, Tina, Sandy, Sue, Susan, Cathy, Chris, nurse Laurie, and Barb.
Audrey is overwhelmed that I have such lovely friends, that they would give her gifts.  She says I am so lucky to have friends like that. I know I am.

So what else did I do this weekend?  I am a firm believer in exercising your brain daily to fend off Alzheimer’s.  I do a lot of reading and scrabble on line, some sudoko (not too good at it). Well yesterday I thought I would add another challenge to my brain.  I bought a 1000 piece puzzle.  Dumped it out on my dining room table and began.  OMG yep my mind sure is busy.  I spent hours and now have the boarder done.  What was I thinking.  Now my dining room table is covered and I forgot that I am having an Avon rep. come by tonight to talk about me selling their product.  (another plan for Alzheimer’s) So keep your mind busy and keep Alzy away.  Nette

Dancing with Kirstie Alley

I love Kirstie Alley, she is a hilarious comedian, and can laugh at herself.  She has struggled with weight and has tried and succeeded in loosing a lot, but ending up putting it back on.  This happens to most people.  I believe it’s in your genes.  I’m not saying this to justify mine or anybody else’s weight.  There are people that eat an enormous amount of food and not gain a pound.  Well it’s in their genes. Kirstie is 60 yrs old give her a break.  Here is the comment that George Lopez said on his late night show regarding her dance on Dancing with the stars.  It’s not only not funny it is hurtful.  But Kristy’s reply IS funny.

He had said: “She did a nice job, her little hooves tapping away. Before the show she went to the market, then she had roast beef, and this is her going all the way home.” Kirsty has rejected his apology. Which was. “I misjudged the joke. No malice was intended and I apologize to Kirstie.” She replied, “I don’t consider “I misjudged the joke’ an apology, sort of like a husband saying, “I misjudged putting my dick in a whore, sorry hon,,,hehe. She also added a reference to his divorcing wife Ann who donated a kidney to him in 2005. She Added: “George I don’t need or want ur apology…I want your kidney dude..on behalf of ur X and all the women you have insulted..give it back.”  I will watch Dancing with the stars because I love this talented actress.  Two thumbs up for Kirstie.       

To charge rent or not

Every parent wants the best for their kids. If we’ve struggled in life, especially financially, we don’t want our kids to go through that.  Yet as my 20 year old son has been out of school for almost 3 yrs, I’ve come to wonder whether I’m actually hurting him more than helping by not expecting him to pay very much for rent or any of our household expenses. Since he brings in an income – and spends it all, it occurred to me that he actually spends quite a bit per month on those variable luxuries.

I’m not sure what a reasonable amount to charge your own kid is – but overall I think it would be what you would charge to rent out a room in your house to another independent adult who isn’t your kid. So why can’t I do that? It could give him the push that he needs to find a better paying job that is full time which he is certainly capable of.  In hindsight, I think I have done my son a great disservice in not expecting him to be more financially self-sustaining from the time he turned 18.  I would always say, “But he’s a good kid.” Another mistake I know I am making is not insisting he pay his rent on time. Is that going to make him be delinquent on his mortgage or rent payments or car payments (when he moves out). I give advice on buying RRSP’s but he thinks that’s a waste of money. I know he has his plan on how he is going to make money and I think that’s great, but I also wonder if it is a pipe dream. I do encourage him and hope with all my heart that his dream comes true.  We all have dreams so go for them and don’t give up.  Life is a hard job, and kids need to know that.  So for now I won’t raise his rent but I do expect more from him down the road.  Encourage our kids. Nette

Gramma is reading the rules

Both Mother and Baby are well.  Stanley had some breathing problems, his breathing was only 75% when he was born and he had a fever so the little guy was on an antibiotic IV and oxygen for 48 hrs. His breathing is perfect now and the infection is gone.  He is so sweet. 

I have been reading about how to be a good gramma.  Most of the articles are about what not to do.  Don’t give advice, don’t go over to often, don’t plan your weekends around your grandchild, don’t spoil them.  Holy crap I have already done them all.  They say that the relationship between a parent and child, and a grandparent and child are totally different. Our adopted Nana and Papa always said that the love for a grandchild is so intense that you can’t explain it.  I don’t know that yet but I am 100% sure they were right.  I have been so sad since he was born, I didn’t know why but now I do.  I haven’t had a chance to hold him until day three.  They are home now from the hospital and Mike called at 8:30 last night and asked me to come over because he felt bad that I haven’t had a chance to hold him. I was already in bed but jumped out got dressed and was there in a flash. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww is all I can say.  I left him with a 100 kisses on top of his head and the lovely smell of baby in my nostrils.  Doting Gramma? You bet.  

St. Paddy's Day Baby

My baby has arrived at 4 this morning.  I only got a peek at him at 6am because visiting isn't until 2.  I'll be back then.  I'm so happy.  8lbs 13oz and looks like Michael.  Photos to come. 

Grandbaby number one

I have been on pins and needles all day.  Baby Stanley was suppose to be induced today, but can you believe it, the hospital is full and there is no room for her today or tomorrow.  They are sending her to Fergus hospital, (15 minutes from Guelph) tomorrow afternoon.  Good grief!!  Waiting to be a grandma is harder than actually being the pregnant mom.  I don’t want to miss anything.  The bond between a daughter in law and mom in law can be a fragile one. Add an impending stork arrival to the mix and things can get even more complicated. For the expectant mother, there may be boundaries she needs to have respected as she prepares for the birth of her child from the expectant grandma, (which I believe I have been good about,) Her mom has no boundy’s which I understand and respect so there is undoubtedly excitement and an eagerness to be involved by both of us in the process. Finding the proper balance has been a bit tricky but by being patient I have found it possible to enjoy the pregnancy and celebrate the new addition to arrive.  They have done a beautiful job in preparing for this little one. So I will go to work tomorrow again and have a grin ear to ear telling everyone that Stanley is on his way.  I love you guys. nette

Bonding

Bonding for me means many things.  We know that dogs have long been considered “man’s best friend,” and they have certainly earned the title.  The bond between humans and canines is unmistakable.  People have always been drawn to them and they to us.  Dogs have helped us in so many ways and expect little in return and are faithful and remain our loyal companions.  In return we care for them and maintain a good quality of life for them.  I miss my dog Josie, she was such a lovely dog and would be by my side day and night. 

As for humans, bonding takes some work.  It’s also in the little things we do.  For example my son David will ask me to watch one of his movies and I just don’t have the same taste in movies, so of course I say, No that’s okay. “But please mom it’s so good.”  I ask, “ does it have blood and guts in it.?” Of course it does.  Then he comes out with the old “ It’s will give us a chance to bond.” My heart melts and I agree to watch it.  My other son uses it on my too. Michael will for example the other day ask if I would drive him to Mississauga, I said, “but it’s already 2:00 o’clock, its kinda late in the day. “  He pulled the, “It will give us some bonding time.” So off we drive to Mississauga.   We actually have a good time. He can be a chatterbox sometimes.

Now there’s bonding with friends outside the family.  That can be challenging.  I have a lot of very good friends.  I try to be a true and faithful friend.  My sister has firmly believed that the one way you can tell if you have actually bonded with a friend is if you or he/she can “fart” in front of each other.  I know this may shock you coming out of my mouth. Sorry.  I don’t mean that oops, it slipped out, excuse me fart.  I mean the loud one that you just can’t pretend that it didn’t happen.  Of course then you both laugh so hard it invariably happens again and you laugh even louder.  Well I’m happy to say it happened to me this weekend,  I am blessed to have this friend as my close bonded friend.  (I am going to be dead when this person reads this.  Sorry I couldn’t help myself, but no names have been mentioned to protect the innocent.)  So, for all of you out there try to bond with a friend (you don’t really have to fart in front of them, just be there and enjoy that person.) nite for now. nette

 There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself - an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly.Antisthenes

David

My son.  Well this photo tells all.  He’s unique.  He is a doll to me and a bigger hugger.  He is going through a phase at the moment and I’m not sure I like it.  He is a good boy so, so what if his hair is yellow and red.  He plans to breed snakes and sell them for major bucks.  I think he can do it.  He has some gorgeous colored snakes. They are very tame as you can see by the one around my neck in a previous blog.  He is a faithful friend and still bff’s to his kindergarten friends. He adores his sister and looks up to his big brother.  All in all I am proud of him. Go David. 

mom/Nette

Before/After

Like I promised a before and after photo.  I did say that my babysitting stint went well but I am quite tired.  I came home to a stinky house (David didn't clean the litter box, I do it daily). but he was making dinner for me.  David made chicken cordon blue and noodles. Chilled wine and my feet up and I am feeling quite relaxed.  Would I do it again.  Maybe in a couple of years but by then the kids will be old enough to babysit themselves.  Now it is only 5 days for the due date of my grand baby to be born.  The time has flown by.  Audrey looks beautiful so if my nana was right it will be a boy.  (if its a girl she drains the beauty out of the mom for herself as old wivestales say).  So here I am.  Do I look okay to you?

Day "I can't remember"

Well one more sleep. As much as I love the  bed here I am ready to sleep in my own bed.  Things have gone smoothly here, but it's time to go home.  I had a day here with a sick child (who by the way was better by 9)  I miss work, it seems like forever since I was there.  My sister just wrote a blog about retiring, I don't think I'm ready for that.  I miss my garage too. I have started my car early so I wouldn't have to scrap the ice off.  Now the kids are horsing around so i better get them in the car.  See you at work, nette

Sick day

As I predicted in my mind I have a sick kid.  And a Monday of course which is my busiest day of the week.  My rule when my kids were little was if you’re not throwing up or have a fever you’re going to school.  Well Cass threw up.  3 times.  I guess she’s staying home.  I was a stay at home mom and I was very lucky to do that, but my kids weren’t sick very often,  Now I’m a mom for a week and have a sick kid.  Calling in to work is hard but I know that they won’t think I am faking which is often what happens on a Monday.  So until tomorrow, (my 2^nd last day). Nette