Gross, crazy weird stuff I did as a country kid in the 60's and 70's

I grew up in the 60s and 70s in upstate NY. I was a free spirit. Times were different. Kids were allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. We could wander the countryside without danger from strangers. As kids, we (my siblings and I) did a lot of crazy things. It didn't hurt us any and I think I'm better for it. At the very least, I have some crazy stories to tell the kids and grand-kids. It's natural for kids to test and retest their limits, boundaries and such. It's natural for kids to do gross, disgusting things. Incidentally, we were never bored. Our imaginations had no limits. 

My cousins ate dog biscuits. No lie. They did it on a regular basis. One day they talked me into it. Now I can tell people what dog biscuits taste like. They're sort of gritty and chalky, like ground up bones. Which I suppose is exactly what they are. I did some crazy things as a kid. Eating dog biscuits didn't hurt me any. I'm a vegan now, but it isn't because I ate dog biscuits. At least, I don't think so. They were pretty gross but that's not the grossest thing we did.

Okey dokey artichokey, you do you

I've been through a lot with my 3 kids and 8 grand-kids. Some of what I've experienced with them is downright heartbreaking.

-Teens exploring their options and boundaries.

-Young adults struggling with the ugly side of adulting for the first time.

-Unresolved resentments

Sometimes I've been unintentionally caught in the crossfire. How about you?

Have you ever had someone you love disregard your feelings or criticize the way you live? Maybe they even rejected you entirely over some stupid mistake you made. On top of that, they may even forget that you're also a human being with feelings and worries beyond your relationship with them.

Frustrating isn't it? Especially when you can't imagine what you've done to deserve this kind of treatment. It's can be quite insulting.

That is, it's insulting if you let your ego run your life. If you take a step back and control your reaction, you might both be OK.

Remember, if they're still young, they haven't been through your hard earned lessons. Respect that they've been through some of their own, though. They'll likely go through many more. It takes time to get to that place of peace in life.

Let them have the time and space they need to develop understanding. Don't get offended if they make you feel like a casualty of their inner battles. They'll come around.

When they swipe at your ego, just do that step back.

Take a breath and say, “Okey dokey artichokey, you do you! I'll still be here for you, even if you won't give me the time of day right now. I love and support you and always will.”

Now, understand, I'm not saying you should allow your kids and grand-kids to continually cause you grief. Just focus on your own life. Be a good example. Fight fire with love. Let them think whatever they think until they've found their peace. They'll get there.

Meanwhile, you can be a good example. Or you can let your ego rule and be a bad one. Pretty clear choice. Okie Dokey, artichokey?

Loving our new roommates

Now, there's a statement you don't hear often! Once again, things have changed at Grandma's house and I'm loving it. Last weekend, my son, daughter-in-law and baby granddaughter moved in. It's been so nice having them here. The condo they were renting is up for sale, so we invited them to stay a bit while they transition.

My son, Jesse and his little family are happy, considerate, thoughtful, helpful, kind and so much more. It's been a real pleasure having them here. In fact, unlike many roommates, they've made our lives so much easier that I'm hoping they decide to stay permanently.

My son has fixed several things already in the week he's been here, despite his busy work schedule and the long commute. And he does it with a smile and no complaints. It's been hard for Gary. He's working long hours lately. So, Jesse has done a few of the small jobs he couldn't get to and some that I couldn't handle or didn't know how to do. Gary and I are both very grateful.

My daughter-in-law, Casi really understands how sick I am and does something to ease my burden every day, several times a day. I have a rough time driving now, so she has given me rides a couple times. Sometimes she brings me a glass of water or whatever I need when I'm stuck in my chair. Sometimes she cooks dinner for everyone. Whatever I need, she is right there to help. And with 7 month old Chloe to tend to, as well!

We have help with the bills, too and there's always someone here when I need a jar opened! May the miracles never cease!

But it's not just about the help. It's so nice to have their company. There's no craziness, no fighting, no attitude. Just pleasant conversation and a lot of love. And of course, there's that cute little baby to play with. Chloe is equally as calm as her parents and smart as all get out as well. Ya, these really aren't your typical roommates.

I also must mention that “our” Aja, my 15 year old granddaughter who's lived with us since about the age of 9 or 10, is truly maturing. She's attending the small town school here, where she is really shining. She's even being honored at assembly this coming week. She has made a ton of new friends, is learning to drive, does her chores without being asked, helps me by carrying in weekly groceries, keeps her room spotless and has a fantastic attitude. She's such a joy to have around.

And what can I say about Gary that hasn't already been said? The man works his tushie off to put a roof over all our heads. I often wonder what I would have done when Lupus hit me if I wasn't already with Gary. Much as I would love to go back to work, it just isn't in the cards. So, I repay his kindness by keeping the house up, paying bills, doing book-work and just generally making a nice home for him to enjoy when he does have some time off. It's the least I can do.

None of us are picture perfect, mind you. We all have our faults and our weaknesses. It's just that we all understand that and are considerate of each other, especially in that respect. I'm loving my roomates these days, past, present and future. All are welcome at Grandma's house. Whether or not they have the capacity to be helpful. I love my peeps!

Advice from Your Grown Kids: Should You Listen?

Should you listen to advice from your grown kids? Heck, I don't know. I have enough trouble dealing with my own. It seems they always have some kind of opinion on how I should live my life. What do they think they are, adults or something? Since when did they get so smart? Have they forgotten who changed their diapers? Worse than that, they're starting to give me the same advice I gave them years ago. Did they think I'd forgotten my own advice? I'm not that old yet.

- Don't take recycled advice from your grown kids concerning things you taught them. Take your own advice. Cut out the middle man.

It's funny when my grown daughter tells me how to drive. Why do I find this so amusing? Who do you think taught her? That wasn't the tooth fairy gripping the dash in the passenger seat. I may not enjoy driving on inner city highways. That doesn't mean I've forgotten how to drive altogether. Been doing it for 35 plus years. I think I've got the hang of it. .

- Sometimes your kids are right, sort of. Seems this piece of advice from one of my grown kids was pretty smart. I decided to listen, but in my own way. After all, this is my life.

Do your kids want you to work out? Mine do. In fact, my youngest has every confidence that I can lose all my extra weight just by working out. Hello. I'm not 25. I'm 59 years old. My hobbies are reading, writing, gardening and binge watching Netflix. I'm not a slouch, but I'm no athlete. I have Lupus and Rheumatoid besides. I'll be OK. I go for walks. She's right about one thing, though. I do need to move a little more. I'm not too proud to admit that.

- Sometimes you prove your grown kids wrong. It feels so great when that happens. Who knew Mom actually does know what she's doing, even if it doesn't seem like it on the surface? Who knew older people were so wise?

My grown kids love my new husband. They think we should stay together forever. Finally, a piece of advice from my grown kids that I completely agree with. They had their reservations at first, mind you. They thought he was too young for me. They had good reason to question my motives. He's 20 years younger. Please don't call me a cougar, I haven't meowed in years. It seems to be working out anyway. He treats me with respect, takes my advice occasionally, doesn't cheat and shares the remote. Plus he's not greedy with the compliments and back-rubs.

- What was that advice they gave me? Where did I put that list? Wait, what was I looking for? Heck, what do I know? I'm just a senile old lady. I better ask my kids for advice.

One day I'll have to listen to advice from my grown kids. That doesn't mean I will like it. I'll be toddling around their homes in diapers, just like they did when they were babies. Who does the dirty work now? Bwa ha ha ha I'll enter rooms not knowing why I did so and babble on about the old days. Wait a minute, I do that now. Not the diapers, but all the rest. Maybe I should listen to the gems of wisdom that come from the lips of my older kids now, as practice for the eventuality. Maybe I'll even put some motivational posters on my wall and go to EDC. Ya, sure, I'll get on that right away.

Back to the plus 4

Ha! The way people stream in and out of our house! So much so that I have changed the head count of this blog 3 times in the past two years. Right now though, All 4 of the older grands are back with us, just as they were when I started blogging. Grandma's House Plus 4 is alive and well.

My youngest daughter has purchased her first home and is happily independent. She wisely used the time she was with us to build her credit and save down payment money.

My oldest daughter, who is expecting baby 6 very soon has chosen to live the RV life with her partner and almost one year old and is equally happy. However, the 4 older grand-kids aren't all that into it. Thus, our plus 4.

I just couldn't leave this cutie out of the pictures!

It's very peaceful here at Grandma's house these days. Everyone is chipping in and getting along. The older two (Nayna and Tia) help me entertain the younger two (Aja and Nathan) by taking them with them to movies and such. Still can't believe they're 18 and nearly 20 now!

Aja and Nathan, who are 13 and 12 still have a month of home school to tackle. They attend an online school for which I keep records and supervise. But summer is creeping up on us now, so there's bike riding, amusement parking, swimming and such gradually being added to the days entertainment, weather permitting.

Tia just bought her first car. She worked so hard to make that happen! Were far from the silver spoon crowd, but we are determined. Nayna has plans to take classes in view of opening her own bakery. She has quite a natural talent for cake making. Which, meh-heh-heh, takes Grandma off birthday cake making duty.

I'm amazed by all my kids and grand-kids. They all have huge hearts and good intentions. Budget concerns sometimes hamper them from progressing as quickly as they would like but they're not quitters. I'm surrounded by gumption. I love that word. My Dad used it a lot.

Gumption. I suppose they get it from me. I've been through a lot, you guys but you know, I get knocked down, get back up, etc. I'm like one of those old time clown blow up toys with the weighted bottom. I refuse to stay down for long. It just isn't in me. I'm glad this is the characteristic my descendants chose to adopt from me. Life is rough. It's important to know how to keep on keeping on.

Now I do have to say, when we had 10 people living here, things were not so peaceful. It really wasn't good for anyone, psychologically. What is it about too many grown adults living in the same house? It just never works. Toward the end, we were at each other's throats, you guys. It was ugly.

My take is that it was time for everyone to live as they choose, that's all. And let's face it, living with your parents as an adult is just unnatural. That's a nice way of saying, my adult kids were just as miserable living here as we were dealing with their misery. LOL

You know, when you go through a lot of hardships, you do become stronger. But more importantly, you become grateful for what you do have. My sis recently said that Gary and I must be saints to endure all this craziness. But you know what? We're not. Not at all. What we are is lucky to have so many beautiful people in our lives to love.

So many lonely people out there. And that is something neither of us will ever have to worry about!

How to personalize Christmas gifts for co-workers you don't know well

It's time once again to exchange Christmas gifts with your co-workers. You want to personalize your gift, but you haven't really gotten to know the person whose name you drew. You don't want to blow your secret Santa cover. What do you do?

How can you personalize Christmas gifts for co-workers you're not close friends with? How do you know what they like? How about having a little fun playing secret Santa detective? It's the best way to learn about your co-workers so you can personalize their gifts with amazing accuracy.

Talk to the boss

One person at your job knows at least a little about every employee. If you're truly stumped about what a co-worker might want as a Christmas gift, talk to the boss. It's the bosses job to get to know co-workers. This is the one person in the company that every person (hopefully) has daily conversations with. At the very least, the boss can clue you in to who your co-worker is friends with.

Talk to their friends

Spend some time talking to your co-workers friends. Ask about any hobbies or interests their friend has. Find out if they have mentioned anything they would like as a Christmas gift. It's OK to tell them why. A secret Santa only has to remain secret to the recipient of their Christmas gift. You can't personalize a gift for someone you know very little about.

Strike up a conversation

Hopefully, you will run across your co-worker in the break room sometime before Christmas. If you really want to personalize your secret Santa gift, get to know the recipient in person. Strike up a conversation of any kind. Talk about what you do in your spare time. Find out what your co-worker enjoys doing during non-work hours. This should help clue you in to what they might want for Christmas.

Listen in/pay attention

Maybe you aren't a people person. That doesn't prevent you from doing a little snooping around. Keep your eyes and ears open. Chances are you will overhear or observe something about your co-worker to help you personalize their Christmas gift.

Maybe they're always talking about motorcycles, horses or art. Maybe they have an interesting piece of jewelry that reflects their taste. This is all good information you can use to personalize a co-workers Christmas gift. Do try to talk to your co-workers, though. In addition to helping you personalize gifts, it will help you move forward in your job and life in general.

Making personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting with a twist

Got art supplies? Make art!

Yes, I know. Re-gifting is not very personalized under normal circumstances. Plus, re-gifting carries the risk of gift recognition. Still, it's possible to re-gift with imagination. What's the harm in re-gifting anyway? The gift was for you, right? It's yours now. You should be able to do what you want with it. I'm not suggesting you do outright re-gifting. You can, however, make some pretty awesome personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting items with a twist.

Re-gifting decorative candles

What will you do with all the candles you've received over the years? Even burning them at both ends won't make a dent. I have a great idea for making personalized gifts by re-gifting them with a twist. How about making pretty candle gardens for all your friends? Use some decorative deep plates. Center one or more candles on them. Surround the candles with rocks, sand and shells. Shrink wrap it, tie a bow on and it's ready to give. Who wouldn't love this re-gifted Christmas gift?

Re-gifting bath and body gifts

Maybe you didn't like the scent. Maybe you're allergic. For whatever reason, you're never going to use all those lotions, perfumes and bath beads. Why not make some personalized gifts by re-gifting them with a twist for Christmas? Surely, the person who chose them for you, must have liked them herself. Maybe one of your other friends would like them, if you're not that bold. Of course, you can't just re-gift them the way they are. Why not empty the original containers, package them prettily and toss them in a basket? Add a few grooming supplies like loofahs and such for a nice touch.

Re-gifting chocolate

I know what you're thinking. Who would give away chocolate and how could you possibly re-gift it anyway? Well, not everyone is crazy about chocolate. If you're dieting, you might not appreciate the temptation. Still, you can't re-gift chocolate as is. You can, however, melt it down and make some awesome chocolate coated candy canes or some yummy dipped shortbread. Christmas re-gifting with a twist doesn't get much simpler than that.

Re-gifting art and craft supplies

Making personalized Christmas gifts from the arts and crafts supplies you received last year is a no-brainer. What better way to show loved ones you are making good use of their Christmas gift? Use the knitting book and yarn you received to make Christmas stockings, scarves or hats. Use that oil paint and canvas to make some wall decor. Sometimes re-gifting is a good way to show appreciation for last years Christmas gifts. Making personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting is resourceful, considerate and appreciated if you do it the right way.