My friends have been telling me for years, and my own parents and in-laws have always agreed, that there is absolutely nothing better than being a grandparent. I certainly have felt the "grandmother pangs" of holding someone's infant in my arms during the last decade, knowing that some day, in the not too distant future, I would be gazing into the eyes of my own grandchild. As much as it is difficult for others to explain what this new "version of love" will feel like to me, I have found it equally as challenging to explain to our son, just how overwhelming his own love for his child will be.
Perhaps it has something to do with how vague the various feelings and intensity of love we have each experienced, and it may be better described by a few of the actual moments themselves....
When the baby kicks and for the first time he is able to feel his child's movements by placing his hand on his wife's growing tummy...then he will know
The day that Taryn turns to him to say, "it's time" and they make their way to the hospital....then he will know
When he sees his son's face and hears his first sounds....then he will know
When he reaches for his son's tiny hand and those little fingers wrap around his big finger....then he will know
When his son opens his eyes to look up at his daddy for the first time and is soothed by his voice....then he will know
When he holds his son in his arms and is able to calm him from whatever has caused him distress...then he will know
When he glimpses those first few baby smiles and realizes his son is actually happy to see him and smiling AT him....then he will know
The first time those chubby little baby arms reach up for him and without any spoken words, he is needed....then he will know
When those sweet little baby lips utter the word "daddy" for the first time...then he will know
The love we have for our children and how they complete our lives, is like nothing else I have ever experienced. This is only the beginning for these new parents, they have so many years ahead of them to share the love they have for each other with their son. I know so far, it has been a great adventure for both of them.
I also know, we have some pretty incredible years in our future as we take on this new role. The thought of being a grandparent has always brought me a warm fuzzy feeling, when I think of my children raising their own families.The wonderful news in October, that Brian and Taryn were expecting a baby, was music to our ears. The anticipation over the last 4 months has been shared by the members of our clan as we all sit back and enjoy the exciting beginning of the next generation. I can't believe in less than 16 weeks, we will meet this sweet little baby boy, who already has found a very special place in our hearts.
As much as we are all waiting patiently for a glimpse of our grandson, there is yet another moment that will bring a tear to my eye...cause my heart to skip a beat....and for a split second, I'll be unable to take a breath.....the very first time I see my son holding his own child in his arms...and then I will know...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The apple doesn't fall...
You can call it a coincidence, and/or stretch it a bit and label it irony. What I happened to read after my own particularly trying day, on my daughter's Facebook page, brought a smile to my face, as it most often times does. Her sense of humor never ceases to amaze me....I love how she stumbles upon very interesting and tilted views of the world, and makes them her own. I continually find that we share similar opinions regarding what occurs around us on a daily basis....hmmm...I wonder how that has come to be???
At almost the exact time today, we both must have been feeling a bit closed in by our surroundings and circumstances...she made reference as follows...
"today's silver lining: just measured my office and am now thankful for the extra 24 sq ft that I have in comparison to the average prison cell"
I, on the other hand, had a strangely similar prison related thought today, under the guise of my 8 hour workday. Not having had a conversation with Stacey pertaining to either of our current work situations, how very odd we both arrived at the same conclusion on the same day.
To give you an idea of where I am coming from...try this on for size and then let me know how you feel...
1. Scan badge
2. Proceed through gate
3. Enter building
4. Sign in
5. Retrieve box
6. Sit down
7. Remove handful of folders from box
8. Remove items from folders
9. Remove staples from items
10. Sort items
11. Return small portion of items to folder
10. Stack items
11. Repeat from No. 8 above, repeat, repeat, repeat
12. Stand up with sorted items
13. Walk to scanner with stacked items
14. Load stacked items into hopper
15. Push buttons...repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat
16. Replace items in original folder
17. Return folders to original box
18. Repeat from No. 6 for 8 more hours....
Yes, we had a break for lunch and I did occasionally stroll over to the junk food table to grab some candy....and yet, my routine felt exactly as automated as it sounds. Going through the motions reminded me of 30 years ago when I worked at a candy factory in Germany to earn some extra spending money around the holidays.
Just when you thought my job sounded so interesting and exciting (well maybe you didn't, who really knows for sure????), I've been tasked with a project, along with an ever-rotating group of co-workers (misery loves company), to leave our otherwise comfy surroundings and travel to another location, a few days each week.
While standing in front of the scanner midmorning, I had a vague feeling of what it might feel like stamping out license plates in a place of detention. However, it wasn't until I found myself outside the building during our lunch break, and I happened to glance up and noticed the fences were topped by barbed wire, that I finally said out loud..."yup, I'm in prison."
So, with my trusty IPhone tuned into my favorite Pandora station, and my earbuds securely settled close to my completely numbed mind...I continued through my work day. If not for those tunes dancing in my head, and my toes tapping to the music, my brain would surly have exploded before the 8 hours were completed. I do not seek your pity, because let's face facts...I have a job....I have a job....I have a job....and consider myself very lucky to be able to repeat that phrase to myself and to just about anyone who will listen to my crazed words.
It has been a very long time since I have spoken on behalf of either of my children, however, it's not only a matter of how close to the tree those apples are falling...I know for a fact that there are no small office walls or barbed-wire fences that can completely hold back the imagination of either of these two women, no matter where we happen to physically be each day in our lives....
At almost the exact time today, we both must have been feeling a bit closed in by our surroundings and circumstances...she made reference as follows...
"today's silver lining: just measured my office and am now thankful for the extra 24 sq ft that I have in comparison to the average prison cell"
I, on the other hand, had a strangely similar prison related thought today, under the guise of my 8 hour workday. Not having had a conversation with Stacey pertaining to either of our current work situations, how very odd we both arrived at the same conclusion on the same day.
To give you an idea of where I am coming from...try this on for size and then let me know how you feel...
1. Scan badge
2. Proceed through gate
3. Enter building
4. Sign in
5. Retrieve box
6. Sit down
7. Remove handful of folders from box
8. Remove items from folders
9. Remove staples from items
10. Sort items
11. Return small portion of items to folder
10. Stack items
11. Repeat from No. 8 above, repeat, repeat, repeat
12. Stand up with sorted items
13. Walk to scanner with stacked items
14. Load stacked items into hopper
15. Push buttons...repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat
16. Replace items in original folder
17. Return folders to original box
18. Repeat from No. 6 for 8 more hours....
Yes, we had a break for lunch and I did occasionally stroll over to the junk food table to grab some candy....and yet, my routine felt exactly as automated as it sounds. Going through the motions reminded me of 30 years ago when I worked at a candy factory in Germany to earn some extra spending money around the holidays.
Just when you thought my job sounded so interesting and exciting (well maybe you didn't, who really knows for sure????), I've been tasked with a project, along with an ever-rotating group of co-workers (misery loves company), to leave our otherwise comfy surroundings and travel to another location, a few days each week.
While standing in front of the scanner midmorning, I had a vague feeling of what it might feel like stamping out license plates in a place of detention. However, it wasn't until I found myself outside the building during our lunch break, and I happened to glance up and noticed the fences were topped by barbed wire, that I finally said out loud..."yup, I'm in prison."
So, with my trusty IPhone tuned into my favorite Pandora station, and my earbuds securely settled close to my completely numbed mind...I continued through my work day. If not for those tunes dancing in my head, and my toes tapping to the music, my brain would surly have exploded before the 8 hours were completed. I do not seek your pity, because let's face facts...I have a job....I have a job....I have a job....and consider myself very lucky to be able to repeat that phrase to myself and to just about anyone who will listen to my crazed words.
It has been a very long time since I have spoken on behalf of either of my children, however, it's not only a matter of how close to the tree those apples are falling...I know for a fact that there are no small office walls or barbed-wire fences that can completely hold back the imagination of either of these two women, no matter where we happen to physically be each day in our lives....
Sunday, February 13, 2011
If you can't stand the heat....
A recent note from my mother in law making mention of her intention to bake a sweet treat for Valentines Day, reminded me that our oven will be out of commission for at least a couple more days and here's why....
I know this is no laughing matter and could have very easily had a much more serious outcome, if not for the quick response of my safety conscious husband. There is nothing like coming home, getting off the elevator, walking towards your front door only to catch the first faint whiff of something cooking. Was that bacon I detected....who was cooking today? You never really know because as you make your way down the outside walkway, you pass by each condo's kitchen window. Could it be our place...I wondered if chef Roger was busy in front of the stove? Oh he was busy alright...little did I know what urgency had kept him preoccupied the last 1/2 hour and it had nothing to do with any food either of us would be eating. Although I really don't cook anymore, I'm not averse to tasting a few bites of some of what he whips up every now and again.
Apparently, he'd had a brain storm and decided to cook some bacon in the oven. I recall him mentioning it just made too much of a mess frying it in a pan on top of the stove....famous last words!!! Personally, I think the microwave works perfectly fine...no muss, no fuss...and the paper plates can be thrown away!!! Considering we rarely have bacon in the house, I'm not quite sure what exactly prompted him to buy some. If you'll recall, I buy my 'pig' BBQued from the market! Interestingly enough, the bacon cooked just fine, it was what happened after he removed it from the oven, that is the "hot" topic here. Whatever was in the bottom of the oven (we keep some aluminum foil in there to catch any spillovers), quickly produced a fire, actual flames with smoke, which led to his brief encounter with our fire extinguisher.
Roger's Nuclear Power Plant Fire Fighting Training came in handy that afternoon
Of course the smoke immediately set off the fire alarm, which is located right outside the kitchen door in the dining room. Our entire place quickly filled with smoke, Roger could no longer see inside our small kitchen. All of this occurred at around 4:20, which is very close to the time I leave work and begin my 5-10 minute commute back home. It was amazing that he had all the smoke cleared out before I stepped off the elevator...all that remained was the wonderful smokey chemical stench, with a hint of bacon thrown in for good measure. I'm happy to say, that a few days later, our kitchen just held the faint scent of an outdoor BBQ, which was not particularly unpleasant.
Initially, the smell inside the kitchen/dining/living area of our condo was pretty nasty, and on most evenings it would have been simple to just head to the bedroom, close the door and flip on a movie. Unfortunately, I had brought work home with me and it was necessary to spread out my laptop, binder and folders all over the dining room table, which was now covered in a light dusty film of fire fighting residue....lousy timing for sure. I spent the next 3 hours working to complete a project before I was finally too exhausted to continue...our bedroom smelled so much better and the bed felt pretty good too.
If that wasnt bad enough, our pictures on the fridge of our children were covered with a fine film of fire extinguisher dust. I had just spent last Saturday cleaning all the nooks and crannies around the kitchen and found some of the remnants of his last kitchen/dining room fiasco...what I refer to as the relish mustard hurricane that rained down upon our home, where no surface within a 10 yard parameter was safe from fallout...think ceiling fans and ceiling here!!!!! Believe me...this always happens when I am not home and luckily I'm able to avoid the initial disaster area. Although his best cleaning efforts are very much appreciated...I'm thinking if he had his glasses on, he wouldn't have missed so many spots.
If nothing else was learned that afternoon, it's how important a fire extinguisher can be to your safety at home. Having never been involved in a kitchen fire before, and not knowing if the extinguisher was in working order, he sprayed a test shot out the kitchen window to see if it would function properly. Obviously it was sufficient to put out the fire, and there's a faint white mark that needs to be wiped off of the walkway outside our window. And just to let you know, our condo building is well equipped and there are several fire extinguishers up and down each hallway to be utilized if necessary.
Right outside the kitchen window...good to know it's there!
Apparently, our upstairs neighbor came down after he saw smoke billowing up towards his balcony to check and make sure everything was ok. Every condo dweller's nightmare is an uncontrolled fire somewhere in the building where they reside. We all have to hope that each resident is as diligent and as well equipped to handle this type of emergency as Roger was this week. It is comforting to know that our local fire station is about five hundred yards from the parking lot behind our building. Living in such a tiny community keeps all the local governmental offices literally in our own backyard.
You can actually see, from our front door, another extinguisher on the wall, one is hidden a bit further down, and finally one by the elevator...4 on each floor. Until the other day, I'm not sure I ever paid that much attention.
I gave up cooking many years ago when the kids left home....perhaps Roger should consider following in my footsteps...or at least stick to stove top items. This is certainly not his first "mess" in the kitchen...just ask him about the exploding tupperware container of boiling red jello...some foods are meant to be stirred not shaken. When things get this hot, it might just be time to hang up the oven mitts and get the heck outta the kitchen...but not until AFTER he cleans the inside of that oven!!!
I know this is no laughing matter and could have very easily had a much more serious outcome, if not for the quick response of my safety conscious husband. There is nothing like coming home, getting off the elevator, walking towards your front door only to catch the first faint whiff of something cooking. Was that bacon I detected....who was cooking today? You never really know because as you make your way down the outside walkway, you pass by each condo's kitchen window. Could it be our place...I wondered if chef Roger was busy in front of the stove? Oh he was busy alright...little did I know what urgency had kept him preoccupied the last 1/2 hour and it had nothing to do with any food either of us would be eating. Although I really don't cook anymore, I'm not averse to tasting a few bites of some of what he whips up every now and again.
Apparently, he'd had a brain storm and decided to cook some bacon in the oven. I recall him mentioning it just made too much of a mess frying it in a pan on top of the stove....famous last words!!! Personally, I think the microwave works perfectly fine...no muss, no fuss...and the paper plates can be thrown away!!! Considering we rarely have bacon in the house, I'm not quite sure what exactly prompted him to buy some. If you'll recall, I buy my 'pig' BBQued from the market! Interestingly enough, the bacon cooked just fine, it was what happened after he removed it from the oven, that is the "hot" topic here. Whatever was in the bottom of the oven (we keep some aluminum foil in there to catch any spillovers), quickly produced a fire, actual flames with smoke, which led to his brief encounter with our fire extinguisher.
Roger's Nuclear Power Plant Fire Fighting Training came in handy that afternoon
Of course the smoke immediately set off the fire alarm, which is located right outside the kitchen door in the dining room. Our entire place quickly filled with smoke, Roger could no longer see inside our small kitchen. All of this occurred at around 4:20, which is very close to the time I leave work and begin my 5-10 minute commute back home. It was amazing that he had all the smoke cleared out before I stepped off the elevator...all that remained was the wonderful smokey chemical stench, with a hint of bacon thrown in for good measure. I'm happy to say, that a few days later, our kitchen just held the faint scent of an outdoor BBQ, which was not particularly unpleasant.
Initially, the smell inside the kitchen/dining/living area of our condo was pretty nasty, and on most evenings it would have been simple to just head to the bedroom, close the door and flip on a movie. Unfortunately, I had brought work home with me and it was necessary to spread out my laptop, binder and folders all over the dining room table, which was now covered in a light dusty film of fire fighting residue....lousy timing for sure. I spent the next 3 hours working to complete a project before I was finally too exhausted to continue...our bedroom smelled so much better and the bed felt pretty good too.
If that wasnt bad enough, our pictures on the fridge of our children were covered with a fine film of fire extinguisher dust. I had just spent last Saturday cleaning all the nooks and crannies around the kitchen and found some of the remnants of his last kitchen/dining room fiasco...what I refer to as the relish mustard hurricane that rained down upon our home, where no surface within a 10 yard parameter was safe from fallout...think ceiling fans and ceiling here!!!!! Believe me...this always happens when I am not home and luckily I'm able to avoid the initial disaster area. Although his best cleaning efforts are very much appreciated...I'm thinking if he had his glasses on, he wouldn't have missed so many spots.
If nothing else was learned that afternoon, it's how important a fire extinguisher can be to your safety at home. Having never been involved in a kitchen fire before, and not knowing if the extinguisher was in working order, he sprayed a test shot out the kitchen window to see if it would function properly. Obviously it was sufficient to put out the fire, and there's a faint white mark that needs to be wiped off of the walkway outside our window. And just to let you know, our condo building is well equipped and there are several fire extinguishers up and down each hallway to be utilized if necessary.
Right outside the kitchen window...good to know it's there!
Apparently, our upstairs neighbor came down after he saw smoke billowing up towards his balcony to check and make sure everything was ok. Every condo dweller's nightmare is an uncontrolled fire somewhere in the building where they reside. We all have to hope that each resident is as diligent and as well equipped to handle this type of emergency as Roger was this week. It is comforting to know that our local fire station is about five hundred yards from the parking lot behind our building. Living in such a tiny community keeps all the local governmental offices literally in our own backyard.
You can actually see, from our front door, another extinguisher on the wall, one is hidden a bit further down, and finally one by the elevator...4 on each floor. Until the other day, I'm not sure I ever paid that much attention.
I gave up cooking many years ago when the kids left home....perhaps Roger should consider following in my footsteps...or at least stick to stove top items. This is certainly not his first "mess" in the kitchen...just ask him about the exploding tupperware container of boiling red jello...some foods are meant to be stirred not shaken. When things get this hot, it might just be time to hang up the oven mitts and get the heck outta the kitchen...but not until AFTER he cleans the inside of that oven!!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
To market, to market to buy a fat pig
It didn't take me very long, after we moved to this southern part of the country, to realize that the "seasons" are completely reversed from what I had been accustomed to up north. Just to clarify, I'm not talking about the actual seasons as they relate to weather, it's the social season I'm referring to. Up north, the theater season took place in the summer...the festival season took place in the spring, the county fairs took place in the fall, and the green market season was from spring to fall. The time to be outdoors for most folks to enjoy the wonderful warm weather, is usually from Memorial to Labor Day.
Down south, it's just the opposite...just to name a few...the county fairs are in January and February, the theater season is all winter, and the local greenmarkets are currently in full swing. It appears to also be related to the "snowbirds" (the retirees who live here only part of the year--and in my humble opinion people who have the best of both worlds) that "migrate" to Florida each fall...it's referred to as "in season" by us year round residents. Interestingly, my grandparents and Roger's grandmother, were snowbirds for many years. My mother's parents spent time in the Miami area and Roger's father's mother wintered south of Orlando in Sebring. I often ask myself how this seasonal retired-family-member-migration-southward, ended at our parent's generation. How cool would it have been to take our kids to visit their grandparents in Florida each winter? I'm thinking our own grandchildren will most certainly have an opportunity that Stacey and Brian missed.
As I mentioned in many of my blog postings, this is truly my favorite part of the year and I always look forward to the outdoor happenings around town. Not to say we don't have many activities out-of-doors in the summer, it's just not considered high season and there seems to be less to do during the varying degrees of intense heat of those months.
Before we moved away from downtown West Palm Beach in 2004, we would spend many Saturdays at the Green Market browsing through the stalls and carrying home, among other things, my favorite loaf of olive bread from one of the local bakers. Imagine that...we actually took the 1.5 mile roundtrip walk from our condo into town each weekend. Now we are about 4 miles away from our local market, which is held on Sundays...and the same vendors tend to cover both venues.
Big pan of paella...popular spot
Organic accessories...who knew?
Preserves and honey have found a niche
The market has grown considerably over the years, there tends to be an equal amount of food being offered, as well as trinkets, clothing and plants.
Just in case you need a taste from Copenhagen
I saw no one serving food in that outfit
A bit of New England can be found as well
Yes, there is actually something green at the green market.
It's always important to support the local economy by purchasing from mom and pop business owners at our neighborhood weekend markets.
Cute handmade items
Apple cider doughnuts
As I wander through the stalls, a few in particular always catch my eye...and my nose too. Darn those yummy smelling ribs...most afternoons I can pass them by....not this past weekend.
I did buy a fat pig...well maybe just a small portion of one...I made it last for two meals if that counts for anything???
And of course, it just wouldn't be the same experience if I didn't come home with fresh baked loaf of bread...asiago, cranberry walnut or olive...it makes me hungry just thinking about it.
The big cheese bread I love....come to momma!
I'm not really a big shopper for anything other than food, but I still appreciate the local artisans that showcase their talents which are usually unique to the area.
Carved Marble Turtle Lamp
Handmade glass jewelry
Parking can sometimes be an issue....this past weekend, I guess I expected smaller crowds because of the big sporting event being broadcast that afternoon. You may have heard of it before....ummm, I think they call it the Super Bowl. I was hoping for an easier time finding a parking spot at the town center, no such luck.
Pretty good crowd on SBS
The bakery vendors are pure evil to my waist line :(
I do know one thing for sure, if I keep eating entire loaves (not all at one time!!!) of bread--I won't just be at the market to buy pork...I mean a fat pig, I'll be looking like one!!!! Sad to say I can't continue to purchase from certain vendors...or I'll be oinking my way to the fat farm...step away from the BBQ ribs...oops wait a minute...he has something a bit healthier...chicken on a stick anyone???
These guys cook up a mean BBQ
Oh look fruit...that's healthy!?!?
Down south, it's just the opposite...just to name a few...the county fairs are in January and February, the theater season is all winter, and the local greenmarkets are currently in full swing. It appears to also be related to the "snowbirds" (the retirees who live here only part of the year--and in my humble opinion people who have the best of both worlds) that "migrate" to Florida each fall...it's referred to as "in season" by us year round residents. Interestingly, my grandparents and Roger's grandmother, were snowbirds for many years. My mother's parents spent time in the Miami area and Roger's father's mother wintered south of Orlando in Sebring. I often ask myself how this seasonal retired-family-member-migration-southward, ended at our parent's generation. How cool would it have been to take our kids to visit their grandparents in Florida each winter? I'm thinking our own grandchildren will most certainly have an opportunity that Stacey and Brian missed.
As I mentioned in many of my blog postings, this is truly my favorite part of the year and I always look forward to the outdoor happenings around town. Not to say we don't have many activities out-of-doors in the summer, it's just not considered high season and there seems to be less to do during the varying degrees of intense heat of those months.
Before we moved away from downtown West Palm Beach in 2004, we would spend many Saturdays at the Green Market browsing through the stalls and carrying home, among other things, my favorite loaf of olive bread from one of the local bakers. Imagine that...we actually took the 1.5 mile roundtrip walk from our condo into town each weekend. Now we are about 4 miles away from our local market, which is held on Sundays...and the same vendors tend to cover both venues.
Big pan of paella...popular spot
Organic accessories...who knew?
Preserves and honey have found a niche
The market has grown considerably over the years, there tends to be an equal amount of food being offered, as well as trinkets, clothing and plants.
Just in case you need a taste from Copenhagen
I saw no one serving food in that outfit
A bit of New England can be found as well
Yes, there is actually something green at the green market.
It's always important to support the local economy by purchasing from mom and pop business owners at our neighborhood weekend markets.
Cute handmade items
Apple cider doughnuts
As I wander through the stalls, a few in particular always catch my eye...and my nose too. Darn those yummy smelling ribs...most afternoons I can pass them by....not this past weekend.
I did buy a fat pig...well maybe just a small portion of one...I made it last for two meals if that counts for anything???
And of course, it just wouldn't be the same experience if I didn't come home with fresh baked loaf of bread...asiago, cranberry walnut or olive...it makes me hungry just thinking about it.
The big cheese bread I love....come to momma!
I'm not really a big shopper for anything other than food, but I still appreciate the local artisans that showcase their talents which are usually unique to the area.
Carved Marble Turtle Lamp
Handmade glass jewelry
Parking can sometimes be an issue....this past weekend, I guess I expected smaller crowds because of the big sporting event being broadcast that afternoon. You may have heard of it before....ummm, I think they call it the Super Bowl. I was hoping for an easier time finding a parking spot at the town center, no such luck.
Pretty good crowd on SBS
The bakery vendors are pure evil to my waist line :(
I do know one thing for sure, if I keep eating entire loaves (not all at one time!!!) of bread--I won't just be at the market to buy pork...I mean a fat pig, I'll be looking like one!!!! Sad to say I can't continue to purchase from certain vendors...or I'll be oinking my way to the fat farm...step away from the BBQ ribs...oops wait a minute...he has something a bit healthier...chicken on a stick anyone???
These guys cook up a mean BBQ
Oh look fruit...that's healthy!?!?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What's really in a name???
Pick a name...any name...
It's like that card trick when you are presented with a deck of cards and you are expected to pick just the right one from that neat little pile spread out before you.
With a baby boy ready to make his appearance in only 4 short months, his parents are now tasked with choosing the perfect name for their newborn. Never an easy decision to make, one most of us have struggled with at one time or another. I recall thinking to myself...will we pick the right one? Will it fit this new little person until the end of their days on earth? Will my son or daughter like the name they have been given when he or she grows old enough to form an opinion about such things?
The first thing we did as parents-to-be, was buy one of those baby naming books with all the "meanings" listed beside each choice. Of course that is no longer necessary with the Internet at our fingertips, and boundless research options as far as the world wide web will take you. You can even wander through websites that offer the history of popular names throughout the ages, it's quite an interesting group listed by generations.
I find I play a bit of a name game when speaking to someone on the phone who I have not yet met in person. I am usually able to determine what age group they fall into by the name they have been given. Female names seem to give it away easier than men for me sometimes...let's face it, how many women do you know named Jennifer, Jessica or Amanda that were born before 1970? And going back further, how many named Judith, Joan or Anita were born after 1970? Quite honestly, some just stand the test of time no matter the decade you happen to be born in...but what's really in a name?
Middle names are truly the icing on the cake and seem to be decided with such ease...sometimes even before the first names are chosen. I find in many instances, they are significant in some way, most often as a tribute or in memory of a loved one...family members who have passed and others who may be living. Interestingly enough, my parents (Josephine and John) chose to have "fun" with all our first names (Jack, Joanne, Jim, Jerry, Justine and Jeffrey) and left the decision of picking a middle name up to us when we reached the mature old age of 12. I recall looking through a book of saints names (yes, they must be "sainted" and/or sanctioned confirmation names for catholic church) to figure out what sounded good with Joanne...ummmm, I came up with Stephanie???? Add that to my married last name...and you certainly have a mouthful. Thank goodness middle names are rarely mentioned during our adult life...only that pesky little initial follows us around forever....but what's really in a name?
Who knew that choosing a first name that sounds well with the last name could be so difficult. Too many vowels or consonants, in the wrong configuration, just don't sound right as they roll off your tongue. Most of us who change their name when they marry, don't really have much of a choice in the matter....can I offer anyone an 'N' or an 'M'....I happen to have a few extras just laying around :) Don't get me wrong...I was more than happy to stop being one of the JJ's!!! (my maiden name is Joseph---just think of what a uniquely sounding name my mother has had to deal with since she got married)
This sweet little baby boy will soon have the honor of being the first grandchild of the next generation of our entire family clan, and has the auspicious duty of carrying on my married name. Our son, happens to be the last known male across the rather small branches of my husband's family tree, and we are more than thrilled that he has graciously chosen to perpetuate the family name. If not for him...it would quietly disappear....but what's really in a name?
I'm guessing that Taryn and Brian are going to be figuring that out in the very near future. How nice that half the battle is done....some might say, the most significant part of this little boy's name is already figured out for them....but again, what's really in a name???
It's like that card trick when you are presented with a deck of cards and you are expected to pick just the right one from that neat little pile spread out before you.
With a baby boy ready to make his appearance in only 4 short months, his parents are now tasked with choosing the perfect name for their newborn. Never an easy decision to make, one most of us have struggled with at one time or another. I recall thinking to myself...will we pick the right one? Will it fit this new little person until the end of their days on earth? Will my son or daughter like the name they have been given when he or she grows old enough to form an opinion about such things?
The first thing we did as parents-to-be, was buy one of those baby naming books with all the "meanings" listed beside each choice. Of course that is no longer necessary with the Internet at our fingertips, and boundless research options as far as the world wide web will take you. You can even wander through websites that offer the history of popular names throughout the ages, it's quite an interesting group listed by generations.
I find I play a bit of a name game when speaking to someone on the phone who I have not yet met in person. I am usually able to determine what age group they fall into by the name they have been given. Female names seem to give it away easier than men for me sometimes...let's face it, how many women do you know named Jennifer, Jessica or Amanda that were born before 1970? And going back further, how many named Judith, Joan or Anita were born after 1970? Quite honestly, some just stand the test of time no matter the decade you happen to be born in...but what's really in a name?
Middle names are truly the icing on the cake and seem to be decided with such ease...sometimes even before the first names are chosen. I find in many instances, they are significant in some way, most often as a tribute or in memory of a loved one...family members who have passed and others who may be living. Interestingly enough, my parents (Josephine and John) chose to have "fun" with all our first names (Jack, Joanne, Jim, Jerry, Justine and Jeffrey) and left the decision of picking a middle name up to us when we reached the mature old age of 12. I recall looking through a book of saints names (yes, they must be "sainted" and/or sanctioned confirmation names for catholic church) to figure out what sounded good with Joanne...ummmm, I came up with Stephanie???? Add that to my married last name...and you certainly have a mouthful. Thank goodness middle names are rarely mentioned during our adult life...only that pesky little initial follows us around forever....but what's really in a name?
Who knew that choosing a first name that sounds well with the last name could be so difficult. Too many vowels or consonants, in the wrong configuration, just don't sound right as they roll off your tongue. Most of us who change their name when they marry, don't really have much of a choice in the matter....can I offer anyone an 'N' or an 'M'....I happen to have a few extras just laying around :) Don't get me wrong...I was more than happy to stop being one of the JJ's!!! (my maiden name is Joseph---just think of what a uniquely sounding name my mother has had to deal with since she got married)
This sweet little baby boy will soon have the honor of being the first grandchild of the next generation of our entire family clan, and has the auspicious duty of carrying on my married name. Our son, happens to be the last known male across the rather small branches of my husband's family tree, and we are more than thrilled that he has graciously chosen to perpetuate the family name. If not for him...it would quietly disappear....but what's really in a name?
I'm guessing that Taryn and Brian are going to be figuring that out in the very near future. How nice that half the battle is done....some might say, the most significant part of this little boy's name is already figured out for them....but again, what's really in a name???
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Stepping outside the "Box"...well I'm trying to anyway
While we were on our cruise a few weeks ago, late one night I flipped on the tv to see what free movies they had to offer. I figured I'd start watching something, then quickly fall asleep....none of the titles really seemed interesting and it had been a very long day. I found one that had slightly intrigued me, when it had been in the theaters last year, so I decided to give it a try.
Not long after I began watching, I realized it took place back in the 70's and I don't happen to be a big fan of american films set in different time periods, but I plodded on just the same. I knew in advance that it had a strange sci-fi overtone, however, at the time I didn't really care all that much. There was definitely a point where I simply asked myself "Joanne, why are you watching this junk?" Unfortunately, I was hooked and had to find out how the writers planned to end this sad story. Little did I know, that the movie was actually based on--and a remake of, an old twilight zone episode. That certainly explained a lot!
Although towards the end of the film, it was much heavier on the sci-fi than I would have preferred, I found a very interesting message hidden deep in the movie. Well, perhaps it wasn't really disguised all that much...as I recall a main character actually made a statement that solidified in my mind that this movie might have a bit more meaning than I had originally given it credit for...who knew???
It was my final consideration after the credits began to roll, that led me to keep the small idea in the back of my mind. I agreed with some of what the writers were making an effort to portray, their view of our society matched my own...as well as mirroring my current situation. What small steps could I make to change what I considered to be a slight flaw in my daily existence?
Before I try answering that question, I should first disclose the title of the movie...it was "The Box"
Wiki says...
"The Box is a 2009 American science-fiction psychological-thriller film based on the 1970 short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson, which was previously adapted into an episode of the 1980s incarnation of The Twilight Zone. The film is written and directed by Richard Kelly and stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as a couple who receive a box from a mysterious man who offers them one million dollars if they press the button sealed within the dome on top of the box."
As I'm sure you can imagine, this movie did not have a happy ending...people died....alien life forms abducted what was "left" of the couples who pushed the button..and the audience was afforded a front row seat to witness all that is wrong with the human race. I, however took a slightly different feeling away from the movie than the obvious message that we were hit over the head with...I concentrated on the slightly less significant "box" concept and took it to heart.
It's not rocket science...it's pretty basic...we live in boxes, drive to our jobs in boxes, work in boxes (I have the pleasure each day of spending 8 hours in a cubicle), cook our food in boxes (ovens and microwaves), store our food in refrigerated boxes, sleep on box springs, stare into boxes while watching tv and when working on computers (no, they did not exist in the 70's)..and last but not least...when we die, they bury us in a BOX!!!
At this time of year, when the weather is so very kind to those of us residing in South Florida, I always make more of an effort to spend additional time outdoors. The blistering heat that forces us to run from one air-conditioned "box" to another, is forgotten these few short "winter" months. Since returning from a vacation full of fresh-air adventures, I've felt pretty boxed in lately and decided today was a perfect time to remedy the situation.
The fresh air and bright sun flood inside as soon as we open the door
Although I'm the first one in this family to turn off the air-conditioning each fall and throw open the windows...I don't always remember to refresh and revisit the one open air space we have the pleasure of calling part of our home. Some southerners refer to it as a lanai...I call it what I fondly remember enjoying as a child in Connecticut...our screened-in porch.
Sunshine on my favorite spot...the open kitchen door reminds me chores are done for the day
Today it was time to rearrange, clean up and reintroduce myself to my favorite place to hang out...our cozy little "front room". I never tire of watching the boat traffic float by and seeing the pelicans dive for fish, or listening to the water lapping against the wooden docks.
Early morning boats going down the river on the way out to sea
We open the front door, the kitchen door, most of the windows and sit back to listen to the breeze blowing through our home. Being on the 4th floor affords us a clear view over the tops of the palm trees and out to the distant inter-coastal waterway.
Feet up and enjoying a quiet afternoon "outside"
So, in reality I've not been able to completely discard my boxes....however, I have succeeded in removing one of the walls that surrounds the world that I live in. I know I should make more of an effort to walk to the library, bank and store. If we lived in the city, I would easily ignore the car and allow my feet to lead me to each one of those locations. The sad fact...all of those places are completely within a few blocks of our home. Last week we went to dinner at a place no less than 3 city blocks from our front door...and we got in the car to go there, even after my insistence that we walk. What is wrong with us????
A bowl of sweetness always tastes better eaten in the fresh air
While a very large portion of the country is currently being forced indoors due to the extreme weather conditions...I am foolishly ignoring my obvious opportunity to spend time in the beautiful sunshine, and leave my boxes behind, if only for a short period of time. I will continue to remind myself that it's never to late to take that first step outside of the box...
The sun begins to set in the west...just another day in my paradise...
Not long after I began watching, I realized it took place back in the 70's and I don't happen to be a big fan of american films set in different time periods, but I plodded on just the same. I knew in advance that it had a strange sci-fi overtone, however, at the time I didn't really care all that much. There was definitely a point where I simply asked myself "Joanne, why are you watching this junk?" Unfortunately, I was hooked and had to find out how the writers planned to end this sad story. Little did I know, that the movie was actually based on--and a remake of, an old twilight zone episode. That certainly explained a lot!
Although towards the end of the film, it was much heavier on the sci-fi than I would have preferred, I found a very interesting message hidden deep in the movie. Well, perhaps it wasn't really disguised all that much...as I recall a main character actually made a statement that solidified in my mind that this movie might have a bit more meaning than I had originally given it credit for...who knew???
It was my final consideration after the credits began to roll, that led me to keep the small idea in the back of my mind. I agreed with some of what the writers were making an effort to portray, their view of our society matched my own...as well as mirroring my current situation. What small steps could I make to change what I considered to be a slight flaw in my daily existence?
Before I try answering that question, I should first disclose the title of the movie...it was "The Box"
Wiki says...
"The Box is a 2009 American science-fiction psychological-thriller film based on the 1970 short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson, which was previously adapted into an episode of the 1980s incarnation of The Twilight Zone. The film is written and directed by Richard Kelly and stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as a couple who receive a box from a mysterious man who offers them one million dollars if they press the button sealed within the dome on top of the box."
As I'm sure you can imagine, this movie did not have a happy ending...people died....alien life forms abducted what was "left" of the couples who pushed the button..and the audience was afforded a front row seat to witness all that is wrong with the human race. I, however took a slightly different feeling away from the movie than the obvious message that we were hit over the head with...I concentrated on the slightly less significant "box" concept and took it to heart.
It's not rocket science...it's pretty basic...we live in boxes, drive to our jobs in boxes, work in boxes (I have the pleasure each day of spending 8 hours in a cubicle), cook our food in boxes (ovens and microwaves), store our food in refrigerated boxes, sleep on box springs, stare into boxes while watching tv and when working on computers (no, they did not exist in the 70's)..and last but not least...when we die, they bury us in a BOX!!!
At this time of year, when the weather is so very kind to those of us residing in South Florida, I always make more of an effort to spend additional time outdoors. The blistering heat that forces us to run from one air-conditioned "box" to another, is forgotten these few short "winter" months. Since returning from a vacation full of fresh-air adventures, I've felt pretty boxed in lately and decided today was a perfect time to remedy the situation.
The fresh air and bright sun flood inside as soon as we open the door
Although I'm the first one in this family to turn off the air-conditioning each fall and throw open the windows...I don't always remember to refresh and revisit the one open air space we have the pleasure of calling part of our home. Some southerners refer to it as a lanai...I call it what I fondly remember enjoying as a child in Connecticut...our screened-in porch.
Sunshine on my favorite spot...the open kitchen door reminds me chores are done for the day
Today it was time to rearrange, clean up and reintroduce myself to my favorite place to hang out...our cozy little "front room". I never tire of watching the boat traffic float by and seeing the pelicans dive for fish, or listening to the water lapping against the wooden docks.
Early morning boats going down the river on the way out to sea
We open the front door, the kitchen door, most of the windows and sit back to listen to the breeze blowing through our home. Being on the 4th floor affords us a clear view over the tops of the palm trees and out to the distant inter-coastal waterway.
Feet up and enjoying a quiet afternoon "outside"
So, in reality I've not been able to completely discard my boxes....however, I have succeeded in removing one of the walls that surrounds the world that I live in. I know I should make more of an effort to walk to the library, bank and store. If we lived in the city, I would easily ignore the car and allow my feet to lead me to each one of those locations. The sad fact...all of those places are completely within a few blocks of our home. Last week we went to dinner at a place no less than 3 city blocks from our front door...and we got in the car to go there, even after my insistence that we walk. What is wrong with us????
A bowl of sweetness always tastes better eaten in the fresh air
While a very large portion of the country is currently being forced indoors due to the extreme weather conditions...I am foolishly ignoring my obvious opportunity to spend time in the beautiful sunshine, and leave my boxes behind, if only for a short period of time. I will continue to remind myself that it's never to late to take that first step outside of the box...
The sun begins to set in the west...just another day in my paradise...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Stay safe
As I sit here tuned into the weather channel for the 2nd morning in a row (yes, I am the person who does not usually watch broadcast television-Netflix does not count!), I'm aware more than ever how this winter has affected family and friends. It has also re-confirmed just how annoying commercials are...I really don't miss them.
Ironically, just 11 years ago, I was living through the last bad winter of my life. I recall the unending storms that seemed to hit every single weekend. The timing allowed us to go to work each day (woo-hoo), but kept us housebound on Saturdays and Sundays. It actually contributed to our decision to head south......that long cold winter, along with our March vacation in Orlando, eventually led us to our current life in Florida.
You may be wondering why this year I appear to be more concerned about the affect weather is having on our family up north. Well, in that last 10 years, our grown children have always bravely muddled through the severe winter weather that mother nature has bestowed upon them (except for that short period of time Stacey broke from tradition and lived in Florida soon after graduating from college). They've accepted that staying home and playing it safe during blizzard conditions is naturally a part of living in the northern part of the country. The winter of 2010-2011 is just a bit different for each couple, for two very specific reasons....a growing active puppy for Stacey and Scott, and a soon-to-be-born baby for Taryn and Brian.
Not only are they now responsible for their own well-being during these nasty winter snow/ice storms, they also must consider how their plans are affected as it relates to ever expanding additional family members. The newest member of the family, Otis, seems to love romping through the white stuff, however, his mommy and daddy might not be venturing out into the cold freezing Boston temps each day, unless his over active puppy energy was not forefront in their minds.
On the other hand, our future grandchild has a nice, warm, cozy and safe spot close to his/her mommy's heart and is oblivious to the cold raging outside the windows of his/her Chicago home. Although the baby is busy growing big and strong, mommy and daddy's daily scheduled events have been hampered by this lousy weather.
On that note, I will continue to send warm thoughts and love to everyone up north suffering through yet another debilitating winter storm. Stay safe...only one more month and the weather should calm down a bit..... life should be back to normal...we hope :)
Ironically, just 11 years ago, I was living through the last bad winter of my life. I recall the unending storms that seemed to hit every single weekend. The timing allowed us to go to work each day (woo-hoo), but kept us housebound on Saturdays and Sundays. It actually contributed to our decision to head south......that long cold winter, along with our March vacation in Orlando, eventually led us to our current life in Florida.
You may be wondering why this year I appear to be more concerned about the affect weather is having on our family up north. Well, in that last 10 years, our grown children have always bravely muddled through the severe winter weather that mother nature has bestowed upon them (except for that short period of time Stacey broke from tradition and lived in Florida soon after graduating from college). They've accepted that staying home and playing it safe during blizzard conditions is naturally a part of living in the northern part of the country. The winter of 2010-2011 is just a bit different for each couple, for two very specific reasons....a growing active puppy for Stacey and Scott, and a soon-to-be-born baby for Taryn and Brian.
Not only are they now responsible for their own well-being during these nasty winter snow/ice storms, they also must consider how their plans are affected as it relates to ever expanding additional family members. The newest member of the family, Otis, seems to love romping through the white stuff, however, his mommy and daddy might not be venturing out into the cold freezing Boston temps each day, unless his over active puppy energy was not forefront in their minds.
On the other hand, our future grandchild has a nice, warm, cozy and safe spot close to his/her mommy's heart and is oblivious to the cold raging outside the windows of his/her Chicago home. Although the baby is busy growing big and strong, mommy and daddy's daily scheduled events have been hampered by this lousy weather.
On that note, I will continue to send warm thoughts and love to everyone up north suffering through yet another debilitating winter storm. Stay safe...only one more month and the weather should calm down a bit..... life should be back to normal...we hope :)
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