the new and improved me!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Who would have thought at this point in my life,that i would be watching what goes on my plate?exercising?having fun doing it? and changing my train of thought?my attitude? I have been so busy this summer.Taking the time to open the dreaded closet my daughter had and going through the clothes she didnt want! I was afraid of the emotions that might surface.No sad ones did!she and I had many fights and she just left for work one day and didnt return home.She put her family through HELL!We didnt know where she was for 8 weeks!All she would say when she called was she was having fun and she was safe!! She came to the door one day like LA-DEE-DAH!!!As hard as it was i wouldnt let her move back besides she was 18 and had a place to stay.It has taken a long time but,she is growing up for real!In September she will turn 21 and has a home and a car!She works for a firm that reposseses homes and autos.I had to make her decide for herself what she wanted.she would have used me as an excuse to sleep all day and party all night.I'm a push-over!I gave all her clothes to her niece and her jewelry to her sister.I have an EXTRA closet...woo hoo!!It wasn't easy but,its empty now.I gave birth to 4 daughters and have raised 3! One wont even speak to us but thats another story!!...... SUSAN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNAMARIE1958 8/9/2011 12:16PM

wow I know that was a tough thing to do...but it's called tough LOVE. You did the right thing! I have 2 sons and at one point they wanted to live with their dad...They did But now all these years later they hardly ever talk to their dad But is very close to me. I was blessed! They are now 29 & 26... Report Inappropriate Comment

KIND2ME 7/31/2011 8:57AM

You are such an inspiration to me. You do so much good for people. Things will work out, it takes time. It takes perseverance and more strength than you can muster. But you are strong and courageous and things will get better for you. The number one thing is to give it to God and pray. Pray daily for your family. Just remember something that I had to learn the hard way, if you don't pray for your family who will?? Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAFLUTTERBY 7/31/2011 7:07AM

Susan, I don't have kids so I can't offer any advice -- not that you asked for any -- but I admire your courage to be tough when the situation called for it. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I love reading your blogs. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARVEEME 7/30/2011 10:53PM

Honeychild.....kids are like a crap shoot. You nurture the dice, and throw them out into the world, and hope for the best. Be what you want to be in the world, and try to keep your head up, chest out, and posture like a lady......sometimes they come back in their moments of weakness at which point you must be poised and ready to redirect. Ya follow? You're an inspiration to so many of us, and yet we wonder why we can't influence the ones we want to.....could it be true? Even Jesus couldn't be a hero in his own home town. Pray accordingly, and it will work out. Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 7/30/2011 10:42PM

I have one also. Many things happened (too many to mention) and he didn't start communicating with us until he got divorced and re-married. I have a granddaughter I just met at 9 years old. He's now 40 and has been around us for a couple years now. He was a godsend during my dh's heart surgery and always there for me. His sister and he are now best friends again. We never thought it would happen, but it did - We had to let it go because it was killing us - it seemed like the only ones worried about it was us! Have faith that yours will turn out OK -- if it doesn't know that you did the right thing for you and her... Report Inappropriate Comment

IILAAD65 7/30/2011 8:16PM

sorry forgot to say .. I admire you for doing what was hard and YET you give me hope that everything will turn out ok in the long run! Report Inappropriate Comment

IILAAD65 7/30/2011 8:15PM

My oldest plans to live with me til she's 100 - and at this point, even though she's very into church etc, she's not paying me a cent at 19 lol But she's sweet and a good kid. My youngest just got caught smoking YET AGAIN! I told her in a calm voice - I would be a bad parent if I condoned this. You have a choice, pack things and move to your dad's for your Senior year in another town, or tow the line this year. She's smart but has failed too many classes and had to take English this summer. I think she will graduate - but I never EVER thought she would make such bad choices. I know this sounds like such a little thing, but it's the lies I can't stand. I am a conservative soul and an educated teacher. Not graduating from High School is not acceptable. Being a parent is a HARD job, period. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAMAG476 7/30/2011 7:56PM

Kids they never come with instructional manual. I have 3 children my oldest a daughter that put our family thru the ringer. She left one weekend and never return home. She moved in with her low life of a boyfriend because later we found out she was pregnant. Kendra is now 26 has two daughters 7 and 5 who I adore. My daughter is my best friend now. A couple of years ago I had an operation that went terribly wrong, my daughter and my husband didnt speak until that happen I was in Rochester Mayo Clinic for 2 months. I died twice and they brought me back. So my daughter and husband had only each other. God has a weird way of answering prayers. But anyway moral of the story is I know what you are going thru but you are one up on me because I havent gone thru her room yet so good job.You are a good mom and a great spark friend. You are not alone. Hang in there. God bless Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTLE4HIMTX10 7/30/2011 6:13PM

Kids are tough and some times we have to be tougher. How awesome she is standing on her own two feet. You did good. Report Inappropriate Comment

I want to cry

Friday, July 29, 2011

There is an issue im passionate about...phones being used while driving!!! a little girl was ran down by a busy mom that was texting.How will she feel if the child dies? That's not anything I want on my conscience! Another issue is leaving kids and pets in cars!! A 5 month old and a 3 year old died in the car from heat stroke....I cannot fathom the guilt that mother is feeling right now! 3 dogs died when the owner left them in the car for 45 minutes!! He got busy shopping and forgot!We need billboards in this country screaming out these messages with pictures of children and pets in cars. If you read this blog and think about what i've said at least I made you think!! SUSAN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATRINAKAT23 8/1/2011 9:23PM

We have the exact same issues in Canada. What are people thinking leaving kids and pets in vehicles when it is so hot out?? We need stricter penalties, that is for sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

DIZZYDOC 7/30/2011 4:40PM

Innocence always pays the price for our crimes of negligence which is often a result of self centered acts. We, as a people, need to learn to care more about others and learn to put them before our selves. Thank you for sharing. I saw a lot of this when I was living in Arizona and Nevada and can not find any way to justify or explain it. Is this an American phenomenon or is it universal? Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAFLUTTERBY 7/30/2011 4:14PM

Unfortunately, there are already laws on the books in most states about texting while driving, talking on cell phones while driving (must be hands free in some places -- other places don't allow the distraction at all), leaving children in cars, leaving pets in cars, etc. The answer doesn't seem to be in making more laws. Besides, a lot of people feel those are laws for "other people." Nothing bad will happen if "I" do it. Such a sad day in the lives of all who were affected by these events, Susan. Thanks for sharing your heartbreak ... we cannot change what happened, but we can show we care. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYHOLMAN 7/30/2011 2:38PM

Some states have restrictions on these issues. Check to see if yours is one. If not, write or call your state senator's office! People who use the phone when driving should get one of those phones that attaches to an ear. I know the mother's can be prosecuted for endangering the welfare of a child, but I don't know if they can be held for murder. The dog owner can be prosecuted for animal abuse , but that's only a misdemeanor in most states. Personally, I would like to see them all lose their driver's licences. And-oh yes-I would have them put in an enclosed car for a couple of hours and see how they make out. Pisses me off too Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTLE4HIMTX10 7/30/2011 11:57AM

So sad Report Inappropriate Comment

DUSTYGIRL25 7/30/2011 2:56AM

I know, when I hear about these stories on the news, I just feel sick to my stomach. How can anyone be so irresponsible? Maybe stronger laws would help. Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 7/30/2011 12:25AM

People are so very very stupid -- some shouldn't be permitted to have kids or dogs. I also read about a man who left his elderly father in the car, with the keys and assumed that if he got hot, he'd turn the car on. Not so, DOA. Very, very sad indeed. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNYD97 7/29/2011 11:38PM

We have laws in CT about leaving dogs and children in cars and it still doesn't stop people! I wouldn't think of leaving a child alone in a car nevermind in a hot car and I would never leave my dogs either! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBAELLEN 7/29/2011 11:16PM

Every time I hear about one of these incidents, it's hard to fathom how they could happen in the first place. How do you forget your baby's in the car? How do you forget your dog is in the car? How do you FORGET? Maybe people who are too stupid to know that you can die real fast in a hot car might be helped by learning about it on a billboard. Who knows? However, I've never heard the excuse that someone didn't know. It's always that they forgot! Unbelievable. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 7/29/2011 10:54PM

Yes, ma'am, you are 100% correct about all of this. I would also add that in almost all states, it is illegal to text while driving and leaving a dog in a burning hot car will get you a major citation for animal abuse and neglect. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUSYMOM88 7/29/2011 10:34PM

I totally agree. Last week, a little girl riding her bicycle across a busy highway got hit by a car where I live. Her parents had left her at home by herself because they decided to walk to a store to buy beer. She decided to follow them, and got hit. It's awful. The parents selfishness astounds me and now the poor little girl had to pay the price. Report Inappropriate Comment

JULES46561 7/29/2011 10:34PM

My family lost a precious 2 year old and 4 year old just last month because they decided to get into their mothers car trunk. She searched frantically for them. The baby died on the way to the hospital and the other boy died the next day. It has broken so many hearts. How could this have been prevented? We lost these babies but this tragedy can be prevented. It happens, people. Trust me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Report Inappropriate Comment

KENDALL7261 7/29/2011 10:30PM

I agree 100%! These issues need to be brought to people's attention! Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DUST YOURSELF OFF AND TRY AGAIN

Thursday, July 28, 2011

WHEN I WAS YOUNG,I LOOKED LIKE A STARVING STICK FIGURE!I HEARD ALL THE JOKES...BEANPOLE,SKINNY MINNIE,IF IT WERE'NT FOR MY ARMS AND HEAD I'D LOOK LIKE A STICK,I COULD JUMP IN THE WATER TO GAIN WEIGHT(WET CLOTHES).AND I ATE LIKE THERE WAS NO TOMORROW.MY GRANNY MADE ME EAT EXTRA FOOD BEFORE I COULD LEAVE THE TABLE.I DREAMED OF GETTING FAT SO THEY ALL WOULD LEAVE ME ALONE.I WOULD GO OFF AND HIDE,JUST TO CRY OUT MY PAIN!NOW,IT'S THE OPPOSITE BUT I'M LEARNING SO MUCH!WHEN I GO TO MY NURSING HOME NOW I HAVE THE FOLKS EXERCISING.WE THROW A BALL,PASS A LIGHTWEIGHT BALL AROUND,DANCE,WAVE OUR ARMS AND ITS FUN TO THEM!THEY LOVE TO COLOR IN COLORING BOOKS.THE FIRST TIME I EVER BROUGHT THEM CRAYONS THEY GOT FEISTY AND ASKED WAS I CRAZY.I SAID THAT ME AND MY 19 YEAR OLD GRANDSON GET OUT THE COLORING BOOKS AND CRAYONS TO RELAX AND TALK.IT WASNT A BIG DEAL AFTER THAT!EVEN THE MOST MACHO GUY THERE,TINY LOVES COLORING NOW!HE ENTERTAINS US WITH HIS JOKES AND SINGING AND MAMIE PUTS ON PLAYS.SHE THINKS SHE WAS A BROADWAY ACTRESS.JOSEPH THE JANITOR STOPPED ME THIS MORNING AND ASKED WOULD I TEACH HIM HOW TO BE HAPPY LIKE THE RESIDENTS.AND COULD I SHOW HIM HOW TO READ.I HAD A HUGE LUMP IN MY THROAT.JACOB HAS VOLUNTEERED TO TEACH JOSEPH TO READ,WITH PERMISSION OF COURSE.HE IS A RETIRED SCHOOL TEACHER!!HOW LUCKY!I JUST THINK THAT IM GETTING TO KNOW MYSELF BETTER.GRANNY ALWAYS SAID..HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND YOU WILL KEEP LEARNING UNTIL YOU DIE.SPARK PEOPLE HAVE ALL TAUGHT ME SOMETHING,THAT I HAVE STRENGTH BEYOND MEASURE AND SO WHAT IF YOU FALL DOWN,DUST YOURSELF OFF AND TRY AGAIN.YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU QUIT.WINNERS NEVER QUIT,QUITTERS NEVER WIN IS ON MY WALL IN A FRAME!!I WANT EVERYONE THAT READS THIS BLOG TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY "I LOVE YOU,YOU ROCK"YOU ARE SO WORTH EVERY MINUTE YOU SPEND ON YOURSELF.... I YOU ALL,SUSAN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ELISELA2011 7/29/2011 11:36PM

That's great you're out there making such a difference in so many lives! Thanks for sharing this with everyone here too! ^-^ Now where did I last see my stash of crayons.... Report Inappropriate Comment

BETTERHEALTH123 7/29/2011 11:45AM

Now I have to look for my coloring book. I find coloring very relaxing and I am in my late 50's..... I haven't colored in a coloring book for a year!! Seems like fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

OUTDOORSDC 7/28/2011 8:38PM

Do you realize how much you're changing people's lives? And that is what it's all about! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBAELLEN 7/28/2011 8:01PM

Susan, you are so upbeat and so caring. You always seem to find the good in everything and everyone. Even though there are those times when you feel like bopping someone in the nose, you find some way to turn it into a positive learning experience. I know I always love hearing about The Adventures of Susn. Keep it up. You make us feel good every day. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 7/28/2011 6:37PM

Susan -- you are a joy to know on SP. Before this blog, I loved your humor but now --- WOWSER, WOWSER what a really awesome, caring individual you are. We should all walk in your footsteps and learn to be much better people!! Thank you, Report Inappropriate Comment

SLFRISBEY 7/28/2011 4:51PM

What a wonderful blog! I tell my husband all the time that there is a Chinese proverb that says something along the lines of "Fall down seven times, get up eight". He needs to hear that every day :) Report Inappropriate Comment

DIZZYDOC 7/28/2011 4:14PM

Great Blog! You are such a motivation in more ways than you know. Report Inappropriate Comment

WORKTHEGOAL 7/28/2011 3:35PM

This is wonderful blog, and so in touch with the child within ourselves - I too love to colour!!!!! M xx Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAFLUTTERBY 7/28/2011 3:22PM

Susan, this is such a great message. Thank you for sharing. I love to color. Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 7/28/2011 2:47PM

Here's back at you. I'm dusting off right now and getting back on the wagon after falling off the month of July. Good luck to you. Report Inappropriate Comment

the innocence of a child

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

GRAMEEEEE!!yells my"almost 5 year old"granddaughter.Being away from the city and having the wildlife habitat taken away daily,A lizard has run across the patio and is sitting under the swing.'What is that? she pouts It's larry lizard and he eats the yucky bugs for me I answer.Well,can you tell larry to move cause he scares me? How funny!!She talks non-stop about going to school this year.I've been scouring the kids racks for her some school clothes.She gets out of breath telling me whats on her supply list.I say WOW thats alot of stuff for one little girl to carry.But,I have huge muscles she argues.Kayla asked her what she wanted to wear the first day of school and she said..My birthday suit!we all laughed at that.She is a hoot and its sad to see our little munchkin growing up!life goes by so quickly,,,sniff sniff.. SUSAN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DIZZYDOC 7/29/2011 11:59PM

How very true... Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYHOLMAN 7/28/2011 2:46PM

Very sweet blog-inspirational Report Inappropriate Comment

SHASSYSUE2 7/28/2011 9:25AM

I don't have any Grandchildren yet, but I have 2 wonderful Godchildren. I took care of the youngest one from the time he was 8 weeks old until he was 4 (his parents decided he needed to go to preschool, because I was spoiling him to much). I love those kids just like a Grandmother loves her Grandchildren. It is such a different kind of love. I never get tired of hearing NANA being yelled at me as I come into the room no matter where we are at!!! True Blessings!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBAELLEN 7/27/2011 10:57PM

That is so cute, and you're so lucky to have her! Report Inappropriate Comment

DUSTYGIRL25 7/27/2011 10:51PM

Gotta Love The Kids! Especially the Grandkids!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 7/27/2011 10:16PM

They come up with the cutest things. My gd will be 6 in August and going in the 1st grade this year. Last year was a riot. I went in and had lunch with her several times including grandparents day. She was so proud having us there!! Get ready for more fun!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KIND2ME 7/27/2011 9:45PM

Love little ones that age. Got a young son turning 5 next month and he is a joy to be around. Love this age so much. Enjoy it while you can, my oldest is 13. So many changes take place in such a small span of time. Report Inappropriate Comment

KOFFEENUT 7/27/2011 9:40PM

Isn't it amazing what they come up with?!? So much fun that you're getting to spend some time with her before her big school adventure. Sounds like she's READY!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

IILAAD65 7/27/2011 9:15PM

Those are the moments you treasure!!! lol I bet you are a fun GRAMMMEEEE!! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTLE4HIMTX10 7/27/2011 9:03PM

Oh, how totally precious. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORTHWOODSMOM8 7/27/2011 8:55PM

Oh, Susan, HOW PRECIOUS!!!!! They do grow up way too fast! I know we're probably about the same age--you have a 5 year old granddaughter; I have a 5 year old son! Yes, I'm asked if I'm his grandmother often. Anyway, when I got back from KC, I told him I missed my boy so much, to which he replied, "And I missed my girl so much." I LOVE this age!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

A BLAST FROM MY PAST

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

WHEN I WAS ABOUT 11 YEARS OLD I WAS REALLY GOOD IN SCHOOL.OUR PRINCIPALS DAUGHTER CAROL WAS'NT! SHE ALWAYS SPORTED THE NEWEST FASHION,SHOES,HAD LONG WAVY HAIR,BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES,WAS A CHEERLEADER,ETC. SHE LACKED GRADES IN SCHOOL.I DECIDED ONE DAY I FELT SORRY FOR NOT TUTORING HER AND DECIDED I WOULD.EVERYDAY AFTER SCHOOL I STAYED IN TOWN AND HELPED HER AND THEN CAUGHT A RIDE HOME WITH NEIGHBORS OR MY MOM.ONE DAY SHE ASKED ME TO DO HER HOMEWORK AND SHE WOULD PAY ME.TO A POOR LITTLE COUNTRY GIRL THAT WAS AN AWESOME IDEA BUT MORALS WOULDNT LET ME CHEAT.SO,WE PARTED WAYS BECAUSE I REALIZED SHE WAS WANTING ME TO DO HER WORK NOT LEARN.WE HAD A HUGE SCIENCE FAIR COMING UP AND I WORKED DAY AND NIGHT ON MY PROJECT.THE TIME CAME TO GET OUR PROJECT JUDGED BUT MINE WAS MISSING!!I SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW!WHO WOULD MOVE IT?THE QUESTION WAS WHO WOULD STEAL IT AND ENTER IT AS THIER OWN?I SOON FOUND OUT!UPON ENTERING THE GYMNASIUM,I SAW A CROWD GATHERED AROUND THE PRINCIPAL AND HIS GLOWING SMILING DAUGHTER.SHE WAS HOLDING UP GRAND PRIZE RIBBON AND A HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!I PUSHED MY WAY THROUGH THE CROWD TO SEE A RIBBON ON MY PROJECT...MY HEART LEAPED!!THEN REALIZATION HIT.CAROL HAD PUT HER NAME ON MY PROJECT AND HAD WON!!I WAS SICK TO THINK I HAD BUSTED MY ARSE TO HELP THE GIRL ONLY TO HAVE HER STAB ME IN THE BACK!!SOMETHING INSIDE ME WOUDNT LET THE TOMBOY IN ME PUNCH HER IN THE NOSE.I KEPT QUIET AND SWALLOWED MY TEARS AND PAIN.FOR THE NEXT WEEKS CAROL CHASED ME AROUND SCHOOL ASKING WAS I MAD?I WOULD JUST WALK AWAY BECAUSE MY GRANDFATHER TOLD ME I HAD ALL THE GUTS SHE GOT THE GLORY!TURN THE OTHER CHEEK HE SAID!I DID AND LIFE MOVED ON.YESTERDAY MY PHONE RANG AND IT WAS MY OLDEST SISTER SAYING SOMEONE WANTED TO SPEAK WITH ME.WHO?I ASKED YOU'LL SEE SHE SAID
HELLO?I SAY.HELLO? DONT HANG UP ITS CAROL!OH,WHAT DO YOU WANT?I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU WILL FORGIVE ME,SHE REPLIES! IT'S BEEN 39 YEARS SINCE I STOLE YOUR PROJECT AND ITS BEEN LIKE CANCER EATING ME UP WITH GUILT.I HURT YOU ALOT THAT DAY!OKAY I FORGIVE YOU!BUT,WHY?HER ANSWER CAME AS A SHOCK TO ME BECAUSE,YOU DIDNT NEED TO BE RICH OR POPULAR TO BE LIKED.AND EVEN WINNING THE SCIENCE FAIR DIDNT MAKE PEOPLE LIKE ME MORE.MY DAD KNEW WHAT I DID AND TOLD ME TO APOLOGIZE AND GIVE YOU THE MONEY BUT I WAS TOO PROUD.SHE WENT ON TO EXPLAIN HER LIFE AND HOW HAUNTED SHE HAD BEEN,HOW SHE HAD CARRIED THE GUILT AROUND LIKE A BALL AND CHAIN.I TOLD HER TO REMOVE THE GUILT AND MOVE ON AND I HOPED SHE WOULD DO SOMETHING GOOD IN MY NAME.MY SISTER CAME BACK ON THE PHONE AND SAID SEE LITTLE SIS I KNEW THATS WHY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU ARE THE GREATEST!I HAD THE HIGHEST FAITH THAT YOU WOULD MAKE HER FEEL BETTER AND SHE IS CRYING! WE LIVE AND WE LEARN!WELL, LET ME TELL YOU,THAT WHEN I WAS 11 I DREAMED OF CHOKING THE LIFE FROM THAT GIRL AND TAKING MY RIBBON BACK ANGER,HURT,BITTERNESS,HATRED,GUILT THEY GET US NOWHERE AND ARE TOO HEAVY OF A BURDEN TO CARRY.TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!!! SUSAN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BARBAELLEN 7/27/2011 11:11PM

This is really touching. That you had such strength of character at such a young age is amazing. I'm not proud to say it, but had it been me, that girl would have been BUSTED! BIG TIME! I'm STILL working on being able to turn the other cheek and be at peace with it. You're something else!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANASAMM 7/27/2011 12:33AM

Amazing story. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHASSYSUE2 7/27/2011 12:22AM

Amen!!!! I love it, and I know why we are friends!! You are one class act my dear!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARVEEME 7/26/2011 5:50PM

You're #1 in MY book! Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTLE4HIMTX10 7/26/2011 4:49PM

Wow That is a long time to carry such a heavy load. Report Inappropriate Comment

MNOT2THICK 7/26/2011 3:32PM

What a touching story. Just a stepping stone in your development. Awesome. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYHOLMAN 7/26/2011 3:15PM

What goes around, comes around--that's karma. Great story Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLEY106 7/26/2011 3:10PM

Beautiful Report Inappropriate Comment