Feb 1999
This year, I think I simply made a delicious meal for the family, and sent the kids off to school with their Valentines.
This might have also been about the time S began wearing her black jeans and black turtleneck to school, since her friend Dalton liked her in it and 'black is Grandpa's favorite color.' Since she only went to school one day a week, I had a chat with her teachers about her choice of wardrobe, and convinced them she wasn't depressed; she was simply wearing her favorite outfit to impress her 1st 'boyfriend'.
Next Month: Baseball sign ups
********
Present Day:
Am putting the final touches to two books, in order to get them both back up. Catered Romance is nearly finished, with having the chapter headings revised, and I'm waiting to see if it's too much trouble to switch Winning Her Heart to a Molly Daniels book. If N can't switch it via photoshop, I may send off a query to Val about doing it, and seeing how much she'd charge. I also need to switch the blurb, since I changed all the main character names.
I hope to get the e-version of Catered Romance up for pre-order by March 1st. Going to offer it for $.99, with the full price being $3.99 on May 21st. That's also the planned date for the print version to go live.
I wanted to do it on May 19, but that day happens to fall on a Sunday. What do you think? Release it on Sunday or Tues?
We're having the Bundy Valentine's Day this year, since our tax refund arrived today. Payday happens next week, so S and I fixed pork chops, mashed potatoes, and California veggies. W has strep throat, so he spent the day in bed. He was still feverish this morning, so hopefully he'll feel better by Monday.
S also brought me a dozen yellow roses and a yellow bear, along with two bags of peanut butter eggs:) A got a brown bear with a heart-shaped box of chocolates, and a Nutella snack. After taking A to school this morning, S went to the store and brought back doughnuts, a large case of bacon (on sale for $10!) and some other goodies.
Breaking News:
My College Kid proposed to his girlfriend this morning!!!! They arrived with fresh doughnuts to let us know the news:) We like J; they've been together over a year now, and I think they're planning to wait until after K graduates from college to set the date.
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
Flashback Friday: Me and My Big Mouth....
Feb 1989:
Recap: DB and I had been dating for nearly a year, and his juvenile antics were making me weary. Senior-itis was definitely beginning to set in, and I'd also reconnected with JF, who had divorced the woman he dumped me for! I broke up with DB for the grand total of six days, but only after he whined about our breakup.
JF and I continued to have long phone conversations, and I also had developed a mild crush on one of the guys we hung around with. Problem was, nobody knew his last name! So when the opportunity arose to send him a Valentine through the dorm, I did so....but badly mangled his last name.
Valentine's night, I found an excuse to be in his room with another friend, but no 'secret Valentine' was delivered. Resigned to the fact no one knew who he was, I concentrated on the upcoming party with DB and JF.
I separated those candy hearts with sayings on them into two piles. All the 'lovey' ones were going to JF, while the more 'friend' ones would go to DB. I drove down for what would turn out to be a very tearful weekend.
I told you I was bad at Valentine's Day, right?
While at the party, I knew DB had a crush on a girl named Y, and when I found out she liked him too, I stupidly told her to hang on for about two more weeks, and he'd be all hers. What did she do?
Ran right to him and told him what I'd said, which caused DB to blow up at me. JF got involved and told me he didn't feel 'that way' about me anymore, which stunned and shocked me. DB and I had a long talk, and ultimately decided to stay together. But I was humiliated in front of my friends, and very depressed.
Next Month: Senioritis Rears Its Ugly Head aka My Panic Attack
********
Present Day:
I finally finished filing our taxes yesterday, so our Valentine's Day celebration will be closer toward W's birthday. We're not getting much of a refund this year, which sucks, and I managed to get the number we owe State down to just over 1,000. We have got to get state taxes paid out of the SSI! Maybe this is the year we'll finally do that? Only been saying we need to do this for the past six years....
Roofers finished last week, but it began raining on Tues, and suddenly we had a waterfall above the kitchen sink. I called them on Wed, and the guy immediately came out and fixed it. Turned out some of the siding had been knocked loose. Half an hour later, no more waterfall!
Good thing, because it rained all day Thurs, and a tornado touched down south of town. Kids had a two hour delay due to fog yesterday, and the buses had issues getting kids home from school.
Recap: DB and I had been dating for nearly a year, and his juvenile antics were making me weary. Senior-itis was definitely beginning to set in, and I'd also reconnected with JF, who had divorced the woman he dumped me for! I broke up with DB for the grand total of six days, but only after he whined about our breakup.
JF and I continued to have long phone conversations, and I also had developed a mild crush on one of the guys we hung around with. Problem was, nobody knew his last name! So when the opportunity arose to send him a Valentine through the dorm, I did so....but badly mangled his last name.
Valentine's night, I found an excuse to be in his room with another friend, but no 'secret Valentine' was delivered. Resigned to the fact no one knew who he was, I concentrated on the upcoming party with DB and JF.
I separated those candy hearts with sayings on them into two piles. All the 'lovey' ones were going to JF, while the more 'friend' ones would go to DB. I drove down for what would turn out to be a very tearful weekend.
I told you I was bad at Valentine's Day, right?
While at the party, I knew DB had a crush on a girl named Y, and when I found out she liked him too, I stupidly told her to hang on for about two more weeks, and he'd be all hers. What did she do?
Ran right to him and told him what I'd said, which caused DB to blow up at me. JF got involved and told me he didn't feel 'that way' about me anymore, which stunned and shocked me. DB and I had a long talk, and ultimately decided to stay together. But I was humiliated in front of my friends, and very depressed.
Next Month: Senioritis Rears Its Ugly Head aka My Panic Attack
********
Present Day:
I finally finished filing our taxes yesterday, so our Valentine's Day celebration will be closer toward W's birthday. We're not getting much of a refund this year, which sucks, and I managed to get the number we owe State down to just over 1,000. We have got to get state taxes paid out of the SSI! Maybe this is the year we'll finally do that? Only been saying we need to do this for the past six years....
Roofers finished last week, but it began raining on Tues, and suddenly we had a waterfall above the kitchen sink. I called them on Wed, and the guy immediately came out and fixed it. Turned out some of the siding had been knocked loose. Half an hour later, no more waterfall!
Good thing, because it rained all day Thurs, and a tornado touched down south of town. Kids had a two hour delay due to fog yesterday, and the buses had issues getting kids home from school.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Flashback Friday: An Unusual Valentine's Day Gift
Feb 1979:
I think I mentioned before that I'd been on the swim team for over a year now, and was dismayed last month when I found myself bumped up to the next age group. I had trouble in practices keeping up, and since that group used the clock to keep distance between swimmers, I struggled because I couldn't see the second hand. I ended up counting to ten, in order to not dive in too soon, but since I was slower than the person behind me, I often ended up going last in practices.
One day we did a mock swim meet, and since breast stroke was my specialty, I often swam that leg of the Individual Medley. In the middle of our heat, I bent down into position as the butterflier grew closer....and the strap to my swim suit broke! I motioned frantically for her to fix it, but she couldn't, and I ended up diving in anyway. Needless to say, climbing out while holding one hand to my suit was a little awkward, but my teammates realized what had happened, and someone handed me a towel as I climbed up the ladder (fortunately, our lane was on the outside!). Mom wasn't thrilled at having to buy me a new Speedo in the middle of winter.
Top of the List....Not An Honor
Normally, I'm the type of person who's never at the top of any list, unless it was reading. So imagine my surprise when we went to a swim meet, and my name was at the top of the 100 meter breast stroke list.
My excitement was short-lived when it was pointed out the names were listed slowest to fastest. In swimming, you want to see your name at the bottom. I quit the team soon after, due to my issues during practice and that humiliating eye-opener.
Valentine's Day:
My boyfriend of now seven months decided to make me a pipe cleaner anklet and fastened it around my left ankle, saying we were now 'ankled', since he didn't have a pin or a ring for me. I wore that thing for weeks, until someone asked me about it, and the teasing about me going with a boy from a rival school resumed. I quickly changed my story to say I was using it to keep my pant legs tight, so it didn't get caught in my bicycle chain, but that didn't make sense either, since I only wore one. Finally, I stopped wearing it altogether, and the teasing stopped.
Next Month: Square Dancing!
********
Present Day:
The Arctic Blast reached us this week. Wed, the low was -4, and the wind chill was -22. Yesterday, when we left for Indy, it was 10 degrees, but -3 in Terre Haute and -5 in Indy. But on the way home, it rose to 15 in Indy, and 22 at home.
Our roofers arrived on Tuesday and shingled the entire front half of the roof:)
Spouse and I went to Indy yesterday, for his semi-annual trip to see his doctors. He received a clean bill of health again, so yay! I also sold two copies of Whispers....one to Danielle, the cardiac nurse, and the other to Dr. Steve:) Ate lunch at Primara Bros (by Cabellas), and dinner at Golden Corral with ES and her hubby. So good to see them! Daughter F's wedding is planned for May 25th, the same day I might be in Chicago. Ugh.
My mom was released from Rehab yesterday! Dad is beyond thrilled to have her home again:)
Update on Roof: They came while we were gone yesterday and got most of the back half finished. They should be done today, so no more leaky kitchen roof!
I think I mentioned before that I'd been on the swim team for over a year now, and was dismayed last month when I found myself bumped up to the next age group. I had trouble in practices keeping up, and since that group used the clock to keep distance between swimmers, I struggled because I couldn't see the second hand. I ended up counting to ten, in order to not dive in too soon, but since I was slower than the person behind me, I often ended up going last in practices.
One day we did a mock swim meet, and since breast stroke was my specialty, I often swam that leg of the Individual Medley. In the middle of our heat, I bent down into position as the butterflier grew closer....and the strap to my swim suit broke! I motioned frantically for her to fix it, but she couldn't, and I ended up diving in anyway. Needless to say, climbing out while holding one hand to my suit was a little awkward, but my teammates realized what had happened, and someone handed me a towel as I climbed up the ladder (fortunately, our lane was on the outside!). Mom wasn't thrilled at having to buy me a new Speedo in the middle of winter.
Top of the List....Not An Honor
Normally, I'm the type of person who's never at the top of any list, unless it was reading. So imagine my surprise when we went to a swim meet, and my name was at the top of the 100 meter breast stroke list.
My excitement was short-lived when it was pointed out the names were listed slowest to fastest. In swimming, you want to see your name at the bottom. I quit the team soon after, due to my issues during practice and that humiliating eye-opener.
Valentine's Day:
My boyfriend of now seven months decided to make me a pipe cleaner anklet and fastened it around my left ankle, saying we were now 'ankled', since he didn't have a pin or a ring for me. I wore that thing for weeks, until someone asked me about it, and the teasing about me going with a boy from a rival school resumed. I quickly changed my story to say I was using it to keep my pant legs tight, so it didn't get caught in my bicycle chain, but that didn't make sense either, since I only wore one. Finally, I stopped wearing it altogether, and the teasing stopped.
Next Month: Square Dancing!
********
Present Day:
The Arctic Blast reached us this week. Wed, the low was -4, and the wind chill was -22. Yesterday, when we left for Indy, it was 10 degrees, but -3 in Terre Haute and -5 in Indy. But on the way home, it rose to 15 in Indy, and 22 at home.
Our roofers arrived on Tuesday and shingled the entire front half of the roof:)
Spouse and I went to Indy yesterday, for his semi-annual trip to see his doctors. He received a clean bill of health again, so yay! I also sold two copies of Whispers....one to Danielle, the cardiac nurse, and the other to Dr. Steve:) Ate lunch at Primara Bros (by Cabellas), and dinner at Golden Corral with ES and her hubby. So good to see them! Daughter F's wedding is planned for May 25th, the same day I might be in Chicago. Ugh.
My mom was released from Rehab yesterday! Dad is beyond thrilled to have her home again:)
Update on Roof: They came while we were gone yesterday and got most of the back half finished. They should be done today, so no more leaky kitchen roof!
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Flashback Friday: Making My Valentine Drool....
Feb 1998
I called T.
"Will you be my Valentine?"
"I'd like to be, but not this year."
"Too bad, because IF you were my Valentine, this is what would be waiting for you tonight: Roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fresh rolls, and a red velvet cake for dessert."
"WOW! Is it too late to change my mind? So......who's your Valentine this year?"
"Since it can't be you, then it's my kids."
Before you judge, remember, D was barely speaking to me and with the accident the previous month, was now making weekly trips to the chiropractor. We were also getting ready to file our taxes.
Next Month: Tax Refund Arrives!!!
***********
Present Day:
I was supposed to head home today, since my dad's surgery isn't until March 14th, but woke up feeling wonky yesterday. Hopefully having lunch with a friend, as well as attending a teleconference with Hydra.
Don't know if I'll go to Kimmieoke tonight at the Eagles, or stay home and watch the Olympics.
Yesterday was a crazy day: Lindsey Vonn ended up in 5th place in the women's Super G when Austria took over 1st and pushed her to 4th.....then a Czech Republic skier edged out Austria for the gold by .001 of a second!
In men's Figure Skating, Nathan Chen skated a near-flawless long program to go from 17th to first, until Japan edged him out. Then Spain and the final Japanese skater pushed him off the podium. It ended up being Japan 1st and 2nd, Spain 3rd, and USA 4th.
I'd speculated that since Chen was now in 17th, maybe the pressure would be off and he'd land all his quads.....he did, doing 6, and only bobbling on one of them:) When Andrea Joyce interviewed him, he confirmed it: He just wanted to enjoy the moment, with no pressure:)
I called T.
"Will you be my Valentine?"
"I'd like to be, but not this year."
"Too bad, because IF you were my Valentine, this is what would be waiting for you tonight: Roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fresh rolls, and a red velvet cake for dessert."
"WOW! Is it too late to change my mind? So......who's your Valentine this year?"
"Since it can't be you, then it's my kids."
Before you judge, remember, D was barely speaking to me and with the accident the previous month, was now making weekly trips to the chiropractor. We were also getting ready to file our taxes.
Next Month: Tax Refund Arrives!!!
***********
Present Day:
I was supposed to head home today, since my dad's surgery isn't until March 14th, but woke up feeling wonky yesterday. Hopefully having lunch with a friend, as well as attending a teleconference with Hydra.
Don't know if I'll go to Kimmieoke tonight at the Eagles, or stay home and watch the Olympics.
Yesterday was a crazy day: Lindsey Vonn ended up in 5th place in the women's Super G when Austria took over 1st and pushed her to 4th.....then a Czech Republic skier edged out Austria for the gold by .001 of a second!
In men's Figure Skating, Nathan Chen skated a near-flawless long program to go from 17th to first, until Japan edged him out. Then Spain and the final Japanese skater pushed him off the podium. It ended up being Japan 1st and 2nd, Spain 3rd, and USA 4th.
I'd speculated that since Chen was now in 17th, maybe the pressure would be off and he'd land all his quads.....he did, doing 6, and only bobbling on one of them:) When Andrea Joyce interviewed him, he confirmed it: He just wanted to enjoy the moment, with no pressure:)
Friday, February 9, 2018
Flashback Friday: Strange Way To Celebrate Valentine's Day....
Feb 1988:
Six months of trying to flip-flop my body clock finally took its toll, esp with the speeding ticket the previous month. I decided to end my relationship with CS.
As luck would have it, this momentous occasion happened to be on Valentine's Day. We spent a lackluster day together, most of it while he was sleeping, then I gently broke up with him. Friends JR and DH took me out to dinner at Ponderosa and presented me with a small teddy bear that I promptly placed on my dashboard (he lay flat on his tummy) and named 'Co-Pilot'.
Friend BH and I, along with JR, went to a local bar, the Round Up, and had so much fun dancing, that I decided to make one more trip down, to party and say farewell to this college town.
Little did I know Fate had other plans.....
Next Month: Fall out From Speeding Ticket and Oops, Rebellion Part 3?
************
Present Day:
I'm currently at my parents' house, helping out for either the next week, or staying longer if my dad's surgery is scheduled. So far, I've taken down the tree and put away the decorations, and played Words With Friends with K,S, J, F, and A. I joined the app just to play with my son, and suddenly more people want to play with me!
I have to take issue with this app: It won't recognize some names; some words; but accepts "QIS" as a WORD? I've been playing for nearly a week, and some of the letter combinations has just bumfuzzled me. One game, I was given nearly only vowels, no matter how many times I tried to swap them out.
This is why I've always hated playing Scrabble....
Olympic Update:
Figure Skating, Team Competition:
USA is in 2nd, due to Nathan Chen stumbling and falling twice on his quads, then the Pair duo tripping, but not falling. Japan's Men's skater was flawless, as was the German pair, the Canadian pair, and the Russian pair.
Moguls:
USA did well in both men's and women's.
Opening ceremonies are tonight! Anxious to see who's carrying the flag.
Six months of trying to flip-flop my body clock finally took its toll, esp with the speeding ticket the previous month. I decided to end my relationship with CS.
As luck would have it, this momentous occasion happened to be on Valentine's Day. We spent a lackluster day together, most of it while he was sleeping, then I gently broke up with him. Friends JR and DH took me out to dinner at Ponderosa and presented me with a small teddy bear that I promptly placed on my dashboard (he lay flat on his tummy) and named 'Co-Pilot'.
Friend BH and I, along with JR, went to a local bar, the Round Up, and had so much fun dancing, that I decided to make one more trip down, to party and say farewell to this college town.
Little did I know Fate had other plans.....
Next Month: Fall out From Speeding Ticket and Oops, Rebellion Part 3?
************
Present Day:
I'm currently at my parents' house, helping out for either the next week, or staying longer if my dad's surgery is scheduled. So far, I've taken down the tree and put away the decorations, and played Words With Friends with K,S, J, F, and A. I joined the app just to play with my son, and suddenly more people want to play with me!
I have to take issue with this app: It won't recognize some names; some words; but accepts "QIS" as a WORD? I've been playing for nearly a week, and some of the letter combinations has just bumfuzzled me. One game, I was given nearly only vowels, no matter how many times I tried to swap them out.
This is why I've always hated playing Scrabble....
Olympic Update:
Figure Skating, Team Competition:
USA is in 2nd, due to Nathan Chen stumbling and falling twice on his quads, then the Pair duo tripping, but not falling. Japan's Men's skater was flawless, as was the German pair, the Canadian pair, and the Russian pair.
Moguls:
USA did well in both men's and women's.
Opening ceremonies are tonight! Anxious to see who's carrying the flag.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Flashback Friday: Quiet V-Day
February 2006:
D received an unexpected phone call: Would he be willing to go to Ft. Wayne and help build a center wall for the highway? With money being tight, and our tax refund not back yet, he jumped at the chance to return to work. Since he didn't know how long he'd be gone, we mapped out a plan for keeping track of expenses. He packed his bag, kissed the kids goodbye, and took off.
The kids and I spent a solitary Valentine's Day. I made them a special meal, and had gotten them each their own candy. Being alone with five kids wasn't easy, but we resumed our routine, and for the most part, it wasn't too bad.
Next Month: Youngling's 2nd Birthday!
************
Present Day:
My good friend RM's daughter lost her battle with an undisclosed medical issue, and her Celebration of Life is tomorrow. I never knew K; she'd moved to Texas the year before I met her mom. Our choir is singing at the Mass, then heading over to the Parish Center for lunch.
I did manage to compose a poem:
Kathryn's Song
Oh beautiful daughter, our bright shooting star
D received an unexpected phone call: Would he be willing to go to Ft. Wayne and help build a center wall for the highway? With money being tight, and our tax refund not back yet, he jumped at the chance to return to work. Since he didn't know how long he'd be gone, we mapped out a plan for keeping track of expenses. He packed his bag, kissed the kids goodbye, and took off.
The kids and I spent a solitary Valentine's Day. I made them a special meal, and had gotten them each their own candy. Being alone with five kids wasn't easy, but we resumed our routine, and for the most part, it wasn't too bad.
Next Month: Youngling's 2nd Birthday!
************
Present Day:
My good friend RM's daughter lost her battle with an undisclosed medical issue, and her Celebration of Life is tomorrow. I never knew K; she'd moved to Texas the year before I met her mom. Our choir is singing at the Mass, then heading over to the Parish Center for lunch.
I did manage to compose a poem:
Kathryn's Song
Oh beautiful daughter, our bright shooting star
Comfort your family wherever you are.
Your parents, your brother, little Ollie your son,
Those who knew you the best, all grieve that you're gone.
(Now you're gone??)
You've touched people's lives with your various gifts
Tormented in secret you did your best to uplift
Sewing costumes and clothing, fine linens and things
You've left quite a legacy for others to sing
Of your talents and beauty, your personal charm
Your love and your wit, no one wished you harm.
So fly high our dear angel to your heavenly Father
No longer in pain, you were never a bother.
Some of the wording will be changed; RM is reworking it to her liking:)
Karaoke Songs:
(Last Night):
You Give Love A Bad Name Nailed it!!! Someone even yelled, "You ROCK!"
Miracle Due to the large crowd, was only able to sing two songs, so chose this one as my last. Was told it was good; I couldn't hear myself.
(Tomorrow):
Bartender (Lady Antebellum) Did well!
Key Largo (Bertie Higgins) Nailed it:)
The Kid is Hot Tonight (Loverboy) Little rough, and camera batteries quit. Will resing in a couple weeks!
Have a great weekend! I'll be back early next week with the March schedule:)
Friday, February 19, 2016
Flashback Friday: My Worst Valentine's Day EVER
Feb 1996:
Recap: I'd angered my spouse for not inviting him to the Olive Garden with me and an old friend. It caused a huge rift in our marriage, and I was ready to walk out. He convinced me to stay, but we barely spoke to each other the rest of the month. Meanwhile, my mother had enlisted my help in finding my great-grandmother an assisted living place....
D continued to fume as my weekly visits with Mom and tours of various assisted living places continued. When we did settle on a place, we then took on the task of cleaning out her house and getting it ready for sale. I was still going over weekly to do laundry and pour out my heart on paper. D came across my scribbles and on Valentine's Day, informed me that as soon as he returned to work, he was going to contact a lawyer and file for divorce. I was distraught, and sought refuge at Grandma's, not wanting to upset the kids. While Mom was downstairs, I called my friend to vent my frustrations. He called me back and calmed me down, telling me not to look at it as a negative, but as a positive:
"Now you can get on with your life and stop making each other miserable. Chalk it up to a learning experience."
I agreed with him, but still worried about being a single mom with two children under the age of 5. Could I do this? I'd have to get a job....possibly move back home.....and with the allegations D was claiming, I stood a chance of losing my kids in a custody battle. My pride was at stake; what mother wanted to be declared unfit?
I decided since V-day was basically a bust, I'd go all out for the kids. I made a nice meal; bought them (and myself!) some chocolate. And tried to ignore the ache in my heart.
The kids and I visited Grandma every week, bringing her raisin bread, grapefruit, and strawberry ice cream. She was furious at the locked ward, where they kept her temporarily until a room at American Village opened up, and while she wasn't too thrilled at the change of address, she enjoyed our visits.
I grew concerned when she obviously confused me at times with my mother, and at times, didn't recognize the kids.
Next Month: House Hunting begins! Plus, What NOT To Do When Emptying A House For Auction....
***************
Present Day:
Karaoke songs:
Karma Chameleon (Culture Club) Surprisingly, this wasn't too bad!
Keep On Loving You (REO Speedwagon) Very good!
Kerosene (Miranda Lambert) Flubbed a few lines, but everyone hi-fived me!
Recap: I'd angered my spouse for not inviting him to the Olive Garden with me and an old friend. It caused a huge rift in our marriage, and I was ready to walk out. He convinced me to stay, but we barely spoke to each other the rest of the month. Meanwhile, my mother had enlisted my help in finding my great-grandmother an assisted living place....
D continued to fume as my weekly visits with Mom and tours of various assisted living places continued. When we did settle on a place, we then took on the task of cleaning out her house and getting it ready for sale. I was still going over weekly to do laundry and pour out my heart on paper. D came across my scribbles and on Valentine's Day, informed me that as soon as he returned to work, he was going to contact a lawyer and file for divorce. I was distraught, and sought refuge at Grandma's, not wanting to upset the kids. While Mom was downstairs, I called my friend to vent my frustrations. He called me back and calmed me down, telling me not to look at it as a negative, but as a positive:
"Now you can get on with your life and stop making each other miserable. Chalk it up to a learning experience."
I agreed with him, but still worried about being a single mom with two children under the age of 5. Could I do this? I'd have to get a job....possibly move back home.....and with the allegations D was claiming, I stood a chance of losing my kids in a custody battle. My pride was at stake; what mother wanted to be declared unfit?
I decided since V-day was basically a bust, I'd go all out for the kids. I made a nice meal; bought them (and myself!) some chocolate. And tried to ignore the ache in my heart.
The kids and I visited Grandma every week, bringing her raisin bread, grapefruit, and strawberry ice cream. She was furious at the locked ward, where they kept her temporarily until a room at American Village opened up, and while she wasn't too thrilled at the change of address, she enjoyed our visits.
I grew concerned when she obviously confused me at times with my mother, and at times, didn't recognize the kids.
Next Month: House Hunting begins! Plus, What NOT To Do When Emptying A House For Auction....
***************
Present Day:
Karaoke songs:
Karma Chameleon (Culture Club) Surprisingly, this wasn't too bad!
Keep On Loving You (REO Speedwagon) Very good!
Kerosene (Miranda Lambert) Flubbed a few lines, but everyone hi-fived me!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Flashback Friday: One of My Better Valentine's Days!
Feb 1986:
Brief Recap: After BG disappeared and no one telling me where he'd gone or why, my spirits were lifted when roomie BJG's boyfriend came to see her, and she not only broke up with him, but encouraged him to pursue me. While I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of being 2nd choice, I nevertheless didn't discourage him either, and agreed to give it a try....
JD is lucky I continued our 'relationship'. Anyone who's been around me very long knows I don't like practical jokes. The morning after our first two days together was nearly our last.
It began with a phone call.
Is this Molly? Mr.(JD) was in an accident and your name was found in his wallet as 'next of kin'. How soon can you be up here to identify his body? (Or something to that effect!)
I was not amused. 1) The phone call had woken me out of a sound sleep and 2) I had the presence of mind to realize I would NOT be his 'next of kin' after only 48 hours! I excused myself, called out to BJG, who'd handed me the phone, and handed it to her, telling her to hang it up.
Instead, she spoke to the person on the other end, and then revealed to me who it was. I took the receiver again, and told him in no uncertain terms he was damn lucky I had not climbed out of bed and slammed the receiver in his ear! He apologized.....and two weeks later, sent me a beautiful red rose, the first one I'd ever received from the opposite sex.
Valentine's Dance By Proxy
Campus held a Valentine's Day dance, and since JD couldn't get the time off from work, he agreed for me to go with a trusted friend. BJG had begun seing EY's brother, so the four of us went and had a good time. My proxy-date was Steve "Guido" LeCoque, and he showed up with a beautiful, long-stemmed red rose:) How sweet! Two roses in one day!
The following week, I went home for the weekend, and JD came up to spend the day with me. We drove back to his house and went roller skating. His mom had made chili for dinner, and even though she'd toned it way down (seriously, everyone but me was dumping hot sauce into their bowls!), it was still too spicy for my wimpy taste buds.
Next Month: Spring Break!
***************
Present Day:
We're trying to stay warm. The temps have dipped into the teens this week, a long with about an inch of snow that finally melted yesterday.
What does V-Day hold for me this year? I'm cantoring at church, and the spouse says he's got something up his sleeve. I would just like a small shopping spree at Kohl's, for a necklace and some lady things. Maybe he'll go to karaoke with me again? I also need to make an appointment to get our taxes done.
Karaoke Songs:
Last Night:
You Belong With Me-Taylor Swift I thought it was passable; Brower and one other person seemed to like it, so a keeper:)
You Can't Hurry Love-Supremes Messed it up in a few spots, but over all thought it was okay. Probably never sing it again though!
Tonight:
Just Like A Pill-Pink Wasn't too bad!
Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me-Faith Hill A keeper; I was cheered!
Silver Springs-Stevie Nicks Did well:)
Just When I Needed You Most-Randy Vanwarmer Definite keeper!
Just Like Jesse James-Cher (Back up) Always good:)
Brief Recap: After BG disappeared and no one telling me where he'd gone or why, my spirits were lifted when roomie BJG's boyfriend came to see her, and she not only broke up with him, but encouraged him to pursue me. While I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of being 2nd choice, I nevertheless didn't discourage him either, and agreed to give it a try....
JD is lucky I continued our 'relationship'. Anyone who's been around me very long knows I don't like practical jokes. The morning after our first two days together was nearly our last.
It began with a phone call.
Is this Molly? Mr.(JD) was in an accident and your name was found in his wallet as 'next of kin'. How soon can you be up here to identify his body? (Or something to that effect!)
I was not amused. 1) The phone call had woken me out of a sound sleep and 2) I had the presence of mind to realize I would NOT be his 'next of kin' after only 48 hours! I excused myself, called out to BJG, who'd handed me the phone, and handed it to her, telling her to hang it up.
Instead, she spoke to the person on the other end, and then revealed to me who it was. I took the receiver again, and told him in no uncertain terms he was damn lucky I had not climbed out of bed and slammed the receiver in his ear! He apologized.....and two weeks later, sent me a beautiful red rose, the first one I'd ever received from the opposite sex.
Valentine's Dance By Proxy
Campus held a Valentine's Day dance, and since JD couldn't get the time off from work, he agreed for me to go with a trusted friend. BJG had begun seing EY's brother, so the four of us went and had a good time. My proxy-date was Steve "Guido" LeCoque, and he showed up with a beautiful, long-stemmed red rose:) How sweet! Two roses in one day!
The following week, I went home for the weekend, and JD came up to spend the day with me. We drove back to his house and went roller skating. His mom had made chili for dinner, and even though she'd toned it way down (seriously, everyone but me was dumping hot sauce into their bowls!), it was still too spicy for my wimpy taste buds.
Next Month: Spring Break!
***************
Present Day:
We're trying to stay warm. The temps have dipped into the teens this week, a long with about an inch of snow that finally melted yesterday.
What does V-Day hold for me this year? I'm cantoring at church, and the spouse says he's got something up his sleeve. I would just like a small shopping spree at Kohl's, for a necklace and some lady things. Maybe he'll go to karaoke with me again? I also need to make an appointment to get our taxes done.
Karaoke Songs:
Last Night:
You Belong With Me-Taylor Swift I thought it was passable; Brower and one other person seemed to like it, so a keeper:)
You Can't Hurry Love-Supremes Messed it up in a few spots, but over all thought it was okay. Probably never sing it again though!
Tonight:
Just Like A Pill-Pink Wasn't too bad!
Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me-Faith Hill A keeper; I was cheered!
Silver Springs-Stevie Nicks Did well:)
Just When I Needed You Most-Randy Vanwarmer Definite keeper!
Just Like Jesse James-Cher (Back up) Always good:)
Friday, February 5, 2016
Flashback Friday: 'Love 4th Grade-Style'
Feb 1976:
My Valentine's Day in the 4th grade was different from years past. After the Valentines had been passed out, in which my 'boyfriend', AF, had given me a beautiful handmade Valentine made of tissue paper and a shoe box lid (and believe it or not, I still have it!), we played a game. All the boys lined up at the blackboard with their faces away from us. The girls, meanwhile, each had an empty seat next to our desks. Two of the boys were designated to pick out two girls, who whispered the names of their chosen boys into their ears. All boys then turned around, and the two 'messengers' would take turns calling out the names of the two chosen, who would then go sit by the girl he thought had picked him.
I wasn't expecting to be questioned, so when KH came over, my mind locked up. I couldn't even think of a boy's name, so I blurted out the first name which came to mind, someone I couldn't stand! Fortunately, he did not choose me, so for the next round, BH came over and I told him AF. A was too shy to sit by me, but EM's choice was correct. I think we only played two rounds before the food arrived. We were told to line up girl/boy, and AF came over and told me he hadn't want to let the entire class know of us yet. I whispered back I was relieved, and we had a good feast.
Walking on stilts during recess was popular, and there was only a limited amount available. Since we were now at the other end of the school, our playground was the baseball field and the parking lot. I must have voiced my desire to have stilts, because soon my dad made me a pair. I took them to school and for a while, enjoyed my new-found 'popularity'.
Later that month, the Winter Olympics were televised, and my sister and I were soon fascinated with Dorothy Hamill's ice skating. My sister even soon got her hair cut like Dorothy, who went on to win the gold medal.
Mom was also ordained as a deacon in our church:)
Next Month: Easter!
************
Present Day:
Today I'm doing laundry. I'm also hooked on That 70s Show on Netflix. I know; I know....I SHOULD be writing.
Tomorrow's Karaoke Songs:
Just One Look-Linda Ronstadt
Just Give Me A Reason-Pink
Just Like A Pill-Pink
Just Like Jesse James-Cher
Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me-Faith Hill
Just When I Needed You Most-Randy Vanwarmer (Back up song)
My Valentine's Day in the 4th grade was different from years past. After the Valentines had been passed out, in which my 'boyfriend', AF, had given me a beautiful handmade Valentine made of tissue paper and a shoe box lid (and believe it or not, I still have it!), we played a game. All the boys lined up at the blackboard with their faces away from us. The girls, meanwhile, each had an empty seat next to our desks. Two of the boys were designated to pick out two girls, who whispered the names of their chosen boys into their ears. All boys then turned around, and the two 'messengers' would take turns calling out the names of the two chosen, who would then go sit by the girl he thought had picked him.
I wasn't expecting to be questioned, so when KH came over, my mind locked up. I couldn't even think of a boy's name, so I blurted out the first name which came to mind, someone I couldn't stand! Fortunately, he did not choose me, so for the next round, BH came over and I told him AF. A was too shy to sit by me, but EM's choice was correct. I think we only played two rounds before the food arrived. We were told to line up girl/boy, and AF came over and told me he hadn't want to let the entire class know of us yet. I whispered back I was relieved, and we had a good feast.
Walking on stilts during recess was popular, and there was only a limited amount available. Since we were now at the other end of the school, our playground was the baseball field and the parking lot. I must have voiced my desire to have stilts, because soon my dad made me a pair. I took them to school and for a while, enjoyed my new-found 'popularity'.
Later that month, the Winter Olympics were televised, and my sister and I were soon fascinated with Dorothy Hamill's ice skating. My sister even soon got her hair cut like Dorothy, who went on to win the gold medal.
Mom was also ordained as a deacon in our church:)
Next Month: Easter!
************
Present Day:
Today I'm doing laundry. I'm also hooked on That 70s Show on Netflix. I know; I know....I SHOULD be writing.
Tomorrow's Karaoke Songs:
Just One Look-Linda Ronstadt
Just Give Me A Reason-Pink
Just Like A Pill-Pink
Just Like Jesse James-Cher
Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me-Faith Hill
Just When I Needed You Most-Randy Vanwarmer (Back up song)
Friday, February 13, 2015
Flashback Friday: Valentine's Day!
Feb 1985:
By now, you know I have a history of lousy Valentine's Days. In 1982, I broke up with my b/f for a stupid reason, then spent months trying to win him back; in 1983, I'd had a fight with my Valentine; in 1984, I poured out my heart to my Valentine, then made myself scarce the rest of the day.
This year, I thought things would be different. After all, I returned from Christmas Break back to my lover's arms, but after two weeks, we suddenly discovered we had nothing to talk about. A week went by, then I received a letter from my HS boyfriend, whom I'd spoken to over Break, and in a letter, had informed him of the recent break up. He wanted a 5th chance with me, and included his HS Key. Being lonely, I slipped the necklace over my head, wore a nice outfit, and had my roommate take my picture. I sent him the pic, then went about my studies. I'd also switched my major from Early Childhood Ed to Social Work, and was really enjoying my classes.
A week later, I received another letter, asking for his key back. Apparently his mommy wasn't happy, so I removed it and sent it back, thinking 'why in the HELL had I done this? Didn't the first FOUR times show me he was unreliable?'
Valentine's Day arrived. My roommates were all paired up, and talked about their romantic nights ahead. Determined not to be alone, I called my ex and invited him to lunch. He accepted, then to my delight, spent the afternoon with me, took me to dinner, then we spent a few hours in his dorm room. I thought me might be back on track.
But the next day, he called me, and said we could be 'weekend buddies'. I told him I'd think about it. This resolve lasted only until the following weekend...let's face it, my hormones were raging. But this only happened a few times before we came to our senses.
*********
Present Day:
My Valentine's Days are no better now; we're usually strapped for money, and on rare times when our Tax Refund has arrived, I do get taken out to dinner. But this year we're facing a $500 truck repair, plus I have money set aside for upcoming trips in April. I'll be making a festive dinner for the family, then dragging the spouse to karaoke.
I'm also thinking of doing some 'anti-love' songs tomorrow:
Are You Happy Now-Michelle Branch
If I Could Turn Back Time-Cher
Hate Me-Blue October
Faithfully-Journey (I DO love this song, and hope I get to sing it!)
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
By now, you know I have a history of lousy Valentine's Days. In 1982, I broke up with my b/f for a stupid reason, then spent months trying to win him back; in 1983, I'd had a fight with my Valentine; in 1984, I poured out my heart to my Valentine, then made myself scarce the rest of the day.
This year, I thought things would be different. After all, I returned from Christmas Break back to my lover's arms, but after two weeks, we suddenly discovered we had nothing to talk about. A week went by, then I received a letter from my HS boyfriend, whom I'd spoken to over Break, and in a letter, had informed him of the recent break up. He wanted a 5th chance with me, and included his HS Key. Being lonely, I slipped the necklace over my head, wore a nice outfit, and had my roommate take my picture. I sent him the pic, then went about my studies. I'd also switched my major from Early Childhood Ed to Social Work, and was really enjoying my classes.
A week later, I received another letter, asking for his key back. Apparently his mommy wasn't happy, so I removed it and sent it back, thinking 'why in the HELL had I done this? Didn't the first FOUR times show me he was unreliable?'
Valentine's Day arrived. My roommates were all paired up, and talked about their romantic nights ahead. Determined not to be alone, I called my ex and invited him to lunch. He accepted, then to my delight, spent the afternoon with me, took me to dinner, then we spent a few hours in his dorm room. I thought me might be back on track.
But the next day, he called me, and said we could be 'weekend buddies'. I told him I'd think about it. This resolve lasted only until the following weekend...let's face it, my hormones were raging. But this only happened a few times before we came to our senses.
*********
Present Day:
My Valentine's Days are no better now; we're usually strapped for money, and on rare times when our Tax Refund has arrived, I do get taken out to dinner. But this year we're facing a $500 truck repair, plus I have money set aside for upcoming trips in April. I'll be making a festive dinner for the family, then dragging the spouse to karaoke.
I'm also thinking of doing some 'anti-love' songs tomorrow:
Are You Happy Now-Michelle Branch
If I Could Turn Back Time-Cher
Hate Me-Blue October
Faithfully-Journey (I DO love this song, and hope I get to sing it!)
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Flashback Friday: What Not To Do On Valentine's Day....
1982:
I have to preface this post with something I forgot to mention last month: My youth group planned a skiing trip, and my parents let me go. We drove up to Timber Ridge near the Kalamazoo area, and checked in. Six of us shared a motel room, and I was surprised the next morning at how many girls put on makeup just to 'play in the snow'! We met up with the rest of the group and headed to the lodge. Five of us had never skied before, so after paying for our equipment rental, we followed an instructor to the Bunny Slope, where he taught us the basics. I learned how to fall down, snowplow to a stop, and more importantly, how to put my skis back on my boots!
One of my good friends, DH, spent the better part of the afternoon with me, trying to improve my skill level. But it soon became clear downhill skiing was not going to be my forte, so I went inside to warm up with hot chocolate and sit by the fire and let him get back to the more challenging courses.
My best friend J was about to undergo knee surgery, but had come along to cheer on her boyfriend and the rest of us. I joined her upstairs after thawing out, and watched my other best friend, K, who was decked out in purple from her hat to her ski pants.
Woke up Sunday morning with my right arm extremely sore from the rope tow of the Bunny Slope, so didn't ski again, but enjoyed hanging out with K and everyone else in the chalet until it was time to load up and return home.
Now before the trip, B had learned of the trip and warned me not to break my leg, 'because the Valentine's Dance is coming up.' I had told him I had no intention of breaking any bones, and when I related this conversation to BFFs K and J, they soon convinced me this meant he was going to ask me to the dance.
But before the trip and the conversation with B, the fact I saw ex-boyfriend K every day soon had me longing for male companionship again, so I screwed up my courage and asked him out. He'd agreed, and then made me a silver ring in one of his shop classes. I hadn't told B of the new development....and left for the weekend.
When I got back, B met me at my locker, wanting details of the ski trip, and seemed happy I was still on two feet. I then revealed I was back with K, and he acted upset. Later, one of B's friends indicated B had been thinking about asking me to the upcoming dance. And in my turmoil, I did something rather stupid.
One week before the dance, I broke things off with K....only to discover B three days later B wasn't attending the dance. And through a friend, I learned he hadn't been thinking of upgrading our friendship to dating status. I was crushed....and spent the next six weeks campaigning for K to take me back again. I was also slightly jealous of BFF's J and K's relationships with their men, and often felt like a 5th wheel every Wednesday and Sunday night. And since my parents' Bible Study now met the same night of the week as mine, I could no longer group date, since I already had a ride home every Wednesday. I began to resent the fact we lived so far out of town.
So Valentine's Day that year was a huge disappointment, other than the chocolate heart my mother had given me. Would I ever know the joys of spending Valentine's Day in the company of a boyfriend?
Present Day:
Youngling is now in wrestling, so no more getting up early on Saturday to attend ball games:) However, if you're on Face Book tomorrow, please feel free to join myself and other Secret Cravings authors in an all weekend chat on our face book page. Contests, fun, trivia, or just hanging out with us:) And don't forget to stop by The Writer's Evo on Sunday for Kenzie's post!
Have a great weekend! And if you missed it, scroll down for two excerpts from Forbidden Love:)
I have to preface this post with something I forgot to mention last month: My youth group planned a skiing trip, and my parents let me go. We drove up to Timber Ridge near the Kalamazoo area, and checked in. Six of us shared a motel room, and I was surprised the next morning at how many girls put on makeup just to 'play in the snow'! We met up with the rest of the group and headed to the lodge. Five of us had never skied before, so after paying for our equipment rental, we followed an instructor to the Bunny Slope, where he taught us the basics. I learned how to fall down, snowplow to a stop, and more importantly, how to put my skis back on my boots!
One of my good friends, DH, spent the better part of the afternoon with me, trying to improve my skill level. But it soon became clear downhill skiing was not going to be my forte, so I went inside to warm up with hot chocolate and sit by the fire and let him get back to the more challenging courses.
My best friend J was about to undergo knee surgery, but had come along to cheer on her boyfriend and the rest of us. I joined her upstairs after thawing out, and watched my other best friend, K, who was decked out in purple from her hat to her ski pants.
Woke up Sunday morning with my right arm extremely sore from the rope tow of the Bunny Slope, so didn't ski again, but enjoyed hanging out with K and everyone else in the chalet until it was time to load up and return home.
Now before the trip, B had learned of the trip and warned me not to break my leg, 'because the Valentine's Dance is coming up.' I had told him I had no intention of breaking any bones, and when I related this conversation to BFFs K and J, they soon convinced me this meant he was going to ask me to the dance.
But before the trip and the conversation with B, the fact I saw ex-boyfriend K every day soon had me longing for male companionship again, so I screwed up my courage and asked him out. He'd agreed, and then made me a silver ring in one of his shop classes. I hadn't told B of the new development....and left for the weekend.
When I got back, B met me at my locker, wanting details of the ski trip, and seemed happy I was still on two feet. I then revealed I was back with K, and he acted upset. Later, one of B's friends indicated B had been thinking about asking me to the upcoming dance. And in my turmoil, I did something rather stupid.
One week before the dance, I broke things off with K....only to discover B three days later B wasn't attending the dance. And through a friend, I learned he hadn't been thinking of upgrading our friendship to dating status. I was crushed....and spent the next six weeks campaigning for K to take me back again. I was also slightly jealous of BFF's J and K's relationships with their men, and often felt like a 5th wheel every Wednesday and Sunday night. And since my parents' Bible Study now met the same night of the week as mine, I could no longer group date, since I already had a ride home every Wednesday. I began to resent the fact we lived so far out of town.
So Valentine's Day that year was a huge disappointment, other than the chocolate heart my mother had given me. Would I ever know the joys of spending Valentine's Day in the company of a boyfriend?
Present Day:
Youngling is now in wrestling, so no more getting up early on Saturday to attend ball games:) However, if you're on Face Book tomorrow, please feel free to join myself and other Secret Cravings authors in an all weekend chat on our face book page. Contests, fun, trivia, or just hanging out with us:) And don't forget to stop by The Writer's Evo on Sunday for Kenzie's post!
Have a great weekend! And if you missed it, scroll down for two excerpts from Forbidden Love:)
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