Saturday, 13th November is another day I will not forget. I had my second surprise birthday party and once again, it was a "gotcha" moment.
My oldest daughter told me that she is taking me to an upscale restaurant for my birthday and she wanted me to dress appropriately. For all the other birthday celebrations, I would choose the venue ..... this should have been hint no.1!
I did buy a new outfit and cannot decide on the shoes so, I called my daughter and told her that when she came to pick me up on Saturday, could she come into my house and advise me on which shoe to wear. No problem she says.
Come Saturday, I went about my errands and also threw in a hair appointment because we were going to this "upscale" restaurant and I did not want to look like what the cat dragged in. I spent the afternoon checking out my accessories and had to decide whether I should also paint my toe nails. Initially, I wasn't but then, thought that if she chose my open-toe heels, my toes will not look good. So, I did my fingers and toes.
Come 7 pm, my young daughter from Calgary calls and chats and asks me what the arangements were for the night. I told her that the family was coming to pick me up at 7 pm. My son-in-law calls shortly after and said that he would be at my house very soon. I got off the phone and waited for my daughter to come in - she had to help me choose the proper shoe. My son-in-law comes to my door ... and said that my daughter is running late and we would swing by the house to pick them up, them being my daughter and the two little girls. I assume that getting the little ones dressed could be time-consuming, So, I hurried got a shopping bag and threw in my other shoes, still hoping that I will get help with the choice.
When we arrive at his house, I asked my son-in-law
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Unbelievable!
So, I am still on a high from my surprise party last night ... reliving the fact that it was a "GOTCHA! moment for the Quota gals. However, I cannot fathom that things hit home so quickly ... almost overnight. Let me explain.
Woke up as usual this morning. When the grand daughters arrived, they talked about the party and how they hid to surprise me. When it was time to leave the house to meet the school bus, I locked the door, and still chatting, walked to the corner. The bus came promptly at 7.30 am and I suddenly realized that Kiana did not have her backpack on her.
I realize that the memory is the first to go ... but this is ridiculous! I told the bus driver to wait, left the little one on the neighbour's lawn and ran back to the house. I grabbed the backpack and ran like I was being chased by a tiger. Not wanting the bus to have to wait too long, I ran as fast as my short legs could and then it happened. I knew I was going to fall forward and I made a split second decision ... I made a beeline for the neighbour's tree to stop myself. With my arms out, I was able to stop myself from slamming my face into the tree but my knees gave way (are they the next to go?) and as my neighbours had not raked his leaves, it cushioned my fall and my hairband went flying on to the road. I looked around to see if anyone saw me ... and was pleased as punch that there was no one around. If the bus driver saw me from the corner, he did not say anything when I finally got there. Boy, was I panting and puffing.
I know that by this afternoon, I will feel the "pain".... did I pull a muscle, did I twist my back or bruise my knees? At this moment, only my pride is hurt.
However, there must be something positive to come out of this. Let me think.
Yes, I will now never forget the backpack because I never want to have to run like that again. Secondly, at least I did not break my glasses; good thing no one saw me fall, especially my neighbours and, last of all, I did not harm the tree.
So, tell me, does this happen when one reaches a new decade of one's life?
Woke up as usual this morning. When the grand daughters arrived, they talked about the party and how they hid to surprise me. When it was time to leave the house to meet the school bus, I locked the door, and still chatting, walked to the corner. The bus came promptly at 7.30 am and I suddenly realized that Kiana did not have her backpack on her.
I realize that the memory is the first to go ... but this is ridiculous! I told the bus driver to wait, left the little one on the neighbour's lawn and ran back to the house. I grabbed the backpack and ran like I was being chased by a tiger. Not wanting the bus to have to wait too long, I ran as fast as my short legs could and then it happened. I knew I was going to fall forward and I made a split second decision ... I made a beeline for the neighbour's tree to stop myself. With my arms out, I was able to stop myself from slamming my face into the tree but my knees gave way (are they the next to go?) and as my neighbours had not raked his leaves, it cushioned my fall and my hairband went flying on to the road. I looked around to see if anyone saw me ... and was pleased as punch that there was no one around. If the bus driver saw me from the corner, he did not say anything when I finally got there. Boy, was I panting and puffing.
I know that by this afternoon, I will feel the "pain".... did I pull a muscle, did I twist my back or bruise my knees? At this moment, only my pride is hurt.
However, there must be something positive to come out of this. Let me think.
Yes, I will now never forget the backpack because I never want to have to run like that again. Secondly, at least I did not break my glasses; good thing no one saw me fall, especially my neighbours and, last of all, I did not harm the tree.
So, tell me, does this happen when one reaches a new decade of one's life?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Surprise!surprise!surprise!
Today was a day with surprises! It also confirms how gullible I am. Here is the scoop!
At our previous Quota meeting, we, the members, were told to meet at a friend's place as we have a job to do. The job was packing winter clothes into boxes to be shipped to Nunuvut. This was to happen today, Sunday. I was to pick another member up. What to wear, what to wear? Jeans and sneakers .. perfect for menial work like packing.
Clue No.1 ... My friend calls me and asks me what I was planning to do today. So I told her that I was feeling tired because the cat woke me up at 5.30 am not realizing that we moved the clock back last night but I still have to go to do my part with the boxing of the clothes. Her remark as we hung up was "Have fun!"
I got dressed in my jeans and zippered jacket and went to pick Joan up at 1.15 pm.
Clue No.2 I pick Joan up and she is dressed in a nice suit. So I asked her about that. She said that she just came from church. She also had a box with her. She said that she was told to take cookies. I questioned the fact that I was not asked to take anything. It did puzzle me a trifle.
We got there at 1.40 pm. a little early but I noticed the cars of the other members already there. I got out and unloaded the car. The Hostess came out and said that I should leave all the boxes out on the porch and that we were boxing them outside. Again, I was a bit puzzled. I did ask her why. Her answer "I have no room inside!"
Clue No.3 I was about to go into the house when the Hostess told me that she had to go in first. When I got into the house it was quiet with only another friend fiddling with her electronic toys. Then it came ... the thunderous shout of "SURPRISE!"
It was such a surprise, but a wonderful one. All my Quota friends were there and as an extra bonus, my daughter, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters were there too. I was very moved. It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. I will never forget my 60th birthday with such good friends and with the theme being "Spicy", I will have a year full of spice in my life and spices to cook with. Thank you my friends and family for my first ever surprise birthday party.
At our previous Quota meeting, we, the members, were told to meet at a friend's place as we have a job to do. The job was packing winter clothes into boxes to be shipped to Nunuvut. This was to happen today, Sunday. I was to pick another member up. What to wear, what to wear? Jeans and sneakers .. perfect for menial work like packing.
Clue No.1 ... My friend calls me and asks me what I was planning to do today. So I told her that I was feeling tired because the cat woke me up at 5.30 am not realizing that we moved the clock back last night but I still have to go to do my part with the boxing of the clothes. Her remark as we hung up was "Have fun!"
I got dressed in my jeans and zippered jacket and went to pick Joan up at 1.15 pm.
Clue No.2 I pick Joan up and she is dressed in a nice suit. So I asked her about that. She said that she just came from church. She also had a box with her. She said that she was told to take cookies. I questioned the fact that I was not asked to take anything. It did puzzle me a trifle.
We got there at 1.40 pm. a little early but I noticed the cars of the other members already there. I got out and unloaded the car. The Hostess came out and said that I should leave all the boxes out on the porch and that we were boxing them outside. Again, I was a bit puzzled. I did ask her why. Her answer "I have no room inside!"
Clue No.3 I was about to go into the house when the Hostess told me that she had to go in first. When I got into the house it was quiet with only another friend fiddling with her electronic toys. Then it came ... the thunderous shout of "SURPRISE!"
It was such a surprise, but a wonderful one. All my Quota friends were there and as an extra bonus, my daughter, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters were there too. I was very moved. It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. I will never forget my 60th birthday with such good friends and with the theme being "Spicy", I will have a year full of spice in my life and spices to cook with. Thank you my friends and family for my first ever surprise birthday party.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I've been told!
I seem to have neglected to do this as I have been very busy getting ready for a District Conference of Quota International of Canada. A week before I left for the conference, I was taken aback by what my little granddaughter did and said.
All along, I have been trying to teach the two little ones some etiquette, especially when I am on the phone or when I am talking to an adult, telling them that they would have to wait until I am finished talking before they can interrupt. It has always puzzled me that they seem to want something from me whenever I get on the phone ... it never fails. The minute the phone rings and I start talking, a little head will peek and try to get my attention and I would have to tell her to wait until I've finished.
That week, when I was busy preparing lunch for the little one and she was walking around mumbling and I suppose, talking to herself, I called her and told her that lunch was ready. Well, she came running into the kitchen and told me, in her serious tone of voice, "don't interrupt me, Nana, I am talking on the phone! I will hang up and talk to you!" Of course, she was right. I had to apologize.
I always think that the grand children do not listen because sometimes it seems that I sound like a broken record. I guess they, like adults, have selective hearing too!
I really am happy that something sank in so I will continue with more lessons.
All along, I have been trying to teach the two little ones some etiquette, especially when I am on the phone or when I am talking to an adult, telling them that they would have to wait until I am finished talking before they can interrupt. It has always puzzled me that they seem to want something from me whenever I get on the phone ... it never fails. The minute the phone rings and I start talking, a little head will peek and try to get my attention and I would have to tell her to wait until I've finished.
That week, when I was busy preparing lunch for the little one and she was walking around mumbling and I suppose, talking to herself, I called her and told her that lunch was ready. Well, she came running into the kitchen and told me, in her serious tone of voice, "don't interrupt me, Nana, I am talking on the phone! I will hang up and talk to you!" Of course, she was right. I had to apologize.
I always think that the grand children do not listen because sometimes it seems that I sound like a broken record. I guess they, like adults, have selective hearing too!
I really am happy that something sank in so I will continue with more lessons.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Elf did it!
We really have to be very careful what we say around little children because it will came back to bite you on your rum-per-doodle.
Whenever something "naughty" happens, like a drink spilled or toys strewn on the floor, I cannot seem to find the culprit. I cannot accuse the grand daughters because I was not there to witness it. It is also useless asking them because they point the finger at each other. Sometimes they do admit that they are both responsible and they both have to clean up. However, there have been occasions where they say they do not know. What do I say ... "there must me an elf in my house and he is being very naughty"
Yesterday, while the girls were having their afternoon tea, I tried to make a cup of tea. My electric kettle has been acting up and under my breath, I said "Come on you stupid kettle, why aren't you working"? Well, little people do have sharp listening skills, so I've learnt. Sharp and selective! The 4 year old girl, with a very serious face, said, "Nana, a lot of things are not working in your life ... I think the elf is doing it. He is a very naughty elf! Next time, when he does something bad, let me know and when I come home from school I will tell him to 'STOP DOING BAD THINGS TO MY NANA!'" God bless grand children! How can you not love them?!
That put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
I have a hectic day today and I am in a rush but I had to write this. So, if there are mistakes, I did not do it ..... the elf did it!
Whenever something "naughty" happens, like a drink spilled or toys strewn on the floor, I cannot seem to find the culprit. I cannot accuse the grand daughters because I was not there to witness it. It is also useless asking them because they point the finger at each other. Sometimes they do admit that they are both responsible and they both have to clean up. However, there have been occasions where they say they do not know. What do I say ... "there must me an elf in my house and he is being very naughty"
Yesterday, while the girls were having their afternoon tea, I tried to make a cup of tea. My electric kettle has been acting up and under my breath, I said "Come on you stupid kettle, why aren't you working"? Well, little people do have sharp listening skills, so I've learnt. Sharp and selective! The 4 year old girl, with a very serious face, said, "Nana, a lot of things are not working in your life ... I think the elf is doing it. He is a very naughty elf! Next time, when he does something bad, let me know and when I come home from school I will tell him to 'STOP DOING BAD THINGS TO MY NANA!'" God bless grand children! How can you not love them?!
That put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
I have a hectic day today and I am in a rush but I had to write this. So, if there are mistakes, I did not do it ..... the elf did it!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Being alone
Just read my cousin's blog about her mum calling her because she (my aunt) was feeling lonely. Although I am a lot younger than my aunt, I understand her predicament and it did make me feel a trifle sad.
It is not that I want company all the time; it is not that I have to get tons of phone calls every day but some days, only some days, life seems empty and you feel that you've been forgotten. The children are all grown and are very busy with their own lives participating in the rat race and my own friends are also busy with their own families and so, I feel that I cannot or should not bother them. So, I sit at home and try to keep busy. There is only so much cleaning, reading, sewing I can do! After a while, even the cat runs away from all the caressing. Yes, she runs and hides because I am bothering her when she wants to sleep.
When this feeling creeps in, I usually call my youngest daughter in Calgary. Unfortunately, I always call, either on a Saturday or Sunday, too early and wake her up. Sometimes, I call my grand daughters just to hear their voices. Perhaps this is why people who live alone always keep either their radios or televisions on in the background. Worry sets in if I cannot reach any of them or they do not return my call after a long period of time. I think this is the "Mother Hen Syndrome" or the fact that the mind is idle and a lot of negative thoughts creep into it. Who knows?
I have a big regret that I did not speak to my parents more often. The circumstances were different then. They lived in Malaysia and I lived in NY/Canada and it was very expensive to call ... or was that an excuse. I did write often though. Still, knowing what I know now I should have made the effort. Hindsight is 20/20. It is too late now and I hope they didn't feel that they had outlived their usefulness and I pray that they knew that I loved them a lot.
When my cousin urged her readers to speak to their parents more often, I cannot agree more. It will serve dual purpose ... they would feel remembered and you would feel good. It will give everyone a warm fuzzy feeling.
Talking about warm, fuzzy feeling ... I am off to pet the cat. Datin, where are you? Come to Mummy!
It is not that I want company all the time; it is not that I have to get tons of phone calls every day but some days, only some days, life seems empty and you feel that you've been forgotten. The children are all grown and are very busy with their own lives participating in the rat race and my own friends are also busy with their own families and so, I feel that I cannot or should not bother them. So, I sit at home and try to keep busy. There is only so much cleaning, reading, sewing I can do! After a while, even the cat runs away from all the caressing. Yes, she runs and hides because I am bothering her when she wants to sleep.
When this feeling creeps in, I usually call my youngest daughter in Calgary. Unfortunately, I always call, either on a Saturday or Sunday, too early and wake her up. Sometimes, I call my grand daughters just to hear their voices. Perhaps this is why people who live alone always keep either their radios or televisions on in the background. Worry sets in if I cannot reach any of them or they do not return my call after a long period of time. I think this is the "Mother Hen Syndrome" or the fact that the mind is idle and a lot of negative thoughts creep into it. Who knows?
I have a big regret that I did not speak to my parents more often. The circumstances were different then. They lived in Malaysia and I lived in NY/Canada and it was very expensive to call ... or was that an excuse. I did write often though. Still, knowing what I know now I should have made the effort. Hindsight is 20/20. It is too late now and I hope they didn't feel that they had outlived their usefulness and I pray that they knew that I loved them a lot.
When my cousin urged her readers to speak to their parents more often, I cannot agree more. It will serve dual purpose ... they would feel remembered and you would feel good. It will give everyone a warm fuzzy feeling.
Talking about warm, fuzzy feeling ... I am off to pet the cat. Datin, where are you? Come to Mummy!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
My grand daughters
Being a typical proud grandmother, I love to "talk" about my two grand daughters. The older girl will be five and the younger will be 3. They are my pride and joy and my incentive to get up in the morning - anxious to hear the pearls of wisdom and to check out their antics.
I am teaching them about life and choices. They both know that we make choices ... good and bad ones. They know that if we make a good choice "everyone will be happy" but if they make a bad choice, they "get hurt, or sad and Nana will be upset". I have been told that the girls are too young for that. In my opinion, it is never too early to set guidelines, even at 2 and 4 years old.
My 4 year old grand daughter goes to a French school and wouldn't you know it, she is now correcting my limited French. I am so amazed at her enunciation of the words. Many a time, she would say something in French and then translate it for me in English. It is so true what people say about children being sponges... they pick up words you want them to know and also those that you don't. When I repeat a word in French, she tells me that it is "a good try, Nana, because you really don't know French!" Cute!
Last week, I had a friend over for morning tea when I saw the little one running to the bathroom. When I got to the bathroom, she said "No, Nana, don't come in, I want some privacy". Well, that gave me the impression that she had mastered potty training. I was so excited that I immediately posted it on Facebook. I guess I jinxed it, because the next day, she had an accident on my kitchen floor saying "It came too soon!" Oh well ...
All this to say that I thoroughly enjoy being with the little girls. They give me my daily workout but most of all, they are my sunshine during the long gloomy winter days. I intend to enjoy having them around because, I know only too well, that they grow up so fast!
I am teaching them about life and choices. They both know that we make choices ... good and bad ones. They know that if we make a good choice "everyone will be happy" but if they make a bad choice, they "get hurt, or sad and Nana will be upset". I have been told that the girls are too young for that. In my opinion, it is never too early to set guidelines, even at 2 and 4 years old.
My 4 year old grand daughter goes to a French school and wouldn't you know it, she is now correcting my limited French. I am so amazed at her enunciation of the words. Many a time, she would say something in French and then translate it for me in English. It is so true what people say about children being sponges... they pick up words you want them to know and also those that you don't. When I repeat a word in French, she tells me that it is "a good try, Nana, because you really don't know French!" Cute!
Last week, I had a friend over for morning tea when I saw the little one running to the bathroom. When I got to the bathroom, she said "No, Nana, don't come in, I want some privacy". Well, that gave me the impression that she had mastered potty training. I was so excited that I immediately posted it on Facebook. I guess I jinxed it, because the next day, she had an accident on my kitchen floor saying "It came too soon!" Oh well ...
All this to say that I thoroughly enjoy being with the little girls. They give me my daily workout but most of all, they are my sunshine during the long gloomy winter days. I intend to enjoy having them around because, I know only too well, that they grow up so fast!
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