It's not often that you get the good fortune of 2 perfect days, especially so close together. Had a perfect day in September while on vacation in FL. Had another today. Don't know what I did to deserve this, but not "looking a gift horse in the mouth".
Getting ready to go take family pix is kind of like getting ready for church on Sunday morning. Y'all know EXACTLY what I'm talking about; don't deny it :)!! I'm just saying.....apparently it really does not matter how old the kids are (mine are 20 and 22!), there is still static in the air when preparing for this annual adventure. During the morning preparation to venture out, we had melt downs about shoes, zits, to bring or not bring the Roxxi girl---the one thing (thankfully) not in the equation was the matter of the girls' significant others...whew! The whole experience actually turned out to be fun; I think even the hubster enjoyed it. We topped that with an old-fashioned roast, taters, carrots, yeast rolls and sweet tea lunch. Even fed a few extra mouths...that's what we do in the South!!
Once a year, at least, my family willingly gives in to a mother's hearts desire...family pix. Nothing like looking back over the years through pictures. A multitude of thanks to my perfectly awesome family....I love y'all!!
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Experience the unexpected
Well, I'm wrapping up the last of my, "I've come to love my", 4-day work week. Haven't worked full-time in years, but starting on Monday...that's what I'll be doing.
As a nurse I've been fortunate enough to NOT have a schedule that is the same week after week after week. Back in the day, I might work a weekend or two, or even nights (which I actually loved). Sometimes I might be on call and experience the unexpected. I think deep down I like living on the edge--I think my very dear friend might agree with me on that one. I enjoy the thrill of the unexpected; the adrenalin rush.
I thought at my age I would be retiring, not headed back to full-time work. Think I might need to reflect on this as 'the unexpected'. I feel the adrenalin starting....or is that just stress?
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
As a nurse I've been fortunate enough to NOT have a schedule that is the same week after week after week. Back in the day, I might work a weekend or two, or even nights (which I actually loved). Sometimes I might be on call and experience the unexpected. I think deep down I like living on the edge--I think my very dear friend might agree with me on that one. I enjoy the thrill of the unexpected; the adrenalin rush.
I thought at my age I would be retiring, not headed back to full-time work. Think I might need to reflect on this as 'the unexpected'. I feel the adrenalin starting....or is that just stress?
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, memories......Mom
Sometimes we just need to stop and reflect about life. I'm doing that today, remembering the greatest lady I've ever known....my mom. She died October 25th, 1990, at the tender age of 55 from lung cancer. Stay with me here...going to work in reverse. Actually, I remember that day being special. At the time, my girls were 2 1/2 and 6 months. I literally had moved in with my folks to help take care of mom. My hubby was a huge support during all of this, as he and my mom had some kind of special bond! Me and my 2 brothers sat on the bed with her the night before she died, remembering great and funny things about her; she would have loved to participate in that conversation! We could only pray that all of us could have a "send-off" as special as she had, and certainly deserved. Her husband, children, and grand-children, lovingly surrounded her and handed her over to the Lord; he obviously needed her there. To this day, I believe she is my guardian angel. Who on earth could/would have helped me through all those ridiculously stupid tight spots I've been in over the years!!
I still have, and cherish the last birthday present she gave me.
She watched my youngest daughter come into this world...a time I wouldn't take a million dollars for.
She lovingly and patiently answered ALL the phone calls everyday, with questions about recipes, child-rearing, whatever. She NEVER told me she was too busy to chat at that moment.
She patiently waited for me to outgrow the "sowing of the wild oats" knowing she had "raised me right" and I would return to my roots.
She quietly listened to me 'carry on' when my heart got broken.
**She protected me from my father's wrath after he discovered a written private conversation between me and my high school sweetheart** That is the point at which I finally took her valuable advice: "Never put in writing what you don't want the whole world to see"...passed that one on to my kids---they didn't listen, either!!
She attended every music event that I played or sang in, and every ballgame I cheered at, and did that with pride....I could see it.
Again, she protected my from my father's wrath when I broke my arm---after I had done something I knew was wrong, when I was in the 5th grade. (I really wasn't a bad kid!)
She lovingly made sure I was dressed to the T, whether 'store bought' or from her efforts on the sewing machine---I still have her machine.
There are a couple of things I will ask her to clear up when I see her again: 1) exactly what is a 'cup-o' (she would go to a neighbors house for cup-o), 2) why do they call it a 'dummy' hand in bridge, and why bother have it?! and 3) did she and daddy REALLY get married on February 24th, or was it 'just a few months later'? :)
I was able to teach her one thing----we learned how to apply make-up together. Funny, the things you remember. I'll bet she learned more than one thing over the years!
I'm happy knowing she is looking down on me each day. Know we'll see each other again someday. One regret---she didn't know my girls. She would have been the coolest Nana ever, and they would adore her...just like I do.
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
I still have, and cherish the last birthday present she gave me.
She watched my youngest daughter come into this world...a time I wouldn't take a million dollars for.
She lovingly and patiently answered ALL the phone calls everyday, with questions about recipes, child-rearing, whatever. She NEVER told me she was too busy to chat at that moment.
She patiently waited for me to outgrow the "sowing of the wild oats" knowing she had "raised me right" and I would return to my roots.
She quietly listened to me 'carry on' when my heart got broken.
**She protected me from my father's wrath after he discovered a written private conversation between me and my high school sweetheart** That is the point at which I finally took her valuable advice: "Never put in writing what you don't want the whole world to see"...passed that one on to my kids---they didn't listen, either!!
She attended every music event that I played or sang in, and every ballgame I cheered at, and did that with pride....I could see it.
Again, she protected my from my father's wrath when I broke my arm---after I had done something I knew was wrong, when I was in the 5th grade. (I really wasn't a bad kid!)
She lovingly made sure I was dressed to the T, whether 'store bought' or from her efforts on the sewing machine---I still have her machine.
There are a couple of things I will ask her to clear up when I see her again: 1) exactly what is a 'cup-o' (she would go to a neighbors house for cup-o), 2) why do they call it a 'dummy' hand in bridge, and why bother have it?! and 3) did she and daddy REALLY get married on February 24th, or was it 'just a few months later'? :)
I was able to teach her one thing----we learned how to apply make-up together. Funny, the things you remember. I'll bet she learned more than one thing over the years!
I'm happy knowing she is looking down on me each day. Know we'll see each other again someday. One regret---she didn't know my girls. She would have been the coolest Nana ever, and they would adore her...just like I do.
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Fall, football, friends
Had a great time last week in the country music capital of the world. Hubby worked and I worked at doing nothing, which really didn't take much effort. We participated in the necessary "make an appearance" events, but we had fun playing as well. For a couple of brief hours I actually thought I might could return to days gone by; my country music phase. It was short-lived then, too! Spent a day touring a little of downtown Nashville. I'd forgotten how quaint it really is. Enjoyed the sightseeing. Mostly, I enjoyed hooking up with a old high school bud and his new bride. It was fun getting to know her a little better and do some reminiscing. It made me smile that he remembers my mom and the great things about her; had no idea. They showed us a little of the Friday night-life. Now I remember why the youngin's do Friday nights!! Ended our weekend with stopping at their house and grilling and visiting just a little more. The drive---beautiful. Leaves are changing; nature is an amazing piece of artwork! All-in-all, great week!! Have I mentioned I love Fall? .....and winter....and spring...and summer!!
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
get-a-way challenges
Today is my Friday! I know y'all think I've got it all confused, but I really don't. Taking a few days off to accompany hubby on a business trip. Headed to the country music capital--and NO, I'm not a fan of country music.
I start these little adventures by seeing just how stressed I can make him. I don't do this intentionally. It's just what I do. A woman cannot pack the essentials until the day of travel. Don't they get it?!
We should have a good time, just the same. He'll simmer down by the time----we get back!
We are hooking up with an old high school friend and his new bride. Looking forward to the new friend I will make. Not sure it will quite compare the the 'spur-of-the-moment' trip I took a few weeks ago with a dear friend! But it will be okay just the same. Hoping for Fall colors-----updates when we return to reality :/
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
I start these little adventures by seeing just how stressed I can make him. I don't do this intentionally. It's just what I do. A woman cannot pack the essentials until the day of travel. Don't they get it?!
We should have a good time, just the same. He'll simmer down by the time----we get back!
We are hooking up with an old high school friend and his new bride. Looking forward to the new friend I will make. Not sure it will quite compare the the 'spur-of-the-moment' trip I took a few weeks ago with a dear friend! But it will be okay just the same. Hoping for Fall colors-----updates when we return to reality :/
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Mission work
Shopping has never been one of my favorite pastimes. Let me rephrase--browsing is not a favorite pastime.
Unlike many women, when I plan a 'shopping' trip, it is with a mission. It is well thought out and planned. I have specific items I'm on the hunt for and I do this geographically--not just a little OCD!
Today was one of those days. Going on a business trip with hubby next week and needed just a few new items. After an incredible day at the gym (and a quick clean up), I headed out on my mission. Started the scavenger hunt at noon. By 3:50 PM, mission accomplished!! Made 1 big circle: nails, mall (for cocktail dress, shoes, perfume--Beauty by Calvin Klein, jeans, shirt), see youngest daughter, bank, home------whoooosh!!
~~~~~~wish I had that same approach with housework!
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Unlike many women, when I plan a 'shopping' trip, it is with a mission. It is well thought out and planned. I have specific items I'm on the hunt for and I do this geographically--not just a little OCD!
Today was one of those days. Going on a business trip with hubby next week and needed just a few new items. After an incredible day at the gym (and a quick clean up), I headed out on my mission. Started the scavenger hunt at noon. By 3:50 PM, mission accomplished!! Made 1 big circle: nails, mall (for cocktail dress, shoes, perfume--Beauty by Calvin Klein, jeans, shirt), see youngest daughter, bank, home------whoooosh!!
~~~~~~wish I had that same approach with housework!
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Best Friends
What did best friends do before phones?
My bestie and I talk just about everyday; sometimes more than that! She lives about 442 miles east of me, and it's not like I can run next door to sit down with a glass of sweet tea on the porch and chit chat.......although I wish I could.
It is a blessing in life when you find a "sister" who is truly a soul-mate. Tragedy brought us together and out of that rose the closest friendship ever. Our maiden names are the same, we have siblings the same age...the list goes on. We tease each other about growing old and finding our spot in the nursing home where we'll be roommates and rock the hours away n the front porch!
We've been on that journey ever since we met. I can tell my BFF anything. She can tell me anything. She knows my deepest, darkest secrets. I know hers. We laugh together, we cry together, we've done girl trips, you name it. There is an unspoken understanding that we can call each other for anything at any time of day or night.
It is only once in a lifetime that you find a friend like my bestie. So thankful that our paths have crossed and we are lifetime buds.
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
My bestie and I talk just about everyday; sometimes more than that! She lives about 442 miles east of me, and it's not like I can run next door to sit down with a glass of sweet tea on the porch and chit chat.......although I wish I could.
It is a blessing in life when you find a "sister" who is truly a soul-mate. Tragedy brought us together and out of that rose the closest friendship ever. Our maiden names are the same, we have siblings the same age...the list goes on. We tease each other about growing old and finding our spot in the nursing home where we'll be roommates and rock the hours away n the front porch!
We've been on that journey ever since we met. I can tell my BFF anything. She can tell me anything. She knows my deepest, darkest secrets. I know hers. We laugh together, we cry together, we've done girl trips, you name it. There is an unspoken understanding that we can call each other for anything at any time of day or night.
It is only once in a lifetime that you find a friend like my bestie. So thankful that our paths have crossed and we are lifetime buds.
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
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