Christmas Letter First Draft: Notice for all who wish to edit - Please do!
I decided to post the "christmas letter" ahead of time on my blog so that it may be revised by readers with actual talent for writing, specifically desiring the addition of some humor. These will be published as is if not edited.
The year 2006 has been a year of "firsts" for the Reeds.
Michael and Susan became grandparents for the first time with the birth of Mabel, closely followed by Caroline. Becoming a grandparent is certainly one of life´s greatest milestones. They also entered the world of empty-nesters. Michael seems to be adapting the best - an empty house is not much different than his apartment in Mexico and he doesn´t seem to mind all of Susan´s attention being focused on him.
Bethany and Brandon welcomed their first child, Mabel Patrice on January 2. Mabel is a great combination of both parents - tall and fair like dad, and beautiful, loud and assertive like mom - a perfect first grandchild. Bethany had "Baby 411" memorized before Mabel was born, but still makes an occasional consult phone call to her favorite pediatrician - grandma. Brandon has been able to work from home while watching Mabel. Bethany is in her third year of residency and races home every day to Mabel, who loves her mommy!
Ryan and Brianna still live in Arizona, where they purchased their first home this year. Enduring dust storms and 110° weather they trained for and completed their first (and last, according to Ryan) marathon. Ryan is scheduled to complete his MBA program at ASU in May and is aggressively seeking employment - hopefully in Texas, although Brianna would love to stay in Arizona. The new house provides a little incentive for the latter.
Brittany completed her first year of teaching physics and chemistry at Mt. DeSales Academy in Macon, Georgia. In addition to teaching she mentors students, coaches the cross country team, manages the dance team and also a private soccer team. Who would have thought - our least athletically-inclined child. The faculty are slowly beginning to differentiate her from the students, but only because the students wear uniforms.
Ashley recovered from that post-mission awkward phase and focused her enthusiasm towards finishing her degree in economics, working as a teaching assistant and managing Lindsey's social life. She will be completing an internship in Washington, D.C. next semester, for which she received a substantial grant. She will graduate in April from BYU and has already signed on with a terrific company in Dallas, Texas for her first "real" job.
Carrie and Shawn received their first big surprise when Caroline, their first child, decided to come 7 weeks prematurely. After two weeks in the NICU they brought her home, only to return several weeks later for surgery. Amazingly, neither parent suffered a nervous breakdown and they both managed to finish their coursework on time. Shawn graduated from BYU in April and began his first year of medical school at UT Houston. Carrie will graduate from BYU next April after finishing her remaining on-line courses. After all that trouble, Caroline turned out to be a very sweet, healthy baby and is best friends with cousin Mabel.
Lindsey graduated from Reagan High School as a National Merit Commended Scholar and began her first semester at BYU with 52 credit hours from AP exams, saving her parents a ton of money. Her seminary class voted her "most likely to be proposed to in several different languages her first semester" but she failed to live up to the challenge. She did get all A's, however. She works part-time scooping icecream while practicing her flirting skills. She loves BYU and claims to have adopted the "catch and release" method of dating. We'll see how long that lasts.
May each of you enjoy peace and happiness this next year. With love, The Reeds
Friday, December 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Cheap?
I recently returned from a trip to London. This was a freebee as my husband's company was sending him, my trip was paid for in frequent flier miles, and all we had to pay was the extra two days for the hotel. The hotel offered a daily breakfast for a posted $12.50. We decided this was too pricey and walked daily to a local grocery store to buy fruit and bagels. It wasn't until we checked out that we discovered the $12.50 was included in the hotel fee. Ironic? or just plain cheap. Review the guidelines below to see if you qualify.
You may be a tightwad IF:
I recently returned from a trip to London. This was a freebee as my husband's company was sending him, my trip was paid for in frequent flier miles, and all we had to pay was the extra two days for the hotel. The hotel offered a daily breakfast for a posted $12.50. We decided this was too pricey and walked daily to a local grocery store to buy fruit and bagels. It wasn't until we checked out that we discovered the $12.50 was included in the hotel fee. Ironic? or just plain cheap. Review the guidelines below to see if you qualify.
You may be a tightwad IF:
- You spend all day detaching the tailgate to the pick-up and tying into the bed of the truck to reduce wind resistance and save $ for gas
- You spent your honeymoon in Bottle Hollow
- Your children think a coupon is required to make a purchase
- You share a hamburger at McDonald's because they're too expensive
- An order of buddy-burgers constitutes a meal for three
- Church's Fried Chicken is the special college graduation dining spot
- Water (with lemon ) is the standard drink order
- Your children have never had their own fries
- A sale is not a sale unless it is 75% off
- When on vacation you only eat 1-2 meals a day
Monday, October 16, 2006
PRICELESS WRITINGS
Going through some old boxes the other day I came upon some writings of my children from elementary school. See if you can identify the writers. These are "as is" with no corrections of spelling or grammar. Take the quiz and see how you do.
Item #1
The happiest day of my life was when I spranged my ankle. It was so fun because I got to sit aroung doing nothing. I could barly walk so I didn't have to do my chores. And I got to sit out of P.E. for the rest of the year and that was only one more week. So the happiest day in my life was when I spranged my ankle.
a. Bethany
b. Carrie
c. Lindsey
d. Ashley
Item #2
Journal entry 3/28/88
I am excited about my new baby. My mom is going to have her baby on may the 13. We allredy have 4 girls and 1 boy. Ryan is my big brother he is going to run away if it is another girl. I do hope it is a boy.
a. Brittany
b. Carrie
c. Ashley
d. Lindsey
Item #3
Envelope with instructions: (Small tooth enclosed - envelope was sealed)
Love Tooth Fairy
Tooth Fairy:
Pick up and
Deposit one Dollar
to me!
Signed Name: ______________
a. Ryan
b. Bethany
c. Ashley
d. Brittany
Item #4
The Future
In 90 years I would be 100 years old. I would be a retired lawyer. I would drive a corvette convertable and live in space. I will have two kids named Jim and Matt.
a. Ashley
b. Ryan
c. Bethany
d. Lindsey
Item #5
Homemade Christmas card addressed to me:
This is for you on
Christmas Day, we
present it to you
in a merry way. We
hope you enjoy all
the things that we do.
We tried to make this
Christmas special for
you. So sit back and relax,
Eat your breakfast with joy -
Then give us our toys!
a. Ryan
b. Brittany
c. Bethany
d. Ashley
Answers given on request.
Going through some old boxes the other day I came upon some writings of my children from elementary school. See if you can identify the writers. These are "as is" with no corrections of spelling or grammar. Take the quiz and see how you do.
Item #1
The happiest day of my life was when I spranged my ankle. It was so fun because I got to sit aroung doing nothing. I could barly walk so I didn't have to do my chores. And I got to sit out of P.E. for the rest of the year and that was only one more week. So the happiest day in my life was when I spranged my ankle.
a. Bethany
b. Carrie
c. Lindsey
d. Ashley
Item #2
Journal entry 3/28/88
I am excited about my new baby. My mom is going to have her baby on may the 13. We allredy have 4 girls and 1 boy. Ryan is my big brother he is going to run away if it is another girl. I do hope it is a boy.
a. Brittany
b. Carrie
c. Ashley
d. Lindsey
Item #3
Envelope with instructions: (Small tooth enclosed - envelope was sealed)
Love Tooth Fairy
Tooth Fairy:
Pick up and
Deposit one Dollar
to me!
Signed Name: ______________
a. Ryan
b. Bethany
c. Ashley
d. Brittany
Item #4
The Future
In 90 years I would be 100 years old. I would be a retired lawyer. I would drive a corvette convertable and live in space. I will have two kids named Jim and Matt.
a. Ashley
b. Ryan
c. Bethany
d. Lindsey
Item #5
Homemade Christmas card addressed to me:
This is for you on
Christmas Day, we
present it to you
in a merry way. We
hope you enjoy all
the things that we do.
We tried to make this
Christmas special for
you. So sit back and relax,
Eat your breakfast with joy -
Then give us our toys!
a. Ryan
b. Brittany
c. Bethany
d. Ashley
Answers given on request.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Marathon Mania
I ran the St. George Marathon last weekend with my son and his wife. We had a fabulous time and it renewed my enthusiasm for marathons. Given that I am a mother of six I discovered there are quite a few similarities to having a baby and running a marathon.
The easiest part is making the decision. Once you have announced your decision you get encouragement from sources you never knew. People call with their advice. Strangers on the street stop you tell you their own personal stories. At socials the marathoners/mothers seem to gravitate to one another with testaments of glory,( i.e. personal bests/fastest labor), of horror, and in some cases of defeat.
The first few months your body adjusts to and complains about your decision. You are tired, cranky, nauseous, and downright miserable. As it gets used to your condition the symptoms ease.
The last few months time slows to a crawl. All you want is to just get it over with. Especially if this is your first, you feel a heightened sense of anticipation and worry. What if I don't make it? What if I give up? What if's abound.
Finally the day comes that you begin the big journey. Everyone begins with eager anticipation. You may have friends waiting at the finish line or have called family to alert them that the end is in sight. After training for nine months you begin at the starting line (or hospital.) Spirits are high and chit-chat is endless. This is so much fun! Jokes abound as does advice. Now don't go out too fast. Just breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. That's it! As time crawls on the conversation becomes slighly more tense.
At about the 18-20 mile mark you will hit what's called "TheWall" or in maternity terms "transition labor." Runners want to quit. Moms would if they could (or ask for an epidural.) This is the point where you sneer at your husband and tell him to "turn the stupid TV off" and you ask yourself "what was I thinking?" This is where my husband vowed to sleep in the bathtub for the rest of his life. (That was on our third) Husbands really toe the line at this point (mostly for their own preservation.) Runners become mute and deaf. The group effort is over.
Luckily,"the wall" gives way to a second wind and we move on to the actual birth or "run for the finish line." This is the best part of all, because the end is in sight (not literally in the maternal world) and the pain, surprisingly, is superceded by this surge of energy. The end is a dramatic climax of the last nine months and of your life. You experience ultimate joy, a high above all highs when they place your baby in your arms. Tears flow freely. This is where the one difference comes - the medallion around the neck simply cannot compare. However, I have never heard a mother OR runner say it wasn't worth it. Perhaps that's why I've done it six times. I just can't get enough.
I ran the St. George Marathon last weekend with my son and his wife. We had a fabulous time and it renewed my enthusiasm for marathons. Given that I am a mother of six I discovered there are quite a few similarities to having a baby and running a marathon.
The easiest part is making the decision. Once you have announced your decision you get encouragement from sources you never knew. People call with their advice. Strangers on the street stop you tell you their own personal stories. At socials the marathoners/mothers seem to gravitate to one another with testaments of glory,( i.e. personal bests/fastest labor), of horror, and in some cases of defeat.
The first few months your body adjusts to and complains about your decision. You are tired, cranky, nauseous, and downright miserable. As it gets used to your condition the symptoms ease.
The last few months time slows to a crawl. All you want is to just get it over with. Especially if this is your first, you feel a heightened sense of anticipation and worry. What if I don't make it? What if I give up? What if's abound.
Finally the day comes that you begin the big journey. Everyone begins with eager anticipation. You may have friends waiting at the finish line or have called family to alert them that the end is in sight. After training for nine months you begin at the starting line (or hospital.) Spirits are high and chit-chat is endless. This is so much fun! Jokes abound as does advice. Now don't go out too fast. Just breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. That's it! As time crawls on the conversation becomes slighly more tense.
At about the 18-20 mile mark you will hit what's called "TheWall" or in maternity terms "transition labor." Runners want to quit. Moms would if they could (or ask for an epidural.) This is the point where you sneer at your husband and tell him to "turn the stupid TV off" and you ask yourself "what was I thinking?" This is where my husband vowed to sleep in the bathtub for the rest of his life. (That was on our third) Husbands really toe the line at this point (mostly for their own preservation.) Runners become mute and deaf. The group effort is over.
Luckily,"the wall" gives way to a second wind and we move on to the actual birth or "run for the finish line." This is the best part of all, because the end is in sight (not literally in the maternal world) and the pain, surprisingly, is superceded by this surge of energy. The end is a dramatic climax of the last nine months and of your life. You experience ultimate joy, a high above all highs when they place your baby in your arms. Tears flow freely. This is where the one difference comes - the medallion around the neck simply cannot compare. However, I have never heard a mother OR runner say it wasn't worth it. Perhaps that's why I've done it six times. I just can't get enough.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Dad
My dad turned 77 this weekend. Since he lives in Utah I wasn't able to visit him for his birthday. He has accomplished quite a bit in 77 years. He raised seven children, one of which is me, so that's quite a feat. He has served a mission for our church beginning in Guam and ending in Washington State. Both he and my mom have worked for over 20 years in the temple. He has become an expert gardener, and even makes his own grapejuice from the concord grape patch in the backyard. He ran a lawncare business for many years and was well-known for teaching kids how to work. To him I owe my work ethic. Dad is opinionated, stubborn, and fiercely independent. Those strong traits managed to get passed on to me. He loves to share his expertise, but I rarely ask for advice. Last year I had a problem I thought he could help with.
I planted tomatoes in my backyard and was frustrated because the squirrels in the woods behind our home kept eating them. I tried everything, mesh, wiring, fence and nothing helped. In desperation I went to my dad for advice. He offered three suggestions:
1. You could put poison out in the yard disguised as food. When they eat it and die, spread their dead carcasses around as a warning to the other squirrels. Hopefully Coop dog won't die first.
2. Try using large rat traps baited with a favorite treat. Again, leave the carcasses out.
3. Set Lindsey on the deck with a shotgun and have her pick them off as they try to steal the tomatoes. (One large red blast and I wouldn't have to worry about tomatoes, squirrels, or anything but repairing my back fence)
Thanks for the advice dad! I didn't use it but it was entertaining.
Happy Birthday!
My dad turned 77 this weekend. Since he lives in Utah I wasn't able to visit him for his birthday. He has accomplished quite a bit in 77 years. He raised seven children, one of which is me, so that's quite a feat. He has served a mission for our church beginning in Guam and ending in Washington State. Both he and my mom have worked for over 20 years in the temple. He has become an expert gardener, and even makes his own grapejuice from the concord grape patch in the backyard. He ran a lawncare business for many years and was well-known for teaching kids how to work. To him I owe my work ethic. Dad is opinionated, stubborn, and fiercely independent. Those strong traits managed to get passed on to me. He loves to share his expertise, but I rarely ask for advice. Last year I had a problem I thought he could help with.
I planted tomatoes in my backyard and was frustrated because the squirrels in the woods behind our home kept eating them. I tried everything, mesh, wiring, fence and nothing helped. In desperation I went to my dad for advice. He offered three suggestions:
1. You could put poison out in the yard disguised as food. When they eat it and die, spread their dead carcasses around as a warning to the other squirrels. Hopefully Coop dog won't die first.
2. Try using large rat traps baited with a favorite treat. Again, leave the carcasses out.
3. Set Lindsey on the deck with a shotgun and have her pick them off as they try to steal the tomatoes. (One large red blast and I wouldn't have to worry about tomatoes, squirrels, or anything but repairing my back fence)
Thanks for the advice dad! I didn't use it but it was entertaining.
Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
FREE!
I'm free! I'm free! I'm free! Free! Free!
And I didn't have to tie her up with 20 lbs of dynamite around her neck.
All I did was take her to Ramon (my new best friend) along with 5 tons of catfood, catnip, and accessories.
This is what we call a win/win/win situation. Ramon wins - he loves cats. Pedro wins - Ramon loves cats. And best of all - I win - I'm free! (and sane)
I'm free! I'm free! I'm free! Free! Free!
And I didn't have to tie her up with 20 lbs of dynamite around her neck.
All I did was take her to Ramon (my new best friend) along with 5 tons of catfood, catnip, and accessories.
This is what we call a win/win/win situation. Ramon wins - he loves cats. Pedro wins - Ramon loves cats. And best of all - I win - I'm free! (and sane)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
CONTENTS OF A TRASH CAN:
One two-pound bag of powdered sugar (opened)
One can creamed corn (opened)
Three raw eggs (not cracked - yet)
One can black beans (opened)
One large can evaporated milk (opened)
Two rotten potatoes
One jar cake decorating "sprinkles" (opened)
One half-eaten watermelon
What is the relevance of the contents of a trash can you might ask? Nothing - unless perhaps one is attempting to finish mopping the kitchen floor - and perhaps one in frustration might put the trash can on top of the counter (because it is in the way of the cleaning process) - perhaps a little too hastily, causing it to fall - which perhaps would cause one to attempt to rescue said trash can - grasping it by the bottom and, well, dumping the contents of said trash can onto the newly mopped floor. Then the contents become very relevant and quite a mess, actually.
One two-pound bag of powdered sugar (opened)
One can creamed corn (opened)
Three raw eggs (not cracked - yet)
One can black beans (opened)
One large can evaporated milk (opened)
Two rotten potatoes
One jar cake decorating "sprinkles" (opened)
One half-eaten watermelon
What is the relevance of the contents of a trash can you might ask? Nothing - unless perhaps one is attempting to finish mopping the kitchen floor - and perhaps one in frustration might put the trash can on top of the counter (because it is in the way of the cleaning process) - perhaps a little too hastily, causing it to fall - which perhaps would cause one to attempt to rescue said trash can - grasping it by the bottom and, well, dumping the contents of said trash can onto the newly mopped floor. Then the contents become very relevant and quite a mess, actually.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Picture this!
My dad got a speeding ticket the other day. Not that that's a big deal. It happens all the time in our family. But my dad is 76. And he was on his Honda 90. With my mother on the back. I didn't know the Honda 90 was capable of going fast enough to get a speeding ticket. Neither was wearing a helmet. He had no registration. He said the cop was "out to get him." Way to go, dad!
My dad got a speeding ticket the other day. Not that that's a big deal. It happens all the time in our family. But my dad is 76. And he was on his Honda 90. With my mother on the back. I didn't know the Honda 90 was capable of going fast enough to get a speeding ticket. Neither was wearing a helmet. He had no registration. He said the cop was "out to get him." Way to go, dad!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
NOT AGAIN!
I gave birth the other night - to a beautiful baby girl. Surprised? Yep, so was I - never realized I was pregnant. Even delivered her myself (OK that's NOT surprising.) And only a few hours later it happened again! Same night. Fastest pregnancy I've ever had. This time it was a boy. And except for the painless part, and perhaps the lack of placenta - it all seemed so very real. Until I woke up the next morning - and was still an empty-nester.
I gave birth the other night - to a beautiful baby girl. Surprised? Yep, so was I - never realized I was pregnant. Even delivered her myself (OK that's NOT surprising.) And only a few hours later it happened again! Same night. Fastest pregnancy I've ever had. This time it was a boy. And except for the painless part, and perhaps the lack of placenta - it all seemed so very real. Until I woke up the next morning - and was still an empty-nester.
NOT AGAIN!
I gave birth the other night - to a beautiful baby girl. Surprised? Yep, so was I - never realized I was pregnant. Even delivered her myself (OK that's NOT surprising.) And only a few hours later it happened again! Same night. Fastest pregnancy I've ever had. This time it was a boy. And except for the painless part, and perhaps the lack of placenta - it all seemed so very real. Until I woke up the next morning - and was still an empty-nester.
I gave birth the other night - to a beautiful baby girl. Surprised? Yep, so was I - never realized I was pregnant. Even delivered her myself (OK that's NOT surprising.) And only a few hours later it happened again! Same night. Fastest pregnancy I've ever had. This time it was a boy. And except for the painless part, and perhaps the lack of placenta - it all seemed so very real. Until I woke up the next morning - and was still an empty-nester.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Social Skills
Yesterday I visited Anna, an invalid friend of mine. She was a little upset. Anna had called her home teacher for some advice, and instead he bombarded her with a tyrade of scriptues, stories of his life, and nonstop preaching which lasted one hour. (a "home teacher" in our church is someone who is assigned to visit you monthly and be an advisor of sorts) She couldn't get in a single word. She felt even more depressed. I assured her that although Brother Hemond was a tremendously nice guy and is scripturally quite knowledgeable, his social skills are, well shall we say, a tad underdeveloped. I received a call that same night which demonstrated his "social skills."
At 1:30 a.m. my phone rang, awakening me from a wonderfully deep sleep. I was a little surprised - I wasn't on call. My mind ran through a gammut of most likely scenarios: I'm pretty sure none of my daughters (or my son for that matter) is pregnant and in labor; No, Ashley is not on her hiking trip yet; Shady is way too smart to be engaged this young. I finally had to conclude the only reason to call a person at 1:30 am would be for a medical emergency. Right? Big fat wrong! The dialogue follows:
Me: Hello?
Voice on the other end: Sister Reed? This is Brother Hemond.
Me: Brother Hemond? What's wrong? (thinking the worst)
Brother Hemond: Did you want Sister Benavidez' phone number?
Me: Yes, I do believe I left a message to that effect on your answering machine yesterday morning at 10 a.m.
Brother Hemond: Well I have it. Do you have a pen?
Me: (rather irritated) No, not here in bed with me.
Brother Hemond: Oh, should I call back and leave the number on your answering machine?
Me: Yes, well, no now that everyone is awake, why don't I just jump up and get a pen.
Note to self: Never ask Brother Hemond for phone numbers, addresses, or advice.
Yesterday I visited Anna, an invalid friend of mine. She was a little upset. Anna had called her home teacher for some advice, and instead he bombarded her with a tyrade of scriptues, stories of his life, and nonstop preaching which lasted one hour. (a "home teacher" in our church is someone who is assigned to visit you monthly and be an advisor of sorts) She couldn't get in a single word. She felt even more depressed. I assured her that although Brother Hemond was a tremendously nice guy and is scripturally quite knowledgeable, his social skills are, well shall we say, a tad underdeveloped. I received a call that same night which demonstrated his "social skills."
At 1:30 a.m. my phone rang, awakening me from a wonderfully deep sleep. I was a little surprised - I wasn't on call. My mind ran through a gammut of most likely scenarios: I'm pretty sure none of my daughters (or my son for that matter) is pregnant and in labor; No, Ashley is not on her hiking trip yet; Shady is way too smart to be engaged this young. I finally had to conclude the only reason to call a person at 1:30 am would be for a medical emergency. Right? Big fat wrong! The dialogue follows:
Me: Hello?
Voice on the other end: Sister Reed? This is Brother Hemond.
Me: Brother Hemond? What's wrong? (thinking the worst)
Brother Hemond: Did you want Sister Benavidez' phone number?
Me: Yes, I do believe I left a message to that effect on your answering machine yesterday morning at 10 a.m.
Brother Hemond: Well I have it. Do you have a pen?
Me: (rather irritated) No, not here in bed with me.
Brother Hemond: Oh, should I call back and leave the number on your answering machine?
Me: Yes, well, no now that everyone is awake, why don't I just jump up and get a pen.
Note to self: Never ask Brother Hemond for phone numbers, addresses, or advice.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Empty-Nest Syndrome
As of June 23, 2006 I am officially an "empty-nester." Yes, BYU has gobbled up the last of my six children. It is a great adventure for her, a bittersweet milestone for me. I eagerly watch my granddaughters as they reach each developmental milestones. "Wow, she can sit up. Hooray, she is reaching." Why am I not cheering this one? Perhaps I need to look on the bright side of things. In the spirit of optimism I have created a top ten list of reasons being an empty-nester isn't so bad. Here goes:
10. I have made friends with the cat. Yes, I even change her litter box and give her food. She occasionally will sit on my lap. Actually, she is sitting on my lap as we speak, or I write. "Ow! Those claws are sharp. Get down, you stupid animal! " Oops.
9. I can now go get my clean clothes out of the dryer in my underwear. Don't try to imagine it, because it's not a pretty sight, but I actually CAN.
8. I ALWAYS have a turn at the computer and I am always logged on.
7. Drug rep dinners are now an option. Yes, drug reps get paid to invite physicians out to expensive dinners. Problem before was I would rather go home to be with my daughter. Now that option just reminds me that I'm alone. Free food is always a plus.
6. Cooper now likes me best. Well, only when I'm the only one home, but that is a substantial portion of the time.
5. I have a kayak all to myself. I even can go in the garage and sit in it if I want and pretend that I'm out kayaking. (much easier than lifting it onto my car by myself to actually take it out in the water)
4. My husband gets all of the attention now. I think this is the main reason the empty nest syndrome is easier on men than women. He's actually taking it quite well.
3. My kids call more often now!
2. I have more extra time to create a blog.
and the last and most important benefit . . .
1. I never have to do this again. I have now sent six children off to college. Each time I feel a part of me has left with them. This is the last one. I miss you guys!
As of June 23, 2006 I am officially an "empty-nester." Yes, BYU has gobbled up the last of my six children. It is a great adventure for her, a bittersweet milestone for me. I eagerly watch my granddaughters as they reach each developmental milestones. "Wow, she can sit up. Hooray, she is reaching." Why am I not cheering this one? Perhaps I need to look on the bright side of things. In the spirit of optimism I have created a top ten list of reasons being an empty-nester isn't so bad. Here goes:
10. I have made friends with the cat. Yes, I even change her litter box and give her food. She occasionally will sit on my lap. Actually, she is sitting on my lap as we speak, or I write. "Ow! Those claws are sharp. Get down, you stupid animal! " Oops.
9. I can now go get my clean clothes out of the dryer in my underwear. Don't try to imagine it, because it's not a pretty sight, but I actually CAN.
8. I ALWAYS have a turn at the computer and I am always logged on.
7. Drug rep dinners are now an option. Yes, drug reps get paid to invite physicians out to expensive dinners. Problem before was I would rather go home to be with my daughter. Now that option just reminds me that I'm alone. Free food is always a plus.
6. Cooper now likes me best. Well, only when I'm the only one home, but that is a substantial portion of the time.
5. I have a kayak all to myself. I even can go in the garage and sit in it if I want and pretend that I'm out kayaking. (much easier than lifting it onto my car by myself to actually take it out in the water)
4. My husband gets all of the attention now. I think this is the main reason the empty nest syndrome is easier on men than women. He's actually taking it quite well.
3. My kids call more often now!
2. I have more extra time to create a blog.
and the last and most important benefit . . .
1. I never have to do this again. I have now sent six children off to college. Each time I feel a part of me has left with them. This is the last one. I miss you guys!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)