I recently bought my first new car. It is a 2012 and had 100 miles on it when I took possession, and that was only because they drove it here from Salem since apparently that was the only dealer to have the specific color I wanted.
Buying a new car was not an easy decision for me to make. For one, I was an adamant follower of Dave Ramsey (live debt free) and had managed in 2007 to pay off all my debts, have a $10,000 emergency fund in savings, and had prior to now, stayed out of debt. So, I caved and rumor has it I will now spend my eternal life in debtor's hell. But, I'm ok with that. Apparently, so is my mom.
When I showed my new car to my mom I thought she was going to cry from her excitement. Her face lit up and she looked at me with such approval that I had not seen since early sophomore year in high school when she found out I was still a virgin (yes, a story will follow later). She asked if she could sit inside. Of course, I let her and watched as she gushed over the pristine upholstery and bluetooth technology. She looked years younger by the smile on her face while sitting in the passenger side inhaling the new car smell and checking out the vanity mirror. "Oh honey" she exclaimed, "I am so happy for you. This is a very nice car. I am so proud of you". She leaned over and hugged me. I thought she was never going to release me. It was a comforting emotion to know. My mom loves me now.
Showing posts with label Family Matters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Matters. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Happy Birthday Brennan
Well, its finally come to pass - my baby boy - turning 15 and driving - all in the same day.
He has been so excited. Planning and studying and waiting. He has been wanting to drive since he was 10.
So today, we went to Starbucks in Lake Oswego, where he was serenaded by the baristas to the tune of "Happy Birthday" - Thanks guys! That started the day for him with flair.
Then off to the DMV to take the knowledge test. The title alone is intimidating, but add to it the pressure of all your friends back at school waiting for you to return, license in hand, you had better not fail! However, since the Wikipedia definition of knowledge is "the confident understanding of a subject, potentially with the ability to use it for a specific purpose", then it fits perfectly. And I know no one more confident than my son Brennan. If he lacks confidence about anything, he won't show it, and you will never know. Well it paid off today - he passed with 93%, which means he missed only 2 trick"All of the above" questions. If only I could get him as excited about his English and Biology at school.
So, now with permit in hand, we are off to drive around P-town and beyond. Anyone know where I could get one of those magnetic "Student Driver Aboard" signs? And something for my nerves - as I don't do well as a passenger - just ask my oldest son, Austin. So, here I go again for round 2. Being a proud parent comes with a price.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A Not so Brave New World
Last night was a rather somber evening following the day’s events at Virginia Tech.
My sons and I had a discussion about the happenings at Virginia Tech and they wanted my explanation to why someone would do that? I told them there are just some confused people in the world who are just plain evil.
My 17 year old had an experience last year with another student making threats in his theater class at the high school. I recall my son coming home and telling me about this really strange kid in his drama class. When my son initially told me how everyone avoided this kid because he was really weird, I was sad and suggested to my son, perhaps he just needed some friends. My son only looked at me with that look and said “no, mom, I mean he’s really a freak. Then he told me how he dressed, always in black and he wore a mask to school. He refused to take the mask off when the teachers would ask him to. My son said he eventually talked to him occasionally over the weeks during the class.
About a month after the start of the semester, my son came home and told me that during class, this strange kid had whispered to him that he was going to come back to school and kill everyone. I told my son immediately to go to the office and report what the kid had said to him. He told me that he didn’t want to, because the kid would know it was him, and plus, my son didn’t’ think he was serious. I told him that he couldn’t make that determination, and regardless what he thought about the truthfulness or not, he needed to report it, period. Now reflecting back – I should have done it myself. My son, went to the office the next day and talked with his counselor and informed them. My son was treated more like a “tat o’teller”, than someone who may have helped prevent a future catastrophe, and his worst fears were realized. My son told me for the first time last night that this kid had approached him later on in school (nothing ever resulted from his threat) and said to my son “I know you were the one who told”.
This kid no longer attends the high school this year.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
First Job As a "Quiznos Cup"
Breaking news in my family: my 16 yr old son got his first job working at Quiznos in LO. Its a brand new store and they held their grand opening yesterday.
To top off the honors, my son graciously accepted his assignment for the opening day - - wearing the "Quiznos Cup" costume and standing along Kruse way at I-5 and demonstrating his loyalty and pride for his new job. However, apparently wearing a cup costume does come with some risk.
**The tales of a Cup on the road**
Give a 16 yr old the opportunity to stand anonymously on the side of the road with
a captive audience of over-stressed adults and a license to attract attention and you have a recipe for good times. Almost right away, standing and waiving lost its appeal, when my son spotted his chance for greatness - - a pedestian. The pedestrian walked by and with commuters watching, my son followed the pedestrian mimicking her walk and getting some laughs. She apparently noticed and looked back, and simultaneously my son, the giant cup, turned around to waive at cars, and when she began walking again, my son proceeded to follow her some more, stopping each time she looked back.
As you may also guess, a giant cup costume is not the easiest to manuever around in. Unfortunately, as my son was heading back to Quiznos, at the end of his shift, he forgot this fact and decided to take the short-cut up the hill. As a result, a dozen or more traffic-goers hilariously witnessed the sight of a giant Quiznos Cup rolling down the hill along Kruze Way. (If I had seen that, I would have peed my pants laughing). Apparently, some drivers did see this, as was evidenced by screeching tires and near rear-end collision that my son heard as he was being helped up off the sidewalk by his co-worker.
So, if you see a giant Quiznos Cup along the side of the road, with mud stains and a little squashed you'll know the reason why.
I'd like to know some of your "first" job stories?
To top off the honors, my son graciously accepted his assignment for the opening day - - wearing the "Quiznos Cup" costume and standing along Kruse way at I-5 and demonstrating his loyalty and pride for his new job. However, apparently wearing a cup costume does come with some risk.
**The tales of a Cup on the road**
Give a 16 yr old the opportunity to stand anonymously on the side of the road with
a captive audience of over-stressed adults and a license to attract attention and you have a recipe for good times. Almost right away, standing and waiving lost its appeal, when my son spotted his chance for greatness - - a pedestian. The pedestrian walked by and with commuters watching, my son followed the pedestrian mimicking her walk and getting some laughs. She apparently noticed and looked back, and simultaneously my son, the giant cup, turned around to waive at cars, and when she began walking again, my son proceeded to follow her some more, stopping each time she looked back.
As you may also guess, a giant cup costume is not the easiest to manuever around in. Unfortunately, as my son was heading back to Quiznos, at the end of his shift, he forgot this fact and decided to take the short-cut up the hill. As a result, a dozen or more traffic-goers hilariously witnessed the sight of a giant Quiznos Cup rolling down the hill along Kruze Way. (If I had seen that, I would have peed my pants laughing). Apparently, some drivers did see this, as was evidenced by screeching tires and near rear-end collision that my son heard as he was being helped up off the sidewalk by his co-worker.
So, if you see a giant Quiznos Cup along the side of the road, with mud stains and a little squashed you'll know the reason why.
I'd like to know some of your "first" job stories?
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
OUR CHRISTMAS CARD
Can you believe I actually got teenage boys to dress up like this? - - I'm good!
The greatest Christmas gift is not gold rings, Diamonds, silver watches, or nice sparkly things.
Not presents of green, red, purple or blue, with fancy ribbons, bows and shiny things too.
Not scotch pine trees or mistletoe, nor turkey, or holiday places to go.
Not caroling in the streets, great as that is, or two matching sweaters, hers and his.
Wonderful and good as these all are, yet something else wondrous surpasses them by far.
The Greatest Gift of All is Love.
Through friends and family who touch us so, giving hope and joy and helping us grow.
Tis such friends who comfort, aid and keep on giving.
That bless us with peace and make life worth living.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA
I feel so old, my grandma is 82 today. Wait, why would that make ME feel old? Oh, I don't know. I guess because I can remember when she was 55 (because thats the age she had braces put on her teeth), and I will be 55 someday in my future (okay - 20 yrs), which means that 82 is really not so far off, really.
With that being said, I am amazed by all that my grandma has experienced -- a full life -- and yet since my grandpa died 3 yrs ago, she is really beginning anew. She has this whole new chapter of her life beginning, that she is trying to figure out what exactly she should be doing. The entire concept of time perception in life amazes me. Everyone I talk to (myself included) is always focused on the future, i.e.: when this happens, I will do this. I will be happy when ... No one ever thinks about what if the best part of your life has already passed. That its already been the best its going to get. Is it possible to out-live your life? If so, what matters most from that life? My grandma, was married to my grandpa for 60 years, raised 3 daughters and watched them raise their children and even watched while her grandchildren raised their children. She and my grandpa lived their lives together for almost twice as long as I have walked this earth. They had each other. And now, at 82 my grandma is alone with only her memories and grandpa's voice on the answering machine to hold on to, and yet, she has so much life still in her, she could easily live another couple decades (more than half of my life!) She probably will too, since longevity runs in the family. So, she says she is lonely and wants a "man-friend". She amuzes me when we talk about that. She just really misses having the man's perspective around. Grandma always had more male friends than women. She tells me that she never got along well with other women, and she preferred hanging out with men. The reasons she gives for this are soooo true! Men don't gossip about you behind your back; men don't try and look better than you when you go out; men don't remember what color your hair was last week; they don't expect you to know what color their hair was last week; men don't care if your shoes don't match your purse; men will tell you you look great, and mean it; men will give you directions and not get upset if you still get lost; men will take you to dinner and let you talk about yourself; men will understand if you forget their birthday; men don't try and instantly solve your problems; men will check your car's engine, and do it without changing their clothes; men don't hold grudges forever; men will forget; men want you to look bettter than them; And, men will rub your feet without telling everyone you need a pedicure! Happy Birthday Grandma!
With that being said, I am amazed by all that my grandma has experienced -- a full life -- and yet since my grandpa died 3 yrs ago, she is really beginning anew. She has this whole new chapter of her life beginning, that she is trying to figure out what exactly she should be doing. The entire concept of time perception in life amazes me. Everyone I talk to (myself included) is always focused on the future, i.e.: when this happens, I will do this. I will be happy when ... No one ever thinks about what if the best part of your life has already passed. That its already been the best its going to get. Is it possible to out-live your life? If so, what matters most from that life? My grandma, was married to my grandpa for 60 years, raised 3 daughters and watched them raise their children and even watched while her grandchildren raised their children. She and my grandpa lived their lives together for almost twice as long as I have walked this earth. They had each other. And now, at 82 my grandma is alone with only her memories and grandpa's voice on the answering machine to hold on to, and yet, she has so much life still in her, she could easily live another couple decades (more than half of my life!) She probably will too, since longevity runs in the family. So, she says she is lonely and wants a "man-friend". She amuzes me when we talk about that. She just really misses having the man's perspective around. Grandma always had more male friends than women. She tells me that she never got along well with other women, and she preferred hanging out with men. The reasons she gives for this are soooo true! Men don't gossip about you behind your back; men don't try and look better than you when you go out; men don't remember what color your hair was last week; they don't expect you to know what color their hair was last week; men don't care if your shoes don't match your purse; men will tell you you look great, and mean it; men will give you directions and not get upset if you still get lost; men will take you to dinner and let you talk about yourself; men will understand if you forget their birthday; men don't try and instantly solve your problems; men will check your car's engine, and do it without changing their clothes; men don't hold grudges forever; men will forget; men want you to look bettter than them; And, men will rub your feet without telling everyone you need a pedicure! Happy Birthday Grandma!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
I admit, I am an obsessive, compulsive clean-freak! I should have learned by now that being a single mom of 3 teenage boys and being an obsessive, compulsive clean-freak are not compatible traits for one person to have.
Nevertheless, I still hold out hope every night on my drive home from work that I will walk through my front door to find a calm, organized, non-sticky, free-from-dirty-dishes, pillows- where-I-left-them, sock-free living room. HA! Gotcha again.
So, one would wonder (I know my sons do) why it upsets me so much to come home each night to the same inevitable mix of chaos that greets me each night, inside my home sweet home. Its not like I don't prepare myself during the 30 minute drive from my work to my home to expect the worse.
Oh, but I do. I tell myself, nothing could be worse than last night when I came home to find the half eaton carton of ice cream left out in the living room, melting in pools over my Better Homes & Gardens magazine, dripping down the table onto the carpet below. Or last week when I discoverd the lid to the frog tank missing, all four frogs unaccounted for and our cat anxiously hovering around the room.
The ultimate test of my sanity was once (again with the frogs) a bucket the boys had filled with at least 40 tiny, baby frogs, tipped over in the car on a return trip from the lake. I was still finding them hopping around the car a week later.
Probably though, my greatest obsession is with the bathroom - the one and only bathroom we have. The words boys and bathroom, together, can only bring to mind horrific visions of unspeakable atrocities. Go ahead, imagine it - - had enough? So it was last night that I encountered a freak moment of gross. Tired after a long day at work, and being a Monday, it was definitely bath night. I gathered together my bath pillow, candles, bath bubbles and prepared myself for a moment of relaxation. I fixed my drink, got my book and locked the door. As I pulled back the shower curtain to start the hot water, my eyes gazed upon... [Pshyco sound effects go here]
...A huge, green, slimy, gloppy BOOGAR!!
Setting aside my bath bubbles, I instead grab the disinfectant spray and do what I do best, clean, clean, clean.
Tonight, I will drive home, thinking, it can't get any worse. Prepared, that's me.
Nevertheless, I still hold out hope every night on my drive home from work that I will walk through my front door to find a calm, organized, non-sticky, free-from-dirty-dishes, pillows- where-I-left-them, sock-free living room. HA! Gotcha again.
So, one would wonder (I know my sons do) why it upsets me so much to come home each night to the same inevitable mix of chaos that greets me each night, inside my home sweet home. Its not like I don't prepare myself during the 30 minute drive from my work to my home to expect the worse.
Oh, but I do. I tell myself, nothing could be worse than last night when I came home to find the half eaton carton of ice cream left out in the living room, melting in pools over my Better Homes & Gardens magazine, dripping down the table onto the carpet below. Or last week when I discoverd the lid to the frog tank missing, all four frogs unaccounted for and our cat anxiously hovering around the room.
The ultimate test of my sanity was once (again with the frogs) a bucket the boys had filled with at least 40 tiny, baby frogs, tipped over in the car on a return trip from the lake. I was still finding them hopping around the car a week later.
Probably though, my greatest obsession is with the bathroom - the one and only bathroom we have. The words boys and bathroom, together, can only bring to mind horrific visions of unspeakable atrocities. Go ahead, imagine it - - had enough? So it was last night that I encountered a freak moment of gross. Tired after a long day at work, and being a Monday, it was definitely bath night. I gathered together my bath pillow, candles, bath bubbles and prepared myself for a moment of relaxation. I fixed my drink, got my book and locked the door. As I pulled back the shower curtain to start the hot water, my eyes gazed upon... [Pshyco sound effects go here]
...A huge, green, slimy, gloppy BOOGAR!!
Setting aside my bath bubbles, I instead grab the disinfectant spray and do what I do best, clean, clean, clean.
Tonight, I will drive home, thinking, it can't get any worse. Prepared, that's me.
Friday, September 17, 2004
TOO MUCH WATER
I went over to my grandma's for dinner last night, as I do every week as I have for the last couple of years, ever since my grandpa died. I started going over every week when we both discovered that we were both addicted to watching the Batchelor (Trista & Ryan), and so a ritual began. The rest of the family thinks were both nuts (we are). Regardless, nothing interfers with our weekly get togethers. So, last night, grandma wanted me to go down in the basement with her to retrieve an old answering machine she believes she remembers she saw down there somewhere over the years because she wants to give it to my cousin, Alli, who is going away to college this weekend. Well, thats all fine. So, we found the answering machine in a bag behind some old dishes. Unfortunately, on the way up the stairs we both saw a four foot area of 2-inch deep water in the back corner. Arghhh, what the? We both agreed that it must have been there a while since one of the cabinet doors was warped with water damage. Just one more hassle we didn't need. Of course, Grandma, always positive, points out that at least this is very small compared with the devastation people are facing in Florida. That being said, we thought about that for a bit and went back upstairs with the answering machine.
Grandma decided to test out the answering machine so we plugged it in and she took out her cell phone. She then asked me what the number was for the machine. I looked at her puzzled, at first, but then I understood what she meant. Oh my god, grandma! Its plugged into your house, so its your number - ohhhh. lol. (Hey grandma, lets bring up the old radios from the basement and listen to old radio stations) So, grandma dialed the number and we waited for the machine to pick up. This is the part when I wasn't thinking, AT ALL!!!! All of a sudden, we both heard a familiar voice. It was Grandpa, who died 2 years ago. "Hello, this is Roy, I'm unable to come to the phone right now (literally) but leave a msg and we'll call you back." I about died! I looked at my grandma, and she had this glimmer in her eye. Then she said, "Well, Allie (my cousin) can't have this now because I'm going to keep it for my phone." "NO! Grandma." I said. "You just can't do that!!!" No, no, no, NO! Oh yes, she told me. "Yep, that's what I'm going to do." Oh my god, I was thinking. Now the family is really going to think we're nuts. When I said goodnight to grandma, she was sitting by the phone dialing the number again.
I'll be going back over tonight to clean up the water and listen to some old radio stations.
Grandma decided to test out the answering machine so we plugged it in and she took out her cell phone. She then asked me what the number was for the machine. I looked at her puzzled, at first, but then I understood what she meant. Oh my god, grandma! Its plugged into your house, so its your number - ohhhh. lol. (Hey grandma, lets bring up the old radios from the basement and listen to old radio stations) So, grandma dialed the number and we waited for the machine to pick up. This is the part when I wasn't thinking, AT ALL!!!! All of a sudden, we both heard a familiar voice. It was Grandpa, who died 2 years ago. "Hello, this is Roy, I'm unable to come to the phone right now (literally) but leave a msg and we'll call you back." I about died! I looked at my grandma, and she had this glimmer in her eye. Then she said, "Well, Allie (my cousin) can't have this now because I'm going to keep it for my phone." "NO! Grandma." I said. "You just can't do that!!!" No, no, no, NO! Oh yes, she told me. "Yep, that's what I'm going to do." Oh my god, I was thinking. Now the family is really going to think we're nuts. When I said goodnight to grandma, she was sitting by the phone dialing the number again.
I'll be going back over tonight to clean up the water and listen to some old radio stations.
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