Well here is an interesting story. When I was ten or so my Mom went into rehab for alcoholism after a long stint in the hospital getting a liver shunt and almost dying. One of the jokes I used to hear at AA meetings with my Mom was when she went into rehab everyone wanted to meet her and talk to her....as happens in rehab I guess. She stayed in her room for a few days. Once she came out, I guess everyone wished she would have stayed in her room....she was apparently real pleasant. I was ten and basically shielded from any ugliness, which was good.
So Mom met Dave while in rehab. Dave was a counselor there, and I know he helped her a great deal. A relationship ensued and he became my Step Dad at probably the worst possible time for him. For me, looking back, I hit the jackpot. I was pretty pissed at my Mom for a lot of things. I was living with my Dad when Mom and Dave got together. At some point my Dad and I were butting heads enough that we needed a break. As I have explained in another post, my Mom and Dad had the genius idea (seriously the best thing they ever did) to let me stay in the house I was raised in, Dad would move out and Mom and Dave would move in. At this point I was 13 and angry. Not a good combo.
Dave was wonderful to me, no matter how rotten I was. He never tried to push discipline on me, never tried to boss me around and was always the voice of reason when my Mom and I were going at it with each other. Of course I would not have said this when I was 13!!
Dave got really pissed at me once, just once. I was a pig in my room, but once every so often I would go on a cleaning spree and really get organized. Dave wasn't a pig by any means, but he did hang onto stuff. Around his chair was piles of magazines, articles, information, books, etc. One day I was feeling particularly organized so I "cleaned" around his chair. Yeah, that didn't go over well. He didn't like it a bit! Funny thing, when I lived my my Dad we had a maid and the first time she came she tossed out two trashbags of stuff from my room and I flipped and went through every bit of it....so it's not like I should have known. Oh well, besides that he was never mad at me, that I knew of, so I can't complain.
27 years later Dave lives in Florida and I still send him nasty birthday cards about how old he is. When he gets really old I guess I will have to stop that....and I turned 40 this last year. He had 30 years of revenge due to him....I have to say he was nicer than I thought.
So today is his birthday and I was only able to leave a message for him. So, Pop, I love you very much, happy birthday. Thanks for putting up with far more than you should have and I know you know what I mean. You have been a wonderful Step Dad and role model and I am grateful that you are in my life. Love you!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Happy Birthday Papa Jump
Yep, another birthday blog. I am really enjoying these birthday blogs. Hopefully readers are as well. This birthday blog is for Bob Jump. Bob, I call him Dad, is the Step Dad of my ex husband. We take blended families to new levels in this family. I'm hoping that trend does not continue because it's already pretty tough to follow.
So Dad's birthday is today and I didn't call him. I'll make that better tomorrow, but at least wanted to get a blog written so he knows I was thinking about him on his special day. I just had to remind his son to call...I'll have to make sure I get credit for that, but I don't want to call this late.
I met Dad back in 1992 I believe, possibly late 1992. Anyway, Dad and Mom, welcomed me into their family very quickly. As an only child with a small circle of family it was a little overwhelming, but it was also great. I was invited to all family dinners and loved the fun family times. So one Christmas, most of us kids were married by then, Mom asked for some grandkids. So we delivered, literally. I think between all five kids we delivered about 10 grandkids in just a few years. I think there is a total of like 16 now!
Dad has always been a wonderful babysitter, entertainer and teacher to the girls. He spent many a weekend on the floor letting babies climb all over him. We were lucky enough to live right around the corner for a few years so we had fun pool time and lots of frequent visits and dinners. It was awesome having them so close by. Sam and Brooke in particular knew if Grammy said no, Papa might say yes! The girls had him wrapped around their fingers.
When our marriage became difficult Dad was there to help and counsel us. He was always fair and considerate and guided us that no matter what our kids come first and despite the divorce that is something we have always held fast to. Thank you for that.
When I married Donald, you graciously attended the wedding and for that I am very grateful. I value being part of this family.
These days we find our time together is much more limited. You travel and we know you love that, but we do miss you. It was great to see you on Halloween. It was also great to see you at the service for your Mom. She will be missed, I always loved her sense of humor and tell it like it is way. Anyway it was great to see your siblings and all the cousins. We need to find happy reasons to get together, like your Birthday!! But I hear you are in AZ. So have fun on your travels and I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!
Love you!
So Dad's birthday is today and I didn't call him. I'll make that better tomorrow, but at least wanted to get a blog written so he knows I was thinking about him on his special day. I just had to remind his son to call...I'll have to make sure I get credit for that, but I don't want to call this late.
I met Dad back in 1992 I believe, possibly late 1992. Anyway, Dad and Mom, welcomed me into their family very quickly. As an only child with a small circle of family it was a little overwhelming, but it was also great. I was invited to all family dinners and loved the fun family times. So one Christmas, most of us kids were married by then, Mom asked for some grandkids. So we delivered, literally. I think between all five kids we delivered about 10 grandkids in just a few years. I think there is a total of like 16 now!
Dad has always been a wonderful babysitter, entertainer and teacher to the girls. He spent many a weekend on the floor letting babies climb all over him. We were lucky enough to live right around the corner for a few years so we had fun pool time and lots of frequent visits and dinners. It was awesome having them so close by. Sam and Brooke in particular knew if Grammy said no, Papa might say yes! The girls had him wrapped around their fingers.
When our marriage became difficult Dad was there to help and counsel us. He was always fair and considerate and guided us that no matter what our kids come first and despite the divorce that is something we have always held fast to. Thank you for that.
When I married Donald, you graciously attended the wedding and for that I am very grateful. I value being part of this family.
These days we find our time together is much more limited. You travel and we know you love that, but we do miss you. It was great to see you on Halloween. It was also great to see you at the service for your Mom. She will be missed, I always loved her sense of humor and tell it like it is way. Anyway it was great to see your siblings and all the cousins. We need to find happy reasons to get together, like your Birthday!! But I hear you are in AZ. So have fun on your travels and I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!
Love you!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I'm an Excellent Driver
I’m sitting here on the couch with my 14 year old that is sick, reflecting on my day. She, Sam, spiked a crazy fever tonight after a week on steroids for asthma and antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection. Nine days into this and she spikes a major fever. She’s sleeping next to me on the couch. I wanted her close to me.
I had no idea my day would wrap up like this. Of course, like everyone else, I can’t predict how my day will play out. I guess if any of us could we might never leave the house. I have a bit of a soda habit these days. After taking the kids to school I head to McDonalds for my extra large Diet Dr Pepper. This morning was no different, except….after procuring my soda, I turned out of the drive thru only to hear the horrible sound of the side of my new car being, what I thought was, destroyed.
Now see, here is where you need some history. The streak I thought was over started years ago when I had my mini van. Some knucklehead backed into my side door with my girls in the car. No injuries, his family paid for the damage. My next car was a Camry SE, very cute, V6, black, OK cute for a MILF car. I had multiple incidents in that car, the last of which involved a BobCat Dozer, an illegal alien, and a prolonger repair process. My next car was a new Camry Mom edition. No V6, very boring. In the second week of owning the car I was rear-ended on the freeway. Then each corner of the front bumper was munched and I know some other crap happened, but I can’t recall right now. I had to get out of that car. So we got the new car…the one I destroyed this morning.
So I pulled into the parking lot, knowing the car was jacked. As I got out of the car I debated calling Donald before or after or during the time I saw the damage. I decided not to call at that time. I got out of the car. The drive thru girl was hanging out of the window. Oh lord I felt lame. So I walked to passenger side of the car and was amazed. It appears that the plastic wrap around bumper was disengaged, but bounced back prior to cracking and the only sign of an issue is the seam where the clip is bent. I think it can be totally fixed, easily. I told the hubster about it late in the day. Guess he’s been around long enough to know I am a chick driver. I hate that.
But then you come home and you see what’s really important.
I had no idea my day would wrap up like this. Of course, like everyone else, I can’t predict how my day will play out. I guess if any of us could we might never leave the house. I have a bit of a soda habit these days. After taking the kids to school I head to McDonalds for my extra large Diet Dr Pepper. This morning was no different, except….after procuring my soda, I turned out of the drive thru only to hear the horrible sound of the side of my new car being, what I thought was, destroyed.
Now see, here is where you need some history. The streak I thought was over started years ago when I had my mini van. Some knucklehead backed into my side door with my girls in the car. No injuries, his family paid for the damage. My next car was a Camry SE, very cute, V6, black, OK cute for a MILF car. I had multiple incidents in that car, the last of which involved a BobCat Dozer, an illegal alien, and a prolonger repair process. My next car was a new Camry Mom edition. No V6, very boring. In the second week of owning the car I was rear-ended on the freeway. Then each corner of the front bumper was munched and I know some other crap happened, but I can’t recall right now. I had to get out of that car. So we got the new car…the one I destroyed this morning.
So I pulled into the parking lot, knowing the car was jacked. As I got out of the car I debated calling Donald before or after or during the time I saw the damage. I decided not to call at that time. I got out of the car. The drive thru girl was hanging out of the window. Oh lord I felt lame. So I walked to passenger side of the car and was amazed. It appears that the plastic wrap around bumper was disengaged, but bounced back prior to cracking and the only sign of an issue is the seam where the clip is bent. I think it can be totally fixed, easily. I told the hubster about it late in the day. Guess he’s been around long enough to know I am a chick driver. I hate that.
But then you come home and you see what’s really important.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Renee it's Your Birthday
Hi long lost Cousin, it's your Birthday. Renee was born after me, to my Mother's Brother Gary and his wife Kathy. I think Renee might be named after me, but I can't be certain. My middle name is Rene, hers first is Renee. Our Mom's are gone, so I can't verify that. Her Dad and my Mom were Brother/Sister.
Renee is a few years younger than me and I recall being very pleased to have a cousin. I loved spending time with Renee when she was a baby, but our families did not get together often. I have few memories of Renee when we were little. I do recall our other cousin Dustin being afraid of us, he was right in between in age. Renee has a Brother Dave, younger. I recall very little from their house, but I know their Mom left when they were young. I don't know the circumstances, I was way too young. I know Uncle Gary married Pam, and she seemed so wonderful. Perceptions of step parents can vary.....don't I know it....another blog. Thank goodness I had wonderful ones, and I hope I am a good one.
Their Dad married and I had little contact for years. Some of that was just family crap, some the fact that we really didn't talk, some other things. As an only child of an only child, I missed having cousins readily at hand. Our families had their issues. There were many years when we met at the holidays and it was awkward at best. Talk about feeling like the red headed step child....and remember, I found out this grandparent passed away from the ice cream lady.
OK, but Renee, my only girl cousin. I know you are not having fun these days. I know you are not my biggest fan. I can tell you only one thing. I speak the truth. I know exactly where you are at. I know how to pick you up from where you are. You can either continue in your victim mode, or you can rise above it and rescue your children and yourself. The choice is yours and you can make 1000 excuses, but you have ALL THE POWER. Renee, stop being a victim. You can do anything you want if you just quit fighting everything. I love you and wish you the best.
Renee is a few years younger than me and I recall being very pleased to have a cousin. I loved spending time with Renee when she was a baby, but our families did not get together often. I have few memories of Renee when we were little. I do recall our other cousin Dustin being afraid of us, he was right in between in age. Renee has a Brother Dave, younger. I recall very little from their house, but I know their Mom left when they were young. I don't know the circumstances, I was way too young. I know Uncle Gary married Pam, and she seemed so wonderful. Perceptions of step parents can vary.....don't I know it....another blog. Thank goodness I had wonderful ones, and I hope I am a good one.
Their Dad married and I had little contact for years. Some of that was just family crap, some the fact that we really didn't talk, some other things. As an only child of an only child, I missed having cousins readily at hand. Our families had their issues. There were many years when we met at the holidays and it was awkward at best. Talk about feeling like the red headed step child....and remember, I found out this grandparent passed away from the ice cream lady.
OK, but Renee, my only girl cousin. I know you are not having fun these days. I know you are not my biggest fan. I can tell you only one thing. I speak the truth. I know exactly where you are at. I know how to pick you up from where you are. You can either continue in your victim mode, or you can rise above it and rescue your children and yourself. The choice is yours and you can make 1000 excuses, but you have ALL THE POWER. Renee, stop being a victim. You can do anything you want if you just quit fighting everything. I love you and wish you the best.
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