Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Why can't mom's have a Facebook?

Why is it that some of my kids feel threatened that I have a Facebook?

My oldest & youngest had no problem "friending " me when I sent the request, but #2 child was a holdout for over 3 weeks.

So to me this appears to open the question of why? What could there be on your Facebook that I can't see? Bad language? Please- I have heard it and probably said much of it myself at one time or another. Pictures? Again- been there- done that... well not on the internet, but they seem to forget that I too was young once and sowed a few wild oats of my own.

I held out for a long time before I made my own Facebook page. I knew that it would not be a popular decision with at least one of my kids. The thing I found really funny however was that once some of their friends found out that I had a Facebook- they friend requested me... I mind my own business (for the most part)- ok sure sometimes I look at theirs... like when I get a email notice that they have put up pictures, or that they have commented on something I have up on mine, but honestly for the most part I use mine to share pictures etc. with family & friends. The whole setup makes it very easy to share photos with family. Sending pictures via email is really a pain and so time consuming...

The first day I had mine up and sent out friend requests I found a message from #1 child... "OMG you even have a status"... now first of all, I didn't know what a status was at first (and for those of you who don't know it is the statement at the top where you put what you are thinking/doing) but she thought it was hysterical that I said I was ready for summer vacation. You should see some of the things kids put up as their status... example- "study, shower, bed" or "going to mall"... they seem to have no qualms about putting personal stuff up on their pages... I fully expect that at some point someone will put up... "taking a shit".

I've also added "flair" to my page- Flair are little buttons that have sayings on them which are funny/cute etc. I just like them, kind of like bumper stickers... I don't understand why my kids seem to think this is all beyond me.... they have no idea just how computer savy their mom really is... I mean I maintain the department web page for work.

Anyway... bottom line... I have one....and now I've signed up MY mom for one....

Hmm wonder if I could make one for my dog Buffy (a.k.a. #4 child who never talks back and is perfect!)She'd probably end up with more friends than I have....

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Let's hear it for trash books!

I like trash books.

For anyone who doesn't know what I am referring to- trash books are paperback romances, the kind that don't require a lot of thought- they entertain and are mindless- you can put them down and pick them up whenever you need to. Don't get me wrong, I love a good book, something meatier, the kind that you can't put down, but those kind of books I have to reserve for summertime when I am off and/or on vacation.

I was once asked if I wanted join a book club... *sigh* ok- in theory, book clubs are a nice idea, but the whole concept makes me feel pressured. I mean first of all the books chosen are usually heavy... then there is the whole time frame.. you HAVE to have the whole thing read by a specific time- I'm sorry but I finished college over 25 years ago and the idea of being given an "assignment to be read" is too much pressure for my life-I am a working mom - plus it takes the fun out of reading for me. Reading for me is relaxation- a release from my everyday life- something to be enjoyed.

My mom reads trash books too, so between the ones I buy and the steady supply she gives me I have plenty to pass along to friends & family. I used to be a little embarrassed by my trash books (like they were some little dirty secret) but then after a while I had accumulated a whole carton full and needed to get rid of them.

I found a used book store and took a grocery bag full along with me. I walked in and began speaking with the owner. She informed me in no uncertain terms that she did not carry paperback "romance books"-like they were for lepers or something. You would've thought the woman who waited on me was selling freaking gold covered books for crying out loud. Her nose was stuck up her butt so far i decided that was her problem.

So then I took some into work. I put a bag of about 12-15 in the teachers lounge with a sign saying "help yourself"- and by the end of the school day they were
ALL gone. I thought maybe a few might be taken... but not all of them... The next week I did it again, and again, within 24 hrs. all were gone again.

In a small way I felt redeemed... but honestly it doesn't matter... I know what I like and what I have time for. I mean if high school teachers are scarfing them up like hotcakes they can't be that bad. Plus the people who write these books are making A LOT of money! Hmm... I've read these books for 25 years... think of all the money I have spent through the years. I wonder if I could write one? Nah..... then it would feel like work. Maybe someday when I retire and have more time... who knows?

But for now- it's a rainy Saturday and unbelievably I am the only one home... so I need to get back and see what Jack & Janine are going to do next! Bring on the trash! :)


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

and so it begins.....

I'm not quite sure why I decided to begin a blog... but maybe this will be a way for me to voice my thoughts and make sense of things.

I am a mom...and a wife... Not the greatest of either but I do the best I can.

I have been married to my husband for almost 25 years-

God that seems like a REALLY long time... and that means I am getting *dare I say it?* ...OLD... holy shit!

You know the funny thing about getting older is that while you know in your head how old you really are, you don't necessarily FEEL that old in your mind, I mean physically yes I am beginning to find some things I used to do without thinking more difficult- and it pisses me off, but it is what it is...I mean I am going to be 50 this summer-

There I said it- 50- HOLY SHIT! But back to what I was saying... the funny thing about getting older is that while you are looking & feeling older... in your mind you are the same ...

I'd like to think at least that I am smarter than I was when I was in my 20's but I attribute that mainly to life experience. Whoever said life is wasted on the young was right. The older I get the more true that becomes.

I have three kids two girls & a boy. My oldest is turning 21 in 2 weeks- God I remember 21... I was thin, no wrinkles and did not really have any stress in my life. I could wear a bikini & looked damn good in it! I wish I knew then what I know now- I would've done a few things differently- like for instance ... exercised more, gotten my Masters degree, saved more money. I know my kids think I don't have a clue, but they are so wrong...God was I as naive as they are? They have no idea...

Our oldest went off to college and decided after a year and a half it wasn't for her. So she moved back home, went to beauty school, graduated and got her license. I am so proud of her for following her heart. She's worked hard and is paying her dues at the hair salon she works at. They won't put her on a chair yet and have her working as an assistant- enough - let her do hair already!

My younger daughter is a senior in high school and soon graduates. She goes off to college in August and I am going to miss her terribly... I have to be like Scarlett O Hara and just not think about it, be in denial... otherwise I'll start crying...

Our youngest is 15, and he just switched from public school to a private all boys catholic school. The transition has been hard for him- he misses public school & how easy it was...academically. He misses girls... he misses wearing sweats /jeans everyday. I have to keep telling myself that he will get through this... it is an excellent school and in the long term is the BEST choice for him.

All I know is that I remember when the kids were little and all I wanted was some time to myself... well time to myself I now have... and while it can be nice... I find myself missing those days filled with dirty hands, boo boo knees, dress up & kisses & hugs... where did the time go?

Be careful for what you wish for...
you just might get it!