I have been asked on numerous occasions, why Mike doesn't appear on my blogs and also why he is so seldom seen in my scrapbook pages. The reason is simple....Mike won't let me take his picture!
I often try a sneak attack, but usually fail. He throws his hand up (as shown here) yelling, "STOP, Mom!" This all began about a year ago. From birth to age 17, I have lots of pictures of Mike. Then it all ended. It appears as if Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc are without Mike. As soon as he sees the camera come out, Mike splits.
The other day, Joe, Karen, Andy and I headed into Taco Bell for lunch. There was Mike with the members of his band. I had the ever present camera around my neck (we were on the way home from the wrestling match). As I snapped the first one, the hand went up....but I GOT HIM as he bit into his taco! So, yes, I love Mike......I just can't get him on film.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
My Day OUT.....was POOPY
Paco in his straight jacket! That was the only way to cut his nails.
The poor Vet soon found that Paco is less than cooperative. He bit, he
SCREAMED like he was being killed.....all to get his nails cut, get weighed and well, forget the rest of his checkup!
I took all 3 dogs to the vet. Josie was easy. I put Rocky in first, on my seat with his blanket. I came back with Paco and set him in the backseat. Next I went to "scoop" up Rocky and move him off my seat. Instead, I "scooped" up a handful of nice, warm puppy poop! It was IN MY HAND!
Yes, Rocky had gotten either upset and let loose or maybe it was the feeling of the seat warmer that I turned on for him that inspired him to leave me the surprise package. Either way, I had to head back in the house to scrub, back to the car to scrub and back to the house to scrub my hands again. who normally doesn't have a lot of tolerance for Andy, was cuddling up today. From the
As you can see once we got to the Vet's office, Rocky thought the whole thing was just a blast! New people to lick! He got his shots and didn't miss a beat. Back to bouncing around like Tigger!
We treated the puppies to a trip to McDonalds for their favorite........a CHEESEBURGER!
It was my first day off the couch in the past 10 days. I have been following Dr's orders and resting, but by today I had to get OUT! After the Vet trip, I headed to Family Dollar for a few things where I witnessed the staff tackle a shoplifter. Lots of yelling and excitement. On down the road to Felpausch and I was ready to head home to my couch again.
The poor Vet soon found that Paco is less than cooperative. He bit, he
SCREAMED like he was being killed.....all to get his nails cut, get weighed and well, forget the rest of his checkup!
I took all 3 dogs to the vet. Josie was easy. I put Rocky in first, on my seat with his blanket. I came back with Paco and set him in the backseat. Next I went to "scoop" up Rocky and move him off my seat. Instead, I "scooped" up a handful of nice, warm puppy poop! It was IN MY HAND!
Yes, Rocky had gotten either upset and let loose or maybe it was the feeling of the seat warmer that I turned on for him that inspired him to leave me the surprise package. Either way, I had to head back in the house to scrub, back to the car to scrub and back to the house to scrub my hands again. who normally doesn't have a lot of tolerance for Andy, was cuddling up today. From the
As you can see once we got to the Vet's office, Rocky thought the whole thing was just a blast! New people to lick! He got his shots and didn't miss a beat. Back to bouncing around like Tigger!
We treated the puppies to a trip to McDonalds for their favorite........a CHEESEBURGER!
It was my first day off the couch in the past 10 days. I have been following Dr's orders and resting, but by today I had to get OUT! After the Vet trip, I headed to Family Dollar for a few things where I witnessed the staff tackle a shoplifter. Lots of yelling and excitement. On down the road to Felpausch and I was ready to head home to my couch again.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Family
Michael, Peggy, Mona, David, Patty, Suzie,Julie, Dale and Anne
Recently 2 of my uncles passed away within weeks. As we gathered to pray together and mourn their passing I thought about the importance of family. Some of us hadn't seen each other since our last family reunion, but everyone knew we would gather. It never really changes.
My Mom and Dad went first,then Uncle Al and Aunt Madeline. This year was rough, losing both Uncle Frank and Uncle Bill. They are part of our memories and our history. They were strong family men, good husbands, fathers and grandfathers. Uncle Frank was my Godfather. I don't ever remember him without a big smile and a hug. Uncle Bill came right out and told me after my father had passed away, that he was available for "fill in" any time I needed it. He was often there for me and I will miss him very much.
We all sat and remembered the old days when we gathered at our grandparents house or their cottage. We have the same memories of holiday dinners or sweeping the sand out of the cottage on Sunday nights before we headed home, watching my Dad and Aunt Madeline do the Jitterbug, Uncle Frank and his boat and Uncle Bill fixing and building something and everything. I remember my last evening with Aunt Madeline and all our late night phone conversations. I thought she was the Albert family version of June Cleaver.
We looked at old pictures of our parents and grandparents that were assembled at the church. Where had the years gone?
There were 17 of us. Somehow as we grew older, we may have stayed close to our special cousins, but those shared memories draw us all together. We continue to get to know each other as adults and they are all amazing people, good parents, successful and they are all believers in family.
We now discuss our grandchildren. I am still remembering Suzie and I scrapping behind Nana's couch or "the big kids", Michael, Anne and Peggy locking us out so they didn't have to bother with us younger ones. I laugh when they still call me Little Mona.
We must have carried on those family values. My five children are so close, even when they get mad at each other, they are miserable. They need that family unit. We have fun together. We care about each other.
We have raised children who have married good people, become good parents and given us beautiful grandchildren. I have to believe this is what life is about and we learn it from our parents and grandparents. Too bad we don't "get it" until we are older and I can't say Thank You to Nana and Pop. They started it all.
We Will Rock!
It was a fantastic moment as they began to play my favorite song.....Queen's version of "We will, We will Rock.....and then as it slowed down into the verse of "We are the Champions" I was singing along loudly.
Eaton Rapids boys were slowly walking with the American flag and formed facing their opponents, Lakewood, for the National Anthem.
Eaton Rapids absolutely slammed Lakewood in a near shut out and were high on victory. The coach tried to calm the excited wrestlers but Karen and I made the mistake of going upstairs to talk to Andy, where we found those big wrestlers running around, whooping it up.....some of them in their underwear. The coach was yelling, boys were wild and Security was threatening to throw them all out. We quickly left and went to dinner with other parents.
I was exhausted and ready for bed, but morning came all too early. Our coaches did not know that they had closed all the fast food places that used to be at Kellogg arena and the kids were hungry. Subway across the street had worked for dinner, but breakfast was a problem. Joe to the rescue! He loaded up the van, numerous times, running the boys to McDonalds. Karen and I stayed behind to have a quiet breakfast before heading back for the finals.
Unfortunately, Lowell wrestlers won and Eaton Rapids can claim that they made it to State Finals, but did not return with the title. As Andy put it "I was just happy to be there. and next year we can take it all the way"
Great attitude.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A Week of Sickness....Again!
What a week! Everyone knows Michigan winter brings colds and flu, but this has been ridiculous. We are buying out the shelves of Kleenex, Robitussin, Tylenol Cold pills and cough drops. Joe, Andy and I are walking germ festivals. Poor Andy has tried to wrestle, while he cannot even breathe.
10 days ago, I ended up in the emergency room with chest pain. That got my attention and as much as I hate going to the doctor or God forbid, the hospital, I knew I had better get moving.
After an hour of something that resembled a TV medical drama, complete with IVs, EKGs, etc, I was told it was caused by high blood pressure, probably due to stress. One big shot of something to mellow out and down came the BP. Hmmmmmmm
At least I had not had a heart attack. Always having had low blood pressure, I wondered if Eaton Rapids Hospital was correct. Just a fluke? NOT............it continued to rise the next day at my follow up visit.
By Tuesday, when it hit a number I won't put into print, the Dr advised me to take some time off, wrote a bunch of prescriptions and sent me to the cardiologist. Just GREAT!
So, I have taken a few days off to rest and try to see if I can get it under control. I decided to test the stress theory this weekend. During the break in the midst of the Regional Wrestling tournament I stopped at the drugstore and checked my BP........it wasn't pretty. Guess these doctors really do know more than I give them credit for.
Anybody want to take bets on what it will take me for to stay melllow?
10 days ago, I ended up in the emergency room with chest pain. That got my attention and as much as I hate going to the doctor or God forbid, the hospital, I knew I had better get moving.
After an hour of something that resembled a TV medical drama, complete with IVs, EKGs, etc, I was told it was caused by high blood pressure, probably due to stress. One big shot of something to mellow out and down came the BP. Hmmmmmmm
At least I had not had a heart attack. Always having had low blood pressure, I wondered if Eaton Rapids Hospital was correct. Just a fluke? NOT............it continued to rise the next day at my follow up visit.
By Tuesday, when it hit a number I won't put into print, the Dr advised me to take some time off, wrote a bunch of prescriptions and sent me to the cardiologist. Just GREAT!
So, I have taken a few days off to rest and try to see if I can get it under control. I decided to test the stress theory this weekend. During the break in the midst of the Regional Wrestling tournament I stopped at the drugstore and checked my BP........it wasn't pretty. Guess these doctors really do know more than I give them credit for.
Anybody want to take bets on what it will take me for to stay melllow?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
ER Greyhound Wrestlers won the Regional Championship last night in Mason! On to State competion where the Greyhounds boys will show them how it is done!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday Mike
Mike's 18th birthday was a non-celebration for Mom and Dad, but a sign that he is truly 18 now. His idea of fun was, no birthday cake, no birthday dinner......just some birthday cash and off with his friends. That is when you know they are grown up, I guess.
His life is filled with school, his band, his love of computers and of course, looking forward to graduation. He is a great kid and I spent last night missing him, but feeling good that he has turned out to be such a wonderful son.
Happy Birthday, Mike
Today is the BIG Day
Tonight, Eaton Rapids Wrestlers go to Mason for the Regional competition. We are so proud of Andy to have been placed in tonight's lineup. He even got a haircut to commemorate the occasion. I have been begging him for months and I came home to find a pleasant surprise. At Saturday's competition, someone pulled his headgear off during the match, pulling his hair. I think it made him realize when it distracted him, that a haircut was a good idea. Anyway, he looks like my boy again.
According to the Wrestling website, he gets to wrestle against John Glenn High School on Sunday. Since Joe and I both graduated from Glenn, we told him we were wearing our alumni T-shirts and would not be able to stop chanting ....."J. G. H. S.....Goooooooo Glenn!" He didn't find it funny.
Unfortunately, he is wrestling at 125, which is above his weight class, but they need someone to fill that slot. He did it last week and won, so here's hoping.
Update tonight, after the tournament!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
That's My Boy!
Andy pinned his first opponent from Battle Creek quickly. The second match against a Senior from Jackson Northwest (Andy says he was from HELL) was lost by points.
He quickly came back with another PIN against Parma and finished with a final PIN against his opponent from Mason.
This qualifies him to compete at the Regional Individual Championship next Saturday!
Can't help but think Gordy's grandson just made him smile in heaven.
*************To be Continued!
Wrestling Update
The top Varsity teams "wrestled off" and sent their best to the Individual District Championship today in Charlotte. After Eaton Rapids won the District Championship, Andy again won the spot in his weight class and will represent Eaton Rapids.
Regionals will take place Wednesday night in Mason. GO ER!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!
It was a good night in Eaton Rapids watching the Greyhouns win the District Wrestling Championship 75-3! Andrew pinned his opponent from Dewitt and I was so nervous I couldn't even take pictures. Our favorite buddy Justin also pinned his opponents from Charlotte and Dewitt. Now it's on to Regionals on Sunday.
Gone to Ground--Maybe...For a while
I have been told by my regular readers that I have been strangely quiet. My family members have complained that they not only haven't heard from me lately, but can't reach me by phone. Cousin Kathi, calls it "Mona has gone to ground" and says it happens every so often. I guess she is right.
Sometimes the world becomes too full, moves too fast and by 9pm when I get home, there is just no energy left. Whether it be enough energy to make a phone call or the creativity to compose a blog, it just isn't there.
Don't get me wrong.......I enjoy my days, I just find them exhausting. I love my job. That is a given. The challenge each day keeps me getting up and looking forward to seeing just what I can achieve. I consider myself lucky to have a job that often feels like I am playing a game....and I LOVE games. It is more fun to win at the game of work, than my favorite game of pinochle. After all, Debbie and I have been beating Joe and Jim at cards for over 30 years. It has almost lost it's thrill!
Winning at work is a bit more complicated and the reward definitely lasts longer. The thrill of accomplishment is a high that lasts far longer than the extra cash it brings. I can spend a year's bonus in a weekend. Just did.
February always does this to me. I come into the new year committed to a lot, some of which I actually accomplish each year. This year I have set expectations for myself professionally and personally and am finding myself tired, but satisfied at the end of the day. Just enough energy to hit the couch.
I will attend Andy's wrestling meet tomorrow night. I will take the day off so I am not too tired to enjoy the important stuff. Thursday, I will watch Michael play a concert for the VFW Children's Home. It is nice to be proud of your sons and I am.
So, if it seems as if I am "gone to ground", maybe I am. Spring is coming.....and then I want to paint the house and get ready for Mike's graduation. Think I am going to enjoy this February quiet, snuggled under my quilt at night, watching tv and knitting mismatched socks.
Sometimes the world becomes too full, moves too fast and by 9pm when I get home, there is just no energy left. Whether it be enough energy to make a phone call or the creativity to compose a blog, it just isn't there.
Don't get me wrong.......I enjoy my days, I just find them exhausting. I love my job. That is a given. The challenge each day keeps me getting up and looking forward to seeing just what I can achieve. I consider myself lucky to have a job that often feels like I am playing a game....and I LOVE games. It is more fun to win at the game of work, than my favorite game of pinochle. After all, Debbie and I have been beating Joe and Jim at cards for over 30 years. It has almost lost it's thrill!
Winning at work is a bit more complicated and the reward definitely lasts longer. The thrill of accomplishment is a high that lasts far longer than the extra cash it brings. I can spend a year's bonus in a weekend. Just did.
February always does this to me. I come into the new year committed to a lot, some of which I actually accomplish each year. This year I have set expectations for myself professionally and personally and am finding myself tired, but satisfied at the end of the day. Just enough energy to hit the couch.
I will attend Andy's wrestling meet tomorrow night. I will take the day off so I am not too tired to enjoy the important stuff. Thursday, I will watch Michael play a concert for the VFW Children's Home. It is nice to be proud of your sons and I am.
So, if it seems as if I am "gone to ground", maybe I am. Spring is coming.....and then I want to paint the house and get ready for Mike's graduation. Think I am going to enjoy this February quiet, snuggled under my quilt at night, watching tv and knitting mismatched socks.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Saturday Morning Crazy
6AM is NOT my favorite time of day. That was when I heard Joe calling for me to get up and find his crutches. He was having a gout attack, his foot is swollen and painful and he could not even make the morning bathroom run without them. Obviously, no choice but to get up.
The crutches were buried in our upstairs storage closet (and I DO mean buried). Without at least my first cup of morning coffee, I am close to useless and dangerously close to being nasty. However, I took on the mission. I found ONE........and was promptly informed that wasn't going to work. Now I had to dig beneath suitcases, summer clothes, old bedspreads, computer keyboards and old printers.........I found it! Oh, oh! One of the kids must have been playing with them and they now fit.......hmmm.......Catie??? Oh, and the handle was missing too.
Joe decides to try an Ace Bandage. Oh, good....I can find THAT at 6:15am....sure I can. Now I take EVERYTHING out of the bottom of the bathroom cabinet. Nope! By this time, Joe is getting frustrated. I am not much happier. The dogs are running wildly through the house because Joe usually takes them outside. All 3 chihauhaus and Spike are crying and Joe is now saying, sarcastically, "I am SO sorry to wake you."
It is Saturday. That means Wrestling Day. Joe isn't going to miss it, no matter what. I do offer to drive him, try to convince him to stay home and finally give in and start the process to help him carry on.
I find the Ace Bandage, find the Motrin, let the dogs out, get Andy up and begin the search for the cane I used when my back was out. Now I have to take EVERYTHING out of the hall closet and find it buried at the back. Joe is now using one crutch and one cane. He WILL make it somehow. About that time we realize that the dogs are probably frozen to the yard, since it is below zero and I forgot them...........I just want a cup of coffee!!!!!
Like the loyal wrestling Dad that he is, Joe limps out to the car and waits as I pack his bag with snacks for himself and the team and essentials for the long day ahead at Okemos High School. It is now 7:30 am and the house is quiet. I have visions of Joe trying to walk on his crutch/cane across the ice and they aren't pretty. I sure hope Andy wins today.
The crutches were buried in our upstairs storage closet (and I DO mean buried). Without at least my first cup of morning coffee, I am close to useless and dangerously close to being nasty. However, I took on the mission. I found ONE........and was promptly informed that wasn't going to work. Now I had to dig beneath suitcases, summer clothes, old bedspreads, computer keyboards and old printers.........I found it! Oh, oh! One of the kids must have been playing with them and they now fit.......hmmm.......Catie??? Oh, and the handle was missing too.
Joe decides to try an Ace Bandage. Oh, good....I can find THAT at 6:15am....sure I can. Now I take EVERYTHING out of the bottom of the bathroom cabinet. Nope! By this time, Joe is getting frustrated. I am not much happier. The dogs are running wildly through the house because Joe usually takes them outside. All 3 chihauhaus and Spike are crying and Joe is now saying, sarcastically, "I am SO sorry to wake you."
It is Saturday. That means Wrestling Day. Joe isn't going to miss it, no matter what. I do offer to drive him, try to convince him to stay home and finally give in and start the process to help him carry on.
I find the Ace Bandage, find the Motrin, let the dogs out, get Andy up and begin the search for the cane I used when my back was out. Now I have to take EVERYTHING out of the hall closet and find it buried at the back. Joe is now using one crutch and one cane. He WILL make it somehow. About that time we realize that the dogs are probably frozen to the yard, since it is below zero and I forgot them...........I just want a cup of coffee!!!!!
Like the loyal wrestling Dad that he is, Joe limps out to the car and waits as I pack his bag with snacks for himself and the team and essentials for the long day ahead at Okemos High School. It is now 7:30 am and the house is quiet. I have visions of Joe trying to walk on his crutch/cane across the ice and they aren't pretty. I sure hope Andy wins today.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Mike's Car Disaster of the Week
After my posting this morning, moaning about the cost of kids, Mike called within minutes. He was at LCC and the locks of his car were apparently frozen. He thought he would climb through the trunk to get in the car but his key BROKE off in the trunk lock!
No problem........IF you have a second set of keys, which we did not. Jennifer to the rescue!
Jennifer has the wonderful insurance plan that our company sells. It covers lock out. Good thing, because the car had to be towed to the dealer, 2 keys made and the keys "re-programmed" to match the car. $203 later.....Mike was back on the road.
No problem........IF you have a second set of keys, which we did not. Jennifer to the rescue!
Jennifer has the wonderful insurance plan that our company sells. It covers lock out. Good thing, because the car had to be towed to the dealer, 2 keys made and the keys "re-programmed" to match the car. $203 later.....Mike was back on the road.
Need a Second Job
Most of you who read this blog either have little ones that may seem expensive, but in truth are NOT......YET! The rest of you have older children and are laughing at me, because I am still raising mine.
In the past week I have heard, "Can I have a class ring?" "I need to order Graduation Announcements, cap and gown" (thank God), "I need new boots" , "I need a new coat", "I need to order a yearbook", "Can I have 2 Concert Tickets for my birthday?", "I need to pay for having my guitar worked on.",.......................................and on it goes.
Not one bit of it bothers me. After all, we go to work so we can provide for our families. Yet it is amazing how we do it. As the school sends home one opportunity after another to spend money, the prices increase every day. Class rings now cost more than my engagement ring!
Yearbooks? You have to be kidding. You don't even want to know. The other day a customer asked me how I would feel giving out $60 a week to kids for lunch money......3 kids.....$4 per day. I told him I do it every week. We grumbled together about the days of school lunches for under a buck.
They don't ask for more than they really need. Prices have just gotten crazy. I sound like my Dad again. Oh well.
I love my kids more than I can say. I want to give them EVERYTHING!
In the past week I have heard, "Can I have a class ring?" "I need to order Graduation Announcements, cap and gown" (thank God), "I need new boots" , "I need a new coat", "I need to order a yearbook", "Can I have 2 Concert Tickets for my birthday?", "I need to pay for having my guitar worked on.",.......................................and on it goes.
Not one bit of it bothers me. After all, we go to work so we can provide for our families. Yet it is amazing how we do it. As the school sends home one opportunity after another to spend money, the prices increase every day. Class rings now cost more than my engagement ring!
Yearbooks? You have to be kidding. You don't even want to know. The other day a customer asked me how I would feel giving out $60 a week to kids for lunch money......3 kids.....$4 per day. I told him I do it every week. We grumbled together about the days of school lunches for under a buck.
They don't ask for more than they really need. Prices have just gotten crazy. I sound like my Dad again. Oh well.
I love my kids more than I can say. I want to give them EVERYTHING!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Month End
My kids know "month end" means tired Mom. Long work days end with a bowl of cereal instead of dinner because it is just easier. Then fall asleep on the couch in about 10 minutes, only to get up and do it again.
January has been a month of sickness in the House of Chin. The boys had it, gave it to me and of course it lasted the rest of the month for me. Now the boys seem to have "it" again! I will be happy to see January OVER!
January has been a month of sickness in the House of Chin. The boys had it, gave it to me and of course it lasted the rest of the month for me. Now the boys seem to have "it" again! I will be happy to see January OVER!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Missing My Dad
It has been 17 years since my Dad passed away and I realize I talk about him every day. If only I could be such a parent, to have that kind of impact.
Every situation that arises, somehow I hear his voice in my head. There is always a "Gordyism" to fit the problem. Some are pretty funny, others are just bits of advice. Every childhood memory is filled with Dad. I realize one thing. He made his kids believe that there was NOTHING that they could not accomplish!
We were taught life was going to be hard work, but hard work was just a new challenge. Challenge was a good thing. It made your heart beat faster and you knew you were alive!
You also knew you were going to win.
When things didn't turn out so well, it was only another opportunity for a Gordyism. "If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade", then he helped you figure out how to do that. He never gave you the answer, but taught you how to think.
We were "little people" with most of the family falling between 4'10 and 5'5" tall.
"The bigger they are the harder they fall, Pal!" I can hear him say it over and over. If it was going to be a tough fight, he might say "They may end up with dinner, but you had better get LUNCH."
Every challenge had a planning stage. Selling Girl Scout cookies began with a talk with Dad. It went something like this:
"How many do you have to sell to be the top salesgirl?"
"How many days do you have to do this?"
"Who could be your customers?"
"Let's plan what you will say...."
No wonder Dave and I both ended up in sales! And yes, I was always the top salesgirl. In Cub Scouts, Dave sold so much fertilizer that they delivered in via semi-truck. Mom almost fainted when they filled our entire driveway with those big bags. Dad helped him deliver every bag.
Memories of boxing with Dad on the front lawn (boxing gloves and all) by the age of 5 or 6 are floating around in my head today. He taught me how to defend myself, but there was more learned there as he taught me to think fast and defensively. I was afraid of no one.
More memories of special "secret" trips that ended up at places like the Magic Drinking Fountain are like treasures to pull out on a bad day. After a full day of just time together, we would arrive at the Fountain and he would tell me about the people who believed that this water was so "special" and we were going to get a drink of it. I can still taste that cold well water. I drove by it the other day when I was in Northville and my heart ached for Dad.
He taught me the value of imagination and time spent, just experiencing a beautiful fall day with your Dad. The Michigan State Fair that became a tradition to look forward to as he made every display, event and ride seem like a miracle......I love to watch the home movies of learning how to fish in the lakes up north after he built the anticipation for weeks for our summer vacation.
We knew summer meant a week "up north" at the cottage. Maybe that is why I long for a cottage so much. Those memories of lazy mornings waking to the sound of the lake lapping on the shore, the sight of Lake Huron first thing in the morning. The evenings of sitting on the dock with Dad fishing for perch. Of course, while we fished he talked to me.
I didn't realize I was learning how to live. It might come in the form of a "Jenny" story. I am thankful that my kids got to hear Jenny stories. "Jenny" was a little girl that my father created to teach values. He made up the most wonderful stories about her and one day I figured out she always taught you some kind of moral, ethic or value. Amazing man he was.
"Jenny" was poor because her father, Joe, was "down on his luck". She was good and kind and knew what really mattered. So did her father Joe. I listened to stories of Joe always finding a way to take care of Jenny. Jenny and Joe always found a way to do for others and always did the "right" thing. Wow!
Sometimes Joe went to the bar for a beer. Then we could role play it! I got to be "Joe" and he was the bartender. We had some GREAT conversations as we worked out Joe's problems. I had a miniature A & W Root Beer mug for my "beer", he had a REAL one, of course.
He taught me the value of being spontaneous. Some rules and schedules have to be followed and sometimes you just have to do, what you NEED for you. He never missed a day of work in his life, unless he was on vacation and he knew how to have a vacation, at a moment's notice.
It is OK to do something just because you want to! Some vacations could be planned in about 3 minutes. He got up, got the urge and hours later we were either on the road or on a plane! Talk about IMPULSIVE! He taught us how to be impulsive without being reckless. Dave and I are known for it, but we come by it naturally.
If it was a rough work week....Friday morning, take the day off, tell the kids to stay home from school and head for the airport....be in Chicago by 3. Live it up! Order room service and eat just olives, if that is what you want.....experience something new.
Sure makes Monday morning easier after a crazy, fun, weekend.
There are so many memories, that I could write a book about Dad. Maybe I will. Today, I just miss him real bad.
Every situation that arises, somehow I hear his voice in my head. There is always a "Gordyism" to fit the problem. Some are pretty funny, others are just bits of advice. Every childhood memory is filled with Dad. I realize one thing. He made his kids believe that there was NOTHING that they could not accomplish!
We were taught life was going to be hard work, but hard work was just a new challenge. Challenge was a good thing. It made your heart beat faster and you knew you were alive!
You also knew you were going to win.
When things didn't turn out so well, it was only another opportunity for a Gordyism. "If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade", then he helped you figure out how to do that. He never gave you the answer, but taught you how to think.
We were "little people" with most of the family falling between 4'10 and 5'5" tall.
"The bigger they are the harder they fall, Pal!" I can hear him say it over and over. If it was going to be a tough fight, he might say "They may end up with dinner, but you had better get LUNCH."
Every challenge had a planning stage. Selling Girl Scout cookies began with a talk with Dad. It went something like this:
"How many do you have to sell to be the top salesgirl?"
"How many days do you have to do this?"
"Who could be your customers?"
"Let's plan what you will say...."
No wonder Dave and I both ended up in sales! And yes, I was always the top salesgirl. In Cub Scouts, Dave sold so much fertilizer that they delivered in via semi-truck. Mom almost fainted when they filled our entire driveway with those big bags. Dad helped him deliver every bag.
Memories of boxing with Dad on the front lawn (boxing gloves and all) by the age of 5 or 6 are floating around in my head today. He taught me how to defend myself, but there was more learned there as he taught me to think fast and defensively. I was afraid of no one.
More memories of special "secret" trips that ended up at places like the Magic Drinking Fountain are like treasures to pull out on a bad day. After a full day of just time together, we would arrive at the Fountain and he would tell me about the people who believed that this water was so "special" and we were going to get a drink of it. I can still taste that cold well water. I drove by it the other day when I was in Northville and my heart ached for Dad.
He taught me the value of imagination and time spent, just experiencing a beautiful fall day with your Dad. The Michigan State Fair that became a tradition to look forward to as he made every display, event and ride seem like a miracle......I love to watch the home movies of learning how to fish in the lakes up north after he built the anticipation for weeks for our summer vacation.
We knew summer meant a week "up north" at the cottage. Maybe that is why I long for a cottage so much. Those memories of lazy mornings waking to the sound of the lake lapping on the shore, the sight of Lake Huron first thing in the morning. The evenings of sitting on the dock with Dad fishing for perch. Of course, while we fished he talked to me.
I didn't realize I was learning how to live. It might come in the form of a "Jenny" story. I am thankful that my kids got to hear Jenny stories. "Jenny" was a little girl that my father created to teach values. He made up the most wonderful stories about her and one day I figured out she always taught you some kind of moral, ethic or value. Amazing man he was.
"Jenny" was poor because her father, Joe, was "down on his luck". She was good and kind and knew what really mattered. So did her father Joe. I listened to stories of Joe always finding a way to take care of Jenny. Jenny and Joe always found a way to do for others and always did the "right" thing. Wow!
Sometimes Joe went to the bar for a beer. Then we could role play it! I got to be "Joe" and he was the bartender. We had some GREAT conversations as we worked out Joe's problems. I had a miniature A & W Root Beer mug for my "beer", he had a REAL one, of course.
He taught me the value of being spontaneous. Some rules and schedules have to be followed and sometimes you just have to do, what you NEED for you. He never missed a day of work in his life, unless he was on vacation and he knew how to have a vacation, at a moment's notice.
It is OK to do something just because you want to! Some vacations could be planned in about 3 minutes. He got up, got the urge and hours later we were either on the road or on a plane! Talk about IMPULSIVE! He taught us how to be impulsive without being reckless. Dave and I are known for it, but we come by it naturally.
If it was a rough work week....Friday morning, take the day off, tell the kids to stay home from school and head for the airport....be in Chicago by 3. Live it up! Order room service and eat just olives, if that is what you want.....experience something new.
Sure makes Monday morning easier after a crazy, fun, weekend.
There are so many memories, that I could write a book about Dad. Maybe I will. Today, I just miss him real bad.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Telemarketers
Like everyone else, I HATE telemarketers. I know that I have to make similar calls to customers, but I do not enjoy my evening interrupted any more than anyone else.
We have a policy in our house. If the caller ID doesn't show it to be friend of family, we just don't answer it.
Today, Mike took me to the website shown below. I am going to anwswer the next telemarketer that calls and try this method.
http://howtoprankatelemarketer.ytmnd.com/
We have a policy in our house. If the caller ID doesn't show it to be friend of family, we just don't answer it.
Today, Mike took me to the website shown below. I am going to anwswer the next telemarketer that calls and try this method.
http://howtoprankatelemarketer.ytmnd.com/
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