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

Day 4 and David Cassidy

Day four I got some steam back in the morning but now it is 9:30 and its been a busy evening with games, crafts, movies (Barbie and ken movie), Nintendo DS, snacks, bedtime stories and now time to blog.  By now I am sure you are tired of my babysitting blog so I will give you a break and tell you about an old show I watched,                                I took this photo....

It was a repeat of “The Partridge Family”, and I could have thrown up.  Sooo lame. Where was the talent?  My favorite David Cassidy can’t act and is so scrawny.  They sure weren’t cut like the young guys these days  (oh I’m such a cougar).  I remember hurrying my homework and setting up my cassette player with a fresh tape in it so I could record the song of the week.  Finger on the record button and the microphone ready, waiting for them to  sing “I Think I Love You.” Of course it never came out very well because having 5 other kids in the house and at least 4 of them running around screaming they would be recorded onto my tape too. Erase!  Kids don’t know how good they have it.  We had to improvise on so many luxuries that our kids have nowadays. I would sit in front of the radio ready to record the hits.  Most of the announcers would yak well into the beginning of the song.  You would have to rewind then try to record again.  What a hassle.  If only Itunes were invented in my day.

My favorite actor and show in high school was the Mod Squad and I was so in love with Michal Cole.  I am afraid to watch an old episode of Mod Squad because I don’t want to lose my image of Michael Cole like I have David Cassidy. Speaking of David Cassidy I think he is on the show “The Apprentice”. I have never seen that show but I might tune in just to see him. A couple of years ago I dragged my friend to one of his concerts and made quite a fool of myself.  Just like the sister in Drew Barrymore’s Music and Lyrics. 

Ready for day 5, Nette 

Day 3

Day three was ditto to day one. Here ends the blog, i am running on a low battery time to recharge, nette

Day 2

First day is done now. Let me just get you up to speed on my bedtime ritual.  Kids were good and brushed their teeth and went right to bed.  Me, on the other hand had to figure out a new routine.  First of all the bed is on the wrong wall so that threw me off.  Fluff the pillows.   They were too full of fluff they were too high for my neck.  Turn on the TV, which was a challenge because of the different remotes in this house.  Nothing worth watching so I thought I would play a game of scrabble on my DS to help me fall asleep.   I had one game and the darn computer beat the pants of me.  Two bingos and they were both on two triple word scores.  Who does that.  Then I turned out the lights and tried to sleep.  Tick tick tick… blasted clock on the wall, what was I going to do about that.  Yep got up and took the batteries out.  Hung it back up and climbed back in bed.  Sheets were too hot so I fought with them for a while.  Snoring woke me up and I am embarrassed to say it was my own snoring.  Finally morning and I get up to start the lunches.  Make coffee and try to watch Breakfast television.  The kids were amazing, they got up and got dressed and made their bed and came down for breakfast, then the two older ones went upstairs to practice piano and guitar.  Everything is still fine except I didn’t get my timmies coffee in the morning which I desperately needed.  Work was busy and it was good to get out at noon.  I went home and got my own bed sheets and pillows.  All set for a good nights sleep tonight.  Right now the girls are playing nicely.  I think they are playing house.  Earlier I played snakes and ladders with them.  Did I tell you how much I hate that game.  No one likes going down the snakes which was true of Cassidy, then me and Vic is all smiles until it’s her turn and she was in the lead the whole time.  No second game of snakes and ladders for me.  Now it’s time for Cass to study her spelling again, I drilled her all last night until she finally got them all this morning and I told her she was going to ace the test today, and she informs me that the test isn’t until Friday.  Oh all that hard work.  So good night. Nette

Day 1

First day on babysitting duty.  As I was driving to the house I was worried that Angie had turned on the alarm system,  I don’t remember the pass code.  So when I put the key in the door I was expecting to hear the screech of the alarm but that didn’t happen. The door was unlocked.  I opened the door and thought I was alone in the house, when I heard a noise.  Have they not left for the airport yet?  I holler out “Is anyone here” not expecting to hear anyone.  Then I hear this foreign voice.  Yes or rather “Si.”  Shit!  From the kitchen comes this tiny women.  “I’m da cleaning lady.”  Oh I thought she was coming on Friday.  Any way all was good. She left about an hour later leaving the house smelling of cleaning fumes.  Pheww. I made dinner and went on my road trip, school, gymnastic, school, home, cheerleading, home, wait for Ryans ride to hockey, back to cheerleading, home, wait ½ hour then back to gymnastics, watch the last half hour.  Home at 7:45. Reheat the dinner for the girls.  Study for spelling test, brush teeth and bed.  Smmmoooooth.  Now time for dishes and my bedtime.  I can do this.  Nette

One More Sleep

One more sleep and I am a mother of three little ones.  I got my agenda yesterday.  OMG!  Busy family.  Not only will there be after school activities to drive back and forth too. Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Hockey, they have regular piano and guitar lessons after breakfast. Study for their spelling test of the day.  I don’t think I will get a chance to have my coffee with Breakfast television in the morning, this will break my routine and my bowel movements.  There will be no time for a glass of wine after dinner and a TV show.  I hope there will be time for a shower or else my co-workers might get a little annoyed.  (I promise to squeeze it in.) Lunches too.  They will have a lunch that consists of something hot like zoodooles or soup, some snacks, and bagels, water, juice, fruit.  I hope I have time to pick up a timmies before work too, but I don’t think that will happen. I might be cranky at work. This is just a little bit of their day.  I will give you updates as the week goes on.  Here is my before picture.  By the end of the week I will see if I still look like this.

My Alarm

I go to bed week nights and dread the thought of waking up the next day.  Not because I want to sleep in but because waking up with a scare is not fun.  Yes my alarm clock scares the crap out of me in the mornings. It is one that has a buzzer that simply scares the living daylights out of me.  When I wake up from a good dream with a loud shrill, my whole day goes to pot.  If I wake up about an hour before the alarm is about to go off, I’m scared to fall back to sleep because I dread the buzz.  If I wake up about ½ an hour before the alarm I simply get up because I know what is about to happen.  Heaven help me if I accidentally hit the snooze button.  That is worse because you are just on the verge of falling back to sleep and the damn thing goes off again, and so on and so on. The other day I finally got the bright idea of changing it to the radio.  It doesn’t scare me nor does it wake me up.  So that problem isn’t solved. So how can I avoid that buzz and still wake up every morning without being late for work?  I guess I can buy a new one that is not so loud that it scare me, but loud enough to wake me.  Can I actually go into a store and ask to hear the alarm.  I don’t think so.  So I must think of an alternative.  I could get someone to give me a wakeup call like in hotels.  I could let my cat sleep with me again, (he would put his paw on my face when it was time for his breakfast.) but he is a night owl and gets into stuff at night, so I will eliminate that idea.  What about a blinking alarm like the hearing impaired use. Not sure that will work because I sleep under the blankey.  I live for weekends for many reasons but to go to bed without turning on the alarm is heaven.  Goodnight friends, (and John boy), Nette