Daytona Spring Break has nothing on us! The 5th Annual Robinson Family Beach Trip is official! The house has been booked, the dates have been set!
This is what our children look forward to all year. Who am I kidding? So do we! Since my brother, sister and I live in different states, this is the one time a year when we can be together with our families, catch up and enjoy 7 days of fun, fun and more fun! I wouldn't miss it for anything! We truly enjoy one another's company and we know how to have a good time!
Yes, it's that time of year again! (even though every year, without fail, my brother whines to Brenda and I, saying, "do you think we should do something different this year?"). Child, please! Come on, "if it ain't broke, why fix it?!" We're heading to the beach!
This has to be our most favorite part of summer! Imagine, up to 15 people in one house! It's awesome! My brother and his wife, Adrienne, graciously rent a house (a BIG one!) for two weeks and share it with their families. Adrienne's family arrives Week One (they're the quiet, more conservative group) and then, well, there's us! We arrive Week Two. Robbie and Adrienne knew what they were doing when they set it up this way. They're aware that if the Robinson's showed up Week One, the landlord may cancel Week Two!
All kidding aside, it really is a wonderful time. The first day is shopping day! The adults load up and head across the 5 mile bridge into town. This is one of my favorite times. We get three carts and fill them with food, snacks, drinks, charcoal, lighter fluid and then more of the same, laughing the whole time! We prepare our menus for the week, decide who's cooking what and we work our "list".
The whole week is filled with sharing memories from the past and making new ones. Whether we're on the beach, by the pool, in the jacuzzi, cooking, eating, playing games, dancing, fishing, swimming, on the waverunners, cruising the island on our mopeds, singing karoke or at the tiki bar, we're together. We're a family.
And, it doesn't get much better than that!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
HOT Yoga!
I had the pleasure of spending this past weekend with my daughters and their husbands in Nashville. Besides the highlight of being with my family, Teryn asked me to go with her to a 90 minute (yes, that would be an hour and a half!) "Hot Yoga" Class. She's been religiously going for weeks now and has fallen in love with it! I would go so far as to say she's become somewhat addicted! She looks incredible and is enjoying the many benefits that it has to offer. Now, some people may think of yoga as a form of "new age" exercise and that it would be a sin to participate! Well, as Granny would say, "That's just ree-dick-u-lous!"
I knew that it would mean a lot to her, so I agreed to go. Ah, the sacrifices we make for our children! Anyway, she loaned me a pair of yoga pants, a workout "bra", a tank top and a towel. We filled up our water bottles and we were on our way! (Note to self: Just one water bottle? Please.)
When we arrived, Teryn introduced me to the owner of the gym. She smiled at me and said, "Have you ever done Hot Yoga before?" "Nope." Then she said, "Wait, you've NEVER done Hot Yoga!?" I shook my head. Didn't she hear me the first time? Jeez. She turned to Teryn once more, "Does she have any idea?" Teryn shook her head. Well, that was encouraging.
In the lobby, Teryn told me that once we entered the classroom, there was no talking. Some Hot Yoga Law, I suppose. It wasn't until she made sure I understood that we proceeded towards the classroom. As Teryn put her hand on the door, she looked at me once again and whispered, "Mommy, remember, do not speak". That girl knows me all too well.
The room was packed. We found two places on the floor and set up our mats. Teryn motioned for me to lie on my back and experience "scholtzy", (this apparently means "keep your mouth shut, close your eyes and relax" in yoga talk). This went on for several minutes.
The instructor walked in. It was time to start. When she opened her mouth, I almost laughed out loud at the sound of her voice. She sounded like a chipmunk! I'm not kidding. (I found out later from Teryn that this instructor is actually attending voice lessons to improve her high pitched voice.)
She proceeded to give instructions and I held my own pretty well. I can tell you this. They don't call it Hot Yoga for nothing! The room is kept at 130 degrees. On purpose. With a packed out room, it was more like 150 degrees. I'm talking, "hell" hot!
But, I admit it. I kinda liked it. A lot. Our bodies are amazing. We underestimate the power that they hold. I was very proud of my 43 year old bad self! I kept up with everyone and even finished without one curse word leaving my mouth! Remember, there was NO talking! It was a great feeling and I felt exhilarated with the whole experience. Being with my daughter made it even better. I think Teryn was really proud of me.
At one point during class, while we were in "scholtzy" position, Teryn reached over, touched my arm and softly said, "Mommy, I love you and thanks for coming with me."
That alone was worth putting up with the chipmunk, sweating like a pig and suffering through the unquenching thirst I endured for 90 minutes.
And, frankly, I can't wait to do it again. But only if Teryn's right beside me.
I knew that it would mean a lot to her, so I agreed to go. Ah, the sacrifices we make for our children! Anyway, she loaned me a pair of yoga pants, a workout "bra", a tank top and a towel. We filled up our water bottles and we were on our way! (Note to self: Just one water bottle? Please.)
When we arrived, Teryn introduced me to the owner of the gym. She smiled at me and said, "Have you ever done Hot Yoga before?" "Nope." Then she said, "Wait, you've NEVER done Hot Yoga!?" I shook my head. Didn't she hear me the first time? Jeez. She turned to Teryn once more, "Does she have any idea?" Teryn shook her head. Well, that was encouraging.
In the lobby, Teryn told me that once we entered the classroom, there was no talking. Some Hot Yoga Law, I suppose. It wasn't until she made sure I understood that we proceeded towards the classroom. As Teryn put her hand on the door, she looked at me once again and whispered, "Mommy, remember, do not speak". That girl knows me all too well.
The room was packed. We found two places on the floor and set up our mats. Teryn motioned for me to lie on my back and experience "scholtzy", (this apparently means "keep your mouth shut, close your eyes and relax" in yoga talk). This went on for several minutes.
The instructor walked in. It was time to start. When she opened her mouth, I almost laughed out loud at the sound of her voice. She sounded like a chipmunk! I'm not kidding. (I found out later from Teryn that this instructor is actually attending voice lessons to improve her high pitched voice.)
She proceeded to give instructions and I held my own pretty well. I can tell you this. They don't call it Hot Yoga for nothing! The room is kept at 130 degrees. On purpose. With a packed out room, it was more like 150 degrees. I'm talking, "hell" hot!
But, I admit it. I kinda liked it. A lot. Our bodies are amazing. We underestimate the power that they hold. I was very proud of my 43 year old bad self! I kept up with everyone and even finished without one curse word leaving my mouth! Remember, there was NO talking! It was a great feeling and I felt exhilarated with the whole experience. Being with my daughter made it even better. I think Teryn was really proud of me.
At one point during class, while we were in "scholtzy" position, Teryn reached over, touched my arm and softly said, "Mommy, I love you and thanks for coming with me."
That alone was worth putting up with the chipmunk, sweating like a pig and suffering through the unquenching thirst I endured for 90 minutes.
And, frankly, I can't wait to do it again. But only if Teryn's right beside me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Shopping Day with Granny
When I visit with Granny, which I try to do often, we sometimes go up to Walmart to do some shopping. Granny just loves her Walmart! This is the hot spot she visits (religiously) once a week.
We have different reasons why we enjoy going to Walmart together. Granny likes when I take her because she'd rather not drive. I like when I take her because I enjoy buying her groceries.
My little Granny is full aware that when she's with me, she's not allowed to pay for anything. Sometime's, I admit, I'll let her buy me a "hambooger" (as she calls it, remember she's Spanish!) because I know it makes her feel good to bless me. This story sums up our grocery shopping experience.
When we arrive, Granny grabs the cart. She likes to push it and I like to fill it up. Granny always has her grocery list in hand. She knows exactly what she needs for the week. She checks prices on everything with great precision. My Granny is on a tight budget, like most women her age, and she's from the "old school" when you could buy 12 cans of green beans for a nickle! My grandmother ALWAYS buys generic. Always. She buys Sam's Soda, generic mac and cheese (it's like paste!) generic canned vegetables (yikes!), generic cheese (yuk), and the worst of all, generic ice cream (imitation!).
Well, not happening on my watch! Now, you may be someone who enjoys generic brands and one of those people who swears "you can't tell the difference!" Sorry, but I don't buy it. Not the food, nor that statement. I can always tell the difference.
Granny and I are somewhat entertaining when we shop together. It's actually pretty comical. I'll put something (name brand) in the cart and Granny will take it out and replace it with the cheap stuff (yikes!), only for me to take it out again. One of the items on her list was green beans so I grabbed a can. Granny said, "No, Bikki, dat's too much! Put it back, we get dis one." Of course, it was generic. Sam's green beans. Look, I don't know Sam. I don't know where he's been or where he grows his green beans, so I sure don't want my grandmother eating them.
I said, "Granny, I"m not buying the cheap stuff. You're with me, I'm paying and we're getting these." She knew it was a waste of her time to argue with me (God bless her for trying though!). She pouted a little bit. She even gave me that "look", but, eventually, sitting comfortably in the cart were two cans of Del Monte Green Beans.
This process is repeated over and over again. We were almost done when Granny looked at me and said, "We need to go dis way", Bikki." I followed her to the frozen section. Ice cream. I knew what was coming. Oh, boy, this was going to be fun. She thinks she's so sneaky and clever. She tries to keep me engrossed in conversation, while she slips the generic ice milk (gross!) in the cart. You'd think she'd have learned by now. Doesn't she know who she's dealing with?! I stood there and let her put it in. I smiled at her, she smiled back. Oh, she thought she was home free. I wanted to wait a few seconds. I decided to allow her to taste victory. I knew it would be short lived!
Then, I walked over, didn't say a word, picked it up out of the cart, placed it back in the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of Breyer's Vanilla Bean. I played the same game. I smiled at her as I carried on a conversation about the weather or something, trying to distract her. Too late. She saw me. She yelled, "NO, BIKKI! That's ree-dick-u-lous! Dat's too much! I say NO! Put that back!"
Oh, here we go again.
p.s. I like the word yikes now.
We have different reasons why we enjoy going to Walmart together. Granny likes when I take her because she'd rather not drive. I like when I take her because I enjoy buying her groceries.
My little Granny is full aware that when she's with me, she's not allowed to pay for anything. Sometime's, I admit, I'll let her buy me a "hambooger" (as she calls it, remember she's Spanish!) because I know it makes her feel good to bless me. This story sums up our grocery shopping experience.
When we arrive, Granny grabs the cart. She likes to push it and I like to fill it up. Granny always has her grocery list in hand. She knows exactly what she needs for the week. She checks prices on everything with great precision. My Granny is on a tight budget, like most women her age, and she's from the "old school" when you could buy 12 cans of green beans for a nickle! My grandmother ALWAYS buys generic. Always. She buys Sam's Soda, generic mac and cheese (it's like paste!) generic canned vegetables (yikes!), generic cheese (yuk), and the worst of all, generic ice cream (imitation!).
Well, not happening on my watch! Now, you may be someone who enjoys generic brands and one of those people who swears "you can't tell the difference!" Sorry, but I don't buy it. Not the food, nor that statement. I can always tell the difference.
Granny and I are somewhat entertaining when we shop together. It's actually pretty comical. I'll put something (name brand) in the cart and Granny will take it out and replace it with the cheap stuff (yikes!), only for me to take it out again. One of the items on her list was green beans so I grabbed a can. Granny said, "No, Bikki, dat's too much! Put it back, we get dis one." Of course, it was generic. Sam's green beans. Look, I don't know Sam. I don't know where he's been or where he grows his green beans, so I sure don't want my grandmother eating them.
I said, "Granny, I"m not buying the cheap stuff. You're with me, I'm paying and we're getting these." She knew it was a waste of her time to argue with me (God bless her for trying though!). She pouted a little bit. She even gave me that "look", but, eventually, sitting comfortably in the cart were two cans of Del Monte Green Beans.
This process is repeated over and over again. We were almost done when Granny looked at me and said, "We need to go dis way", Bikki." I followed her to the frozen section. Ice cream. I knew what was coming. Oh, boy, this was going to be fun. She thinks she's so sneaky and clever. She tries to keep me engrossed in conversation, while she slips the generic ice milk (gross!) in the cart. You'd think she'd have learned by now. Doesn't she know who she's dealing with?! I stood there and let her put it in. I smiled at her, she smiled back. Oh, she thought she was home free. I wanted to wait a few seconds. I decided to allow her to taste victory. I knew it would be short lived!
Then, I walked over, didn't say a word, picked it up out of the cart, placed it back in the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of Breyer's Vanilla Bean. I played the same game. I smiled at her as I carried on a conversation about the weather or something, trying to distract her. Too late. She saw me. She yelled, "NO, BIKKI! That's ree-dick-u-lous! Dat's too much! I say NO! Put that back!"
Oh, here we go again.
p.s. I like the word yikes now.
Friday, February 22, 2008
"May I step in?"
The other day, I got a call from a woman saying, "Hi Victoria! I'm calling about your friend Amy. She's trying to win a prize and if you'll let me come over and demonstrate the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, you're going to help her be one step closer!" Ah, the dreaded sales pitch call.
Don't you just hate these calls? It puts you in the most awkward of situations. Ok, so I have two choices at this point.
#1. Tell her I've never heard of Amy. Or #2. Lie and say I don't like Amy.
Ten minutes later, the appointment was set. Have you ever said yes to something and then regretted it? No? Ok, maybe it's just me then. Liars! (LOL)
Our appointment day came and I was so tempted to cancel. I'm an extremely busy person (refer to blog "this one's for you!" if you don't believe me!) and the last thing I felt like doing was having a stranger in my house. I knew the deal. She would come into my "clean" house and use her Rainbow to vacuum my carpet to prove what a lousy housekeeper I REALLY am. I wasn't in the mood for this! I knew I would not only have to endure an hour and a half demonstration, but I would need to shake my head yes to her questions and try my best to look interested in this overpriced system (I actually do think they're worth every dime!). Did you know that the Rainbow can kill those disgusting dust mites that sleep in our mattresses? I figure let them be. They keep me company!
Anyway, the reality is that I am friends with Amy. I actually like her very much. And if I could help my friend out, what's a little bit of my time? When she arrived, I noticed from the window that she had brought her two children along. She carried in two unopened boxes that contained the Rainbow (I bet that she wasn't planning on carrying them back out!), set up for her demonstration, and proceeded to ask me for friend's names so that I could win my prize (be expecting your call any day now!). She turned out to be a sweet, pleasant lady and her children enjoyed watching Sponge Bob from my living room. This whole experience brought back a memory from my own childhood that I wanted to share with each of you.
When I was 7 years old, my father was a salesman for Electrolux vacuum cleaners. He was very good at it. Dad never met a stranger (hmm, I wonder who I got that from!). I was very proud of him and all the trophies he brought home from being top salesman of the month again and again! That's MY Dad!
I'll never forget the first time my father asked if I wanted to go with him on a Saturday morning to "work". I was thrilled. Are you kidding me? Any day that I could spend with my Daddy was a good day. I enthusiastically said yes!
When that Saturday morning arrived, Dad came into my bedroom at 6:00am to wake me up. He whispered in my ear, "Do you still want to go?" I immediately jumped out of bed! I had even slept in my clothes! I was ready! I was actually going to watch my Daddy work. I felt like the luckiest 7 year old in the world!
Now, these were the days of door-to-door sales calls. Here's how it works. You scope out a neighborhood and start a knockin'. And that's just what we did.
Before we walked up to the first front door, my father sat with me to give me my "sales training". He said, "Baby Girl, here's what you're gonna do. Every door we knock on today, I want you to look up, smile and bat those beautiful brown eyes of yours. And this is the most important part of all, LOOK HUNGRY!" Hey, I could do that. I WAS hungry. Dad forgot to feed me breakfast before we had headed out. (Hmm, I wonder, could he have done that on purpose?)
Dad then placed this huge, gold bible (yes, a bible!) under his arm, held onto the cute little black haired girl's hand (that was me!) and we started up the walkway to our first door. After my father gave his pitch to the lady of the house, (as he called her), convincing her that he had the answer to all of her problems, he would then ask, "May I step in?" I can't remember anyone turning him down.
So, now it was time to do my part. I was ready and did as I was told. I've always been a great student. I knew what to do. I smiled on cue, looked up and the easiest part....looked hungry. Dad promised that when we sold our first unit, he would take me straight to the store to buy me a Grape Soda and a pack of HoHos.......for breakfast!
It wasn't long into the morning before we made our first sale and headed to the 7Eleven. We ended up selling 4 vacuum cleaners that day! I drank and ate so much, I had a stomach ache, but I was proud of how I'd helped my Daddy "close the deal". I'll never forget those memories.
My father passed away 3 years ago this April. I miss him a lot. The pain is unbearable at times. Dad and I used to sit and talk for hours about that Saturday morning. We laughed so hard. It always made him smile. Thanks, Dad, for waking me up that day. I sure do miss you.
I imagine that when my Dad stepped into Heaven, batted his adorable, beady little eyes, smiled at the gatekeeper and asked,
"May I step in?" And I believe that's exactly what he did.
Don't you just hate these calls? It puts you in the most awkward of situations. Ok, so I have two choices at this point.
#1. Tell her I've never heard of Amy. Or #2. Lie and say I don't like Amy.
Ten minutes later, the appointment was set. Have you ever said yes to something and then regretted it? No? Ok, maybe it's just me then. Liars! (LOL)
Our appointment day came and I was so tempted to cancel. I'm an extremely busy person (refer to blog "this one's for you!" if you don't believe me!) and the last thing I felt like doing was having a stranger in my house. I knew the deal. She would come into my "clean" house and use her Rainbow to vacuum my carpet to prove what a lousy housekeeper I REALLY am. I wasn't in the mood for this! I knew I would not only have to endure an hour and a half demonstration, but I would need to shake my head yes to her questions and try my best to look interested in this overpriced system (I actually do think they're worth every dime!). Did you know that the Rainbow can kill those disgusting dust mites that sleep in our mattresses? I figure let them be. They keep me company!
Anyway, the reality is that I am friends with Amy. I actually like her very much. And if I could help my friend out, what's a little bit of my time? When she arrived, I noticed from the window that she had brought her two children along. She carried in two unopened boxes that contained the Rainbow (I bet that she wasn't planning on carrying them back out!), set up for her demonstration, and proceeded to ask me for friend's names so that I could win my prize (be expecting your call any day now!). She turned out to be a sweet, pleasant lady and her children enjoyed watching Sponge Bob from my living room. This whole experience brought back a memory from my own childhood that I wanted to share with each of you.
When I was 7 years old, my father was a salesman for Electrolux vacuum cleaners. He was very good at it. Dad never met a stranger (hmm, I wonder who I got that from!). I was very proud of him and all the trophies he brought home from being top salesman of the month again and again! That's MY Dad!
I'll never forget the first time my father asked if I wanted to go with him on a Saturday morning to "work". I was thrilled. Are you kidding me? Any day that I could spend with my Daddy was a good day. I enthusiastically said yes!
When that Saturday morning arrived, Dad came into my bedroom at 6:00am to wake me up. He whispered in my ear, "Do you still want to go?" I immediately jumped out of bed! I had even slept in my clothes! I was ready! I was actually going to watch my Daddy work. I felt like the luckiest 7 year old in the world!
Now, these were the days of door-to-door sales calls. Here's how it works. You scope out a neighborhood and start a knockin'. And that's just what we did.
Before we walked up to the first front door, my father sat with me to give me my "sales training". He said, "Baby Girl, here's what you're gonna do. Every door we knock on today, I want you to look up, smile and bat those beautiful brown eyes of yours. And this is the most important part of all, LOOK HUNGRY!" Hey, I could do that. I WAS hungry. Dad forgot to feed me breakfast before we had headed out. (Hmm, I wonder, could he have done that on purpose?)
Dad then placed this huge, gold bible (yes, a bible!) under his arm, held onto the cute little black haired girl's hand (that was me!) and we started up the walkway to our first door. After my father gave his pitch to the lady of the house, (as he called her), convincing her that he had the answer to all of her problems, he would then ask, "May I step in?" I can't remember anyone turning him down.
So, now it was time to do my part. I was ready and did as I was told. I've always been a great student. I knew what to do. I smiled on cue, looked up and the easiest part....looked hungry. Dad promised that when we sold our first unit, he would take me straight to the store to buy me a Grape Soda and a pack of HoHos.......for breakfast!
It wasn't long into the morning before we made our first sale and headed to the 7Eleven. We ended up selling 4 vacuum cleaners that day! I drank and ate so much, I had a stomach ache, but I was proud of how I'd helped my Daddy "close the deal". I'll never forget those memories.
My father passed away 3 years ago this April. I miss him a lot. The pain is unbearable at times. Dad and I used to sit and talk for hours about that Saturday morning. We laughed so hard. It always made him smile. Thanks, Dad, for waking me up that day. I sure do miss you.
I imagine that when my Dad stepped into Heaven, batted his adorable, beady little eyes, smiled at the gatekeeper and asked,
"May I step in?" And I believe that's exactly what he did.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
This One's For YOU!!! (especially you, JW!)
Alright, alright! I'm writing! Jeez! Ok, so should I complain or jump up and down at the fact that I receive e-mails from some of you asking, "When are you putting up another blog?!" Hello, but isn't one every few days enough for you people!?!! I guess not.
So, this blog is about blogging. Actually, all kidding aside, I'm humbled that you enjoy reading my blogs. I will do my best to try to keep them coming as much as possible. I mean, I would NEVER want to be accused of bringing any type of stress to any of your lives by depriving you in any way! Just wondering, have you been to the library or a book store lately? There are some great books out there! LOL (for any of you born before 1970, that means "laugh out loud"!)
So, here's the deal. Just for you, my dedicated readers, I will blog blog blog as soon as I get the girls up for school in the morning, make pancakes for Kolby (everyday, yes EVERYDAY!), help her find socks, shoes and gym clothes, keep Kendra from hurting said Kolby Girl, take Gabby out for potty, feed and water Gabby, play ball with Gabby for 5 minutes before leaving her for 7 hours a day (guilt!), get myself ready for the office and another day, scrape the ice off of my car (I've got to get a garage door opener!), pray with children, drive them to school, kiss them good-bye, open up the doors to the center, check my calendar for appointments of the day, answer questions about abortion, adoption, unstop the office toilet (actually my incredible assistant, Sara, does this for me!) take phone calls, race to speaking engagements, beg for money for the center (I swear, my job title should be "professional beggar"!), take teryn and tawni's phonecalls in between (at least 17 of those a day!), let's not forget my sister, brother and mom's phonecalls, make deposits at bank, go to rotary club, convince teenagers not to have sex, attend Chamber events, banquets and let's not forget the client who wants me to be her "birthing coach", pick girls up from school, bring them home, argue over whose turn it is to choose what's for dinner, keep Kendra from hurting said Kolby Girl (again!), take Gabby out (again!), water, feed and play with said dog, get homework done, prepare Chicken Victoria, get through dinner without arguments, clear off table, clean kitchen, hang out with girls, play Phase 10 or watch AI, get them ready for bed, pray with them, listen to events of the day and then finally, (breathe!) kiss them goodnight!
So, no worries. Instead of my sweet "me" time in the tub every night, with a glass of wine, candles and Nora Jones, I will make sure to jump right on and blog. Just for you!
I love you all and seriously, I wouldn't trade any of it!
And P.S - I know there are many more of you reading than commenting! So, now you do your part! Leave me a comment (but, only if they're nice!)
So, this blog is about blogging. Actually, all kidding aside, I'm humbled that you enjoy reading my blogs. I will do my best to try to keep them coming as much as possible. I mean, I would NEVER want to be accused of bringing any type of stress to any of your lives by depriving you in any way! Just wondering, have you been to the library or a book store lately? There are some great books out there! LOL (for any of you born before 1970, that means "laugh out loud"!)
So, here's the deal. Just for you, my dedicated readers, I will blog blog blog as soon as I get the girls up for school in the morning, make pancakes for Kolby (everyday, yes EVERYDAY!), help her find socks, shoes and gym clothes, keep Kendra from hurting said Kolby Girl, take Gabby out for potty, feed and water Gabby, play ball with Gabby for 5 minutes before leaving her for 7 hours a day (guilt!), get myself ready for the office and another day, scrape the ice off of my car (I've got to get a garage door opener!), pray with children, drive them to school, kiss them good-bye, open up the doors to the center, check my calendar for appointments of the day, answer questions about abortion, adoption, unstop the office toilet (actually my incredible assistant, Sara, does this for me!) take phone calls, race to speaking engagements, beg for money for the center (I swear, my job title should be "professional beggar"!), take teryn and tawni's phonecalls in between (at least 17 of those a day!), let's not forget my sister, brother and mom's phonecalls, make deposits at bank, go to rotary club, convince teenagers not to have sex, attend Chamber events, banquets and let's not forget the client who wants me to be her "birthing coach", pick girls up from school, bring them home, argue over whose turn it is to choose what's for dinner, keep Kendra from hurting said Kolby Girl (again!), take Gabby out (again!), water, feed and play with said dog, get homework done, prepare Chicken Victoria, get through dinner without arguments, clear off table, clean kitchen, hang out with girls, play Phase 10 or watch AI, get them ready for bed, pray with them, listen to events of the day and then finally, (breathe!) kiss them goodnight!
So, no worries. Instead of my sweet "me" time in the tub every night, with a glass of wine, candles and Nora Jones, I will make sure to jump right on and blog. Just for you!
I love you all and seriously, I wouldn't trade any of it!
And P.S - I know there are many more of you reading than commenting! So, now you do your part! Leave me a comment (but, only if they're nice!)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
2008 Is Going to Be Great!
2007 was a year of great challenges and even bigger changes. Some good, others not so good. I accepted a position as Executive Director at a Crisis Center, I re-established old friendships from years past, made new ones, my divorce was final, child support battles grew ugly, some long term relationships ended and I had to deal with some nasty so called self-appointed, self-righteous "Godly Christians" who tried to destroy me.
But, here I am. Still standing! In spite of all the hardships and challenges I've faced, I continued to press forward. But, it wasn't without lots of help. From God Himself and the people He placed in my life for such a time as this.
These are the times when you have to learn what it means to have faith. Thank God that even the "faith of a mustard seed" can suffice because that's about all I had in 2007.
I say it often, but I have been blessed with an incredible family and group of friends. Last year proved to be a time when I needed them more than ever.
I'm so thankful that the people in my life love me just because. Despite my shortcomings, faults, mistakes or anything I've ever done, they've stuck by and supported me. Without you guys, I don't know where I'd be today. You know who you are.
I wanted to say thanks. For showing me what true, unconditional love is all about. You guys picked me up when I wanted to stay down. Held me up when I felt like I couldn't go another day. You encouraged me when I saw no hope. And you believed in me when others didn't. Each one of you literally showed me what a real Christian looks like and not an imposter posing as one. Many people should learn from you.
I love you all. I know that this simple little blog can't do justice for what you've meant to me, but even so, you'll love me anyway!
But, here I am. Still standing! In spite of all the hardships and challenges I've faced, I continued to press forward. But, it wasn't without lots of help. From God Himself and the people He placed in my life for such a time as this.
These are the times when you have to learn what it means to have faith. Thank God that even the "faith of a mustard seed" can suffice because that's about all I had in 2007.
I say it often, but I have been blessed with an incredible family and group of friends. Last year proved to be a time when I needed them more than ever.
I'm so thankful that the people in my life love me just because. Despite my shortcomings, faults, mistakes or anything I've ever done, they've stuck by and supported me. Without you guys, I don't know where I'd be today. You know who you are.
I wanted to say thanks. For showing me what true, unconditional love is all about. You guys picked me up when I wanted to stay down. Held me up when I felt like I couldn't go another day. You encouraged me when I saw no hope. And you believed in me when others didn't. Each one of you literally showed me what a real Christian looks like and not an imposter posing as one. Many people should learn from you.
I love you all. I know that this simple little blog can't do justice for what you've meant to me, but even so, you'll love me anyway!
"Do I Rook 83?"
My 4'ft9" tall, 83 year old Granny still drives a car. Even I think this is insane. One day she called and asked me if I could help her get new car insurance. She had just received her annual statement and her rates had gone up considerably. She was ticked. She was complaining to me about how expensive it was and she was refusing to pay it. She literally said to me, "Bikki, why du I need to pay so much? I only drive to Walmart and back once a week. I not gonna pay it. It's ree-dick-u-las!" I said, "Granny, it doesn't matter how far you drive, you have to have insurance. It's the law!"
After convincing Granny that she wouldn't want to spend her silver years behind bars, she calmed down. Well, a little bit. I started making phone calls to insurance companies. The quotes were all $950+ and she was getting more and more agitated. She said, "Bikki, jew come back tomorrow and we drive to town to rook around." Granny has no concept that it's a 30 minute drive for me one way to her house, but nobody can say no to sweet Granny! So, I agreed to come back.
When I arrived the next morning, Granny was ready to go. She had her purse, hat and gloves on and we made the 15 minute trip into town. We met with an insurance agent who turned out to be a very patient and understanding man. Granny answered all of his questions. We sat and waited for the verdict! We couldn't believe it, the quote was $200 less than the 7 quotes we'd received a day earlier! I was so excited. She seemed happy about it too. Then she looked at the man and said, "Well, let me tink about it." I was stunned. "Granny, this is the best price we've gotten in two days, you need to just do it!" She said, "No, Bikki, I gonna tink about it. Goodbye and Tank you." So, we left.
When we got in the car, I said, "Granny, why?" She said, "I not gonna let him tink I gonna buy on dee spot. Bikki, you come back tomorrow and we gonna buy it." Now I was the one who was ticked.
I made the trip back home again only to return the next morning. We made our 2nd trip into town and walked through the insurance office. The nice man remembered us and was happy to see us. Granny told him she was ready to sign up. He said, "Great, come on back!"
He started up his computer to enter all of Granny's information. He began to ask her questions like the spelling of her name, address, etc. etc. Then he asked for her driver's license. She handed it to him. He looked at it and then looked up quite confused. I said, "Is something wrong?" He looked over at my Granny, "Esperanza, this driver's license says you were born in 1924. Is that right? " Granny said, "Jes." He continued. "That's not what you told me yesterday. Well, that's going to change your rate a bit. Let's see here. The rate is now $900.00." I thought Granny was going to come off her chair.
She looked at him, pointed her finger and said, "$900! How can be so much now? Jew told me jesterday it was $700!" He said, "Well, Esperanza, yesterday you were 73. How come you didn't say anything when I got your age wrong yesterday?"
And my precious little Granny looked at the nice man, batted her eyes and with a big smile on her face said,
"Well, du I rook 83?"
After convincing Granny that she wouldn't want to spend her silver years behind bars, she calmed down. Well, a little bit. I started making phone calls to insurance companies. The quotes were all $950+ and she was getting more and more agitated. She said, "Bikki, jew come back tomorrow and we drive to town to rook around." Granny has no concept that it's a 30 minute drive for me one way to her house, but nobody can say no to sweet Granny! So, I agreed to come back.
When I arrived the next morning, Granny was ready to go. She had her purse, hat and gloves on and we made the 15 minute trip into town. We met with an insurance agent who turned out to be a very patient and understanding man. Granny answered all of his questions. We sat and waited for the verdict! We couldn't believe it, the quote was $200 less than the 7 quotes we'd received a day earlier! I was so excited. She seemed happy about it too. Then she looked at the man and said, "Well, let me tink about it." I was stunned. "Granny, this is the best price we've gotten in two days, you need to just do it!" She said, "No, Bikki, I gonna tink about it. Goodbye and Tank you." So, we left.
When we got in the car, I said, "Granny, why?" She said, "I not gonna let him tink I gonna buy on dee spot. Bikki, you come back tomorrow and we gonna buy it." Now I was the one who was ticked.
I made the trip back home again only to return the next morning. We made our 2nd trip into town and walked through the insurance office. The nice man remembered us and was happy to see us. Granny told him she was ready to sign up. He said, "Great, come on back!"
He started up his computer to enter all of Granny's information. He began to ask her questions like the spelling of her name, address, etc. etc. Then he asked for her driver's license. She handed it to him. He looked at it and then looked up quite confused. I said, "Is something wrong?" He looked over at my Granny, "Esperanza, this driver's license says you were born in 1924. Is that right? " Granny said, "Jes." He continued. "That's not what you told me yesterday. Well, that's going to change your rate a bit. Let's see here. The rate is now $900.00." I thought Granny was going to come off her chair.
She looked at him, pointed her finger and said, "$900! How can be so much now? Jew told me jesterday it was $700!" He said, "Well, Esperanza, yesterday you were 73. How come you didn't say anything when I got your age wrong yesterday?"
And my precious little Granny looked at the nice man, batted her eyes and with a big smile on her face said,
"Well, du I rook 83?"
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