Each day that goes by, you become closer to our hearts. We imagine what you will look like and what kind of little person you will become. Each day, I get a closer glimpse of what life for your brother will be like upon your arrival. I know he will love you and be so excited to have a new playmate that doesn't have to go home at the end of the day. I am sure he will look for you in the morning when he wakes and he will kiss you goodnight with sweet, tender kisses. I can also bet he will have good intentions most of the time but he may test you. Often. He may poke you or get too curious about you.
We are only days away from meeting you. We wonder if you will be a boy or a girl. Either way, we can only hope you will be as happy to join our family as we eagerly await your arrival. Loving you and so glad you are within reach. We will just wait now.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, September 12, 2008
A random quote of the day
I come to thee an empty canvass. It is only with you I can become a masterpiece.
- Laura K. on the subject of marriage to her husband.
- Laura K. on the subject of marriage to her husband.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
everything miniature
It occurred to me the other day that I have neglected to ever write about my love for dolls and everything miniature. My husband just learned this recently too. I suppose it has been a hidden delight of mine.
Everything miniature has a place in my heart but doll houses and train sets are my absolute favourite. With another child on the way, I wonder if I can have the best of both worlds one day... even if we have another boy. What's wrong with doll houses??? Do you suppose a house full of boys would embrace the idea?? If we are blessed with a girl, I will at least have an ally!
I remember visiting a specialty shop on Main Street one day in Hamilton. It was full of teddy bears and doll houses. I stayed there for a very long visit. I peeked into every window of every doll house and imagined what it was like to live there. I wished for a second I could be one of the dolls. The comfort of the little chairs and beds. The delicate lamps that were operational and added such ambiance. The magic of it all. I used to play with dolls for hours on end as a young girl. I would give them such precious names that I one day had hoped to name my own children after. Valerie and Chrissy topped the list. I shudder at the thought of naming a child that now.... not that there is anything wrong with those names! haha!
I used to believe my dolls were alive when I left them at night. The mystery. The magic of childhood. My sister would often make my life even more magical by moving the dolls when I wasn't looking! It made me believe!
Everything miniature has a place in my heart but doll houses and train sets are my absolute favourite. With another child on the way, I wonder if I can have the best of both worlds one day... even if we have another boy. What's wrong with doll houses??? Do you suppose a house full of boys would embrace the idea?? If we are blessed with a girl, I will at least have an ally!
I remember visiting a specialty shop on Main Street one day in Hamilton. It was full of teddy bears and doll houses. I stayed there for a very long visit. I peeked into every window of every doll house and imagined what it was like to live there. I wished for a second I could be one of the dolls. The comfort of the little chairs and beds. The delicate lamps that were operational and added such ambiance. The magic of it all. I used to play with dolls for hours on end as a young girl. I would give them such precious names that I one day had hoped to name my own children after. Valerie and Chrissy topped the list. I shudder at the thought of naming a child that now.... not that there is anything wrong with those names! haha!
I used to believe my dolls were alive when I left them at night. The mystery. The magic of childhood. My sister would often make my life even more magical by moving the dolls when I wasn't looking! It made me believe!
on the subject of yams
I am creeping into my own society of warmth. I am trying to eliminate the wasteful things we do in a day that makes time escape us so quickly. Afterall, it is only time we have in the grand scheme of things. I have been dreaming vivid, colourful dreams lately. I am sure it is because my state of mind is feeling free. My dream cycle is always a good indication of my mental health. There were days, though long ago, my dreams were full of panic-stricken fear. I sleep better now.
Perhaps with age we come to a place where we find peace in so many crevices of our lives. I yam what I yam. I am okay with who I yam. I even love yams.
Perhaps with age we come to a place where we find peace in so many crevices of our lives. I yam what I yam. I am okay with who I yam. I even love yams.
Monday, May 19, 2008
My short story in progress
He stood at ground level. Pulled himself up into the window that welcomed him. Wide open with remnants of glass that looked like sharp teeth now surrounding him as he carefully jumped down. Shattered glass spilling all over the floor below. He tossed his bag aside and wiped the sweat off his brow. Gulped some water from his battered old water bottle that had been refilled several times. The label now faded. He stood for a moment with his hands on his hips and surveyed the room. "It will do", he said quietly to himself. "It will have to."
He lost track of how many days he spent there. He had set up a place to sleep- a blanket and some cardboard beneath to bear some of the dampness that ravaged the house when the sun went down. Sometimes he could see his own breath. Often he would shiver himself to sleep while trying to hum one of his favourite songs. Quiet. Stillness filled the air. A good night's sleep was a mere fantasy. He remembered the comfort of a mattress, the fluffiness of a pillow, the tossing and turning and feel of her warmth. Her breath sometimes tickled his neck as she spooned him good night. It was all gone. A faded memory. A single ounce of love that sustained him like a feast for a thousand Lords.
He lost track of how many days he spent there. He had set up a place to sleep- a blanket and some cardboard beneath to bear some of the dampness that ravaged the house when the sun went down. Sometimes he could see his own breath. Often he would shiver himself to sleep while trying to hum one of his favourite songs. Quiet. Stillness filled the air. A good night's sleep was a mere fantasy. He remembered the comfort of a mattress, the fluffiness of a pillow, the tossing and turning and feel of her warmth. Her breath sometimes tickled his neck as she spooned him good night. It was all gone. A faded memory. A single ounce of love that sustained him like a feast for a thousand Lords.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
precious furnishings
I am the memory foam mattress. I try to absorb your aches and pains and make your tired body feel at ease. I am soft, comfy and warm. I send you off to slumber with comforting thoughts and gentle loving words. Most times. My springs are sturdy and I bounce right back when I have been utilized. I am resiliant.
My husband is the bookshelf. He stores lots of useful information. He is a fine work of craftmanship. He is made of wood but he is full of many layers and depending on how you look at him, you see a different grain. He is natural and beautiful. He is solid and sturdy. He will hold and store many things for you to ease your burden. He will still stand tall and strong even when he is overloaded. He will be loyal and keep your possessions safe until you return for them.
My son- he is our hope chest.
My husband is the bookshelf. He stores lots of useful information. He is a fine work of craftmanship. He is made of wood but he is full of many layers and depending on how you look at him, you see a different grain. He is natural and beautiful. He is solid and sturdy. He will hold and store many things for you to ease your burden. He will still stand tall and strong even when he is overloaded. He will be loyal and keep your possessions safe until you return for them.
My son- he is our hope chest.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Are you always listening?
I will tell you what I am thinking.
I am filled with lovingkindness most times. Today, I am filled with grief. I am filled with heartache from time to time when you do things that don't make sense to me. In the end, they will all make sense but for now, I am full of questions.
I haven't always been thankful. I haven't always been wise. I have mistreated the gifts you have given me but I retreat back on the path you have chosen for me. I believe in you. I really can't tell you how gracious and kind you've been to me so far. I have an enormous amount of thankfulness stored up inside of me to last me several life-times. I know I only get one though and one is enough. I will make it count. I will do my best and I will listen to you when you try to offer my subtle advice.
Today, I pleaded with you while I was driving. I speak to you often. I know you are close but are you always listening?
Please offer all of my loved ones the same courage, love and strength you have given to me. I shall do whatever I can, not to disappoint you.
AMEN.
I am filled with lovingkindness most times. Today, I am filled with grief. I am filled with heartache from time to time when you do things that don't make sense to me. In the end, they will all make sense but for now, I am full of questions.
I haven't always been thankful. I haven't always been wise. I have mistreated the gifts you have given me but I retreat back on the path you have chosen for me. I believe in you. I really can't tell you how gracious and kind you've been to me so far. I have an enormous amount of thankfulness stored up inside of me to last me several life-times. I know I only get one though and one is enough. I will make it count. I will do my best and I will listen to you when you try to offer my subtle advice.
Today, I pleaded with you while I was driving. I speak to you often. I know you are close but are you always listening?
Please offer all of my loved ones the same courage, love and strength you have given to me. I shall do whatever I can, not to disappoint you.
AMEN.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Best Intentions
Taunting, I said to her "speak!" I knew she could talk! I was frustrated with her because she wasn't letting me in. I insisted that she did. Afterall, it was two weeks and she no longer held "new girl status". She had immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia. Her name was Lydia. She looked like a porcelain doll. Her hair was so straight and shiny. Chestnut brown. Her eyes were almond shape and big, chocolate brown. Her mouth kind of pouty with red, red glossy lips. Her cheeks a glow with red. Blushing always. She stood in line silently. I used to smile and tell her to join me. I had never been rejected by my kindness before. I didn't know if I could stand it. Apparently not. She just turned the other way. I was hurt. Didn't she know that?
I finally lost patience and cornered her one day in the alley. I knew she could speak. I knew she had it in her!!!! I wanted to be her friend. Instead, my persistent nature scared her away. I was much taller than her and despite my best intentions, I frightened her.
She wasn't in our class for more than a few months. She moved away again to the east. We never made a lasting connection but I always wondered about whether she finally spoke up in her class. What was her voice like. I bet it was soft and angelic. It will remain a mystery forever.
Somtimes people come and go in your life. Sometimes out of choice and other times out of pure circumstances. Sometimes your best intentions get lost and you make mistakes.
Sometimes people let you in and it`s just by chance.
I finally lost patience and cornered her one day in the alley. I knew she could speak. I knew she had it in her!!!! I wanted to be her friend. Instead, my persistent nature scared her away. I was much taller than her and despite my best intentions, I frightened her.
She wasn't in our class for more than a few months. She moved away again to the east. We never made a lasting connection but I always wondered about whether she finally spoke up in her class. What was her voice like. I bet it was soft and angelic. It will remain a mystery forever.
Somtimes people come and go in your life. Sometimes out of choice and other times out of pure circumstances. Sometimes your best intentions get lost and you make mistakes.
Sometimes people let you in and it`s just by chance.
the birds and the bees
I shiver at the thought of having this discussion with my son one day. It will likely be passed onto his father. You know, man to man, father and son stuff. Yup. That's okay with me. I will just remain a resource if need be.
It got me thinking about when my father was brave enough to tackle this one with his daughters. We were in his bedroom on Norway and we got "called in". He was a shift worker so to have him home through the night was a special treat. It usually meant we would hassle him in his bed for a while before we kissed goodnight. I used to cuddle up next to him and he liked to sleep with no shirt on. It meant his underarms were there for the taking. A tickle that is. I was all about tickling and touching his underarm hair. Lord knows I got in enough trouble for it. He hated being tickled. It made him feel powerless. Yup. I get that now when the kids tickle me in daycare.
Anyway, he began this talk by stalling and saying.. "You've heard a little about the birds and the bees, I bet? "Huh?", I said, trying with all my might to be convincing. First of all, I didn't want to admit that I probably knew more than I should, having a big sis and all. Secondly, I wanted to see him in his awkward, daddy glory. It was kind of amusing to see your parents a little squeamish when you're a kid. I let it all unfold and remained silent. Taking it all in like it was hot off the press! He did a wonderful job. It was practical, to the point and not too gross!!!
Thanks Dad.
xoxoxox
It got me thinking about when my father was brave enough to tackle this one with his daughters. We were in his bedroom on Norway and we got "called in". He was a shift worker so to have him home through the night was a special treat. It usually meant we would hassle him in his bed for a while before we kissed goodnight. I used to cuddle up next to him and he liked to sleep with no shirt on. It meant his underarms were there for the taking. A tickle that is. I was all about tickling and touching his underarm hair. Lord knows I got in enough trouble for it. He hated being tickled. It made him feel powerless. Yup. I get that now when the kids tickle me in daycare.
Anyway, he began this talk by stalling and saying.. "You've heard a little about the birds and the bees, I bet? "Huh?", I said, trying with all my might to be convincing. First of all, I didn't want to admit that I probably knew more than I should, having a big sis and all. Secondly, I wanted to see him in his awkward, daddy glory. It was kind of amusing to see your parents a little squeamish when you're a kid. I let it all unfold and remained silent. Taking it all in like it was hot off the press! He did a wonderful job. It was practical, to the point and not too gross!!!
Thanks Dad.
xoxoxox
Thursday, September 06, 2007
One short year
In one short year, I feel like I have soaked up more about life than all of the previous years without you in it. I owe you a great deal. You are a little boy who has evolved into something so precious that words just can't convey. You are deeply embedded in my heart and soul.
Your first year has been so wonderful. I haven't worn much make-up nor have I dressed up with any formal attire. My eyebrows are not plucked and my sleep deprivation has given me dark circles under my eyes. Sometimes I stand in the shower and remember how good it feels to let the water run down my back but then I realize I don't want to miss another minute without you. You see, all of these things will eventually be reintroduced back into my life again. Someday I will wear make-up again and my hair might have a slight curl put in it or won't be tied back. For the time being, you need me to be close by often and I need you to know that I am right there.
You seem very happy to be around us so we must be doing something right. I sometimes wonder if your face ever tires from smiling. You awaken with a smile and you ease into slumber with a little grin on your face. Your smile is genuine and playful. You have even made grumpy men standing in line smile. You stare until they make eye contact with you and although they aren't wearing a smile at that time, you make sure they leave with one.
There is so much I want for you in this life-time. One of the greatest things is to know peace and love. I hope your journey is filled with the security of knowing your parents really think the world of you.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Number 155!!!!!
Incredible. Incredible, I tell you.
I usually have trouble sticking to things in my leisure world. In the responsible aspects of my life, I am dreadfully loyal. Committed. Period.
I have tried to keep this blogging alive!!!!! It has almost been a year! Hooray! It has really served me well. I have written over 155 passages. I know some have been dry, boring or negative but others have been really fun to write, healing in nature and just plain old good for the soul.
Raise your mouse pad to me for sticking to it! YAY!
I usually have trouble sticking to things in my leisure world. In the responsible aspects of my life, I am dreadfully loyal. Committed. Period.
I have tried to keep this blogging alive!!!!! It has almost been a year! Hooray! It has really served me well. I have written over 155 passages. I know some have been dry, boring or negative but others have been really fun to write, healing in nature and just plain old good for the soul.
Raise your mouse pad to me for sticking to it! YAY!
Monday, August 20, 2007
A day in late August
dew worms everywhere
sunlight peeking through the windows
cool, breezy afternoon
a simmering sauce on the stove filled with fresh herbs from our garden
a perfect cup of coffee warms my hands
baseball game on the television
my to-do list has all been checked off
husbands are like comfort food most of the time
a quiet telephone
open windows and blowing curtains please me
a baby awakens from his nap
I am at home on a Sunday afternoon with my family.
Monday, August 06, 2007
The Cycle Of Life
There are times when my strong sense of intuition begins yelling out and I now try to pay more attention to it. Only this time, I hope it is wrong.
My sister and I have shared the same feeling lately. A sense of dread, loss and grief. A sense that our grandmother is ready to move on from this lifetime. She has been making comments lately that she is ready to go and be with her husband and her body is growing tired. Her fiest and spirit has followed her well into her 80's and I don't hear it anymore. I hear a woman who has made peace with her own passing. To write this is most difficult. I well up with a thousand or more tear drops but something tells me to keep writing.
We (my family) have a job to do. It is our duty to help her along this path. Her journey of life has been fulfilled and we must stand behind her and give her the strength, the love and the courage to find her way home.
In the meantime, there are still many stories to listen to, hugs and laughter to share. We must savour the present because we know the inevitable time will come, when we have to say good bye.
I remember at her 80th birthday party, we went swimming. She was as light as a feather and laughed wholeheartedly when I asked her to let me carry her around the pool. I swished her around in the water like I remember her doing to me when I was a child. The irony of it all.
The cycle of life.
My sister and I have shared the same feeling lately. A sense of dread, loss and grief. A sense that our grandmother is ready to move on from this lifetime. She has been making comments lately that she is ready to go and be with her husband and her body is growing tired. Her fiest and spirit has followed her well into her 80's and I don't hear it anymore. I hear a woman who has made peace with her own passing. To write this is most difficult. I well up with a thousand or more tear drops but something tells me to keep writing.
We (my family) have a job to do. It is our duty to help her along this path. Her journey of life has been fulfilled and we must stand behind her and give her the strength, the love and the courage to find her way home.
In the meantime, there are still many stories to listen to, hugs and laughter to share. We must savour the present because we know the inevitable time will come, when we have to say good bye.
I remember at her 80th birthday party, we went swimming. She was as light as a feather and laughed wholeheartedly when I asked her to let me carry her around the pool. I swished her around in the water like I remember her doing to me when I was a child. The irony of it all.
The cycle of life.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Baby Milkshakes
My husband was giving me the low-down when I returned home from shopping. He began by saying he and the baby had a great time playing together while I was gone. He then began telling me that he prepared a bottle for the baby but for some reason, it looked extra thick to him today! Before he could finish his sentence, my first-time mother alarm bell began sounding off! In my head, my exacting and methodical nature began screaming out "he must not have used the right proportions!" but my heart also melted at the same time and caught me from saying anything out loud.
I just listened as he continued with this now amusing story, as he arrived at the same conclusion my instincts were telling me. He used too much formula and not enough water. He also went on to say that the baby would not let this particular bottle out of his grip, as he slurped this baby milkshake up in no time!
I am so glad the baby enjoyed this so much and I am even more delighted that I saw the humour in it all!
I just listened as he continued with this now amusing story, as he arrived at the same conclusion my instincts were telling me. He used too much formula and not enough water. He also went on to say that the baby would not let this particular bottle out of his grip, as he slurped this baby milkshake up in no time!
I am so glad the baby enjoyed this so much and I am even more delighted that I saw the humour in it all!
Friday, July 27, 2007
A Rare Find
Did this photograph make you look twice?!?
You can imagine what I thought when I found this rare discovery in Southampton last week. This photo doesn't belong to me but it was found on the internet while I searched for any clues that there could be such thing as two-headed turtles. Well, see for yourself now folks! (ahhhhem, dear husband who doubted me. What do you have to say for yourself now!)
After second guessing my vision, I called my father over to verify this. He and I watched closely in awe as both heads popped up above water and looked in separate directions. It was one of the most hilarious things I have seen. At the same time, it horrified me! I can't explain, really. It was something that I just couldn't seem to shake the entire evening. A shiver kept coming over me as I thought of a two-headed turtle in my bed as I tried to go to sleep. I said aloud to my husband, "that really was a turtle with two heads! Can you believe it!!"
Now that my internet search tells me this is a rare finding, I will have to call the Ministy of Natural Resources and tell them to be on the look out for this strange creature in Fairy Lake!
the eleventh month
I remember my sister saying to me a few years back, once you have a child, your whole life shifts and your outlook changes. You see things from a different perspective and things that normally would build up in your system just won't affect you the same anymore.
Our baby is reaching the eleventh month mark. Yikes! There is something to be said about nearing his first birthday. It really makes me want to cry me a river!
That said. This is what I think right about now.
I have spent enough of my days questioning the true meaning of life. It is here now in the flesh! We have a little miracle of life in our arms, waiting to be nurtured, loved, taught and guided. Our lives are really full. I have to be in this moment with our child. For every minute I may be preoccupied, I miss out. I will not miss out.
My priorities have shifted. I am "in the game". If anything is going to make me take life in a more healthy direction, I have our baby to thank! I have began filtering what matters most. It is a chance to get my butt in motion, clear my headspace, get rid of emotional baggage that is blocking me and be the best person I can be. I love my life. I love our life together!
I could never imagine this baby would impact our lives so beautifully.
The best is yet to be baby boy.
Our baby is reaching the eleventh month mark. Yikes! There is something to be said about nearing his first birthday. It really makes me want to cry me a river!
That said. This is what I think right about now.
I have spent enough of my days questioning the true meaning of life. It is here now in the flesh! We have a little miracle of life in our arms, waiting to be nurtured, loved, taught and guided. Our lives are really full. I have to be in this moment with our child. For every minute I may be preoccupied, I miss out. I will not miss out.
My priorities have shifted. I am "in the game". If anything is going to make me take life in a more healthy direction, I have our baby to thank! I have began filtering what matters most. It is a chance to get my butt in motion, clear my headspace, get rid of emotional baggage that is blocking me and be the best person I can be. I love my life. I love our life together!
I could never imagine this baby would impact our lives so beautifully.
The best is yet to be baby boy.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
sacred space
It is nice to know that no matter where I am, I can take my thoughts with me. They are very portable. I do a lot of pondering. Sometimes too much. Let me tell you though that is can be very productive. I am a deep thinker. I can solve problems, set goals, dream, talk myself through it, reminisce, giggle, worry, vent and so much more!
It is a sacred space I call my thoughts.
It doesn't cost me a penny to visit nor does it ever get too crowded. I love escaping to this special place as often as I can.
I urge you to visit your own sacred space more often. People just don't give themselves the time they deserve to search within. To explore fears, apprehensions, dreams, emotions and experiences.
I often give my hubby the "inside scoop" and other times when I appear distracted he tells me, "can you just pay me some mind for a minute there girl".. meaning, take yourself away from your thoughts for a minute and listen to what I have got to say! Okay and I snap out of it and we both laugh!
It is a sacred space I call my thoughts.
It doesn't cost me a penny to visit nor does it ever get too crowded. I love escaping to this special place as often as I can.
I urge you to visit your own sacred space more often. People just don't give themselves the time they deserve to search within. To explore fears, apprehensions, dreams, emotions and experiences.
I often give my hubby the "inside scoop" and other times when I appear distracted he tells me, "can you just pay me some mind for a minute there girl".. meaning, take yourself away from your thoughts for a minute and listen to what I have got to say! Okay and I snap out of it and we both laugh!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wherever you are
I wonder where you are. If I could tell you how much you changed my life you would be really surprised. I have told my husband about you. He thanks you too!
I was a very vulnerable teenager. I was a challenge to my parents. I was depressed. I was lost. I was on the cusp of rebellion but I didn't have the guts. I just screwed up a lot. I couldn't put a finger on it at the time but something was really missing from my life. Me.
I met you. You were a good, good person. You had your own challenges too but something was different about you. You were stronger, I think. You were one of the most gentle and kind people I have ever met. You were fragile in your own way but you concealed it well. You excelled in most things. A proficient student. A skilled athlete. A volunteer. A friend to many. A lover of animals. A conscientious employee. An acrobat. A leader. A believer. A steadfast young teen with dreams to escape poverty. A son of a mother who was an alcoholic. A son of a father who was absent. A brother of a deceased toddler. A survivor of child abuse. Alone you were.
I didn't know at the time how many odds you had beat already. I didn't know at the time how much I had taken for granted in my own life. I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to have the parents I had. I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to have you in my life. You led me in a different direction. I didn't know at the time how to accept your generosity of heart, your wisdom, your encouragement, your fondness for me. I just didn't know.
Instead, I just mistreated you and let you down like everyone else did in your life.
Your only living relative was your mother. You wanted to pull her out of poverty one day. You wanted to save her. You wanted to make her proud. You did. Only, it was too late for her to be saved. What sadness and tragedy you have experienced.
I am so happy you have found a wife. A mother to your children. A person to love you whole. We were young kids back then but I still remember.
I thank you a hundred times over for believing in me at a time when I didn't believe in myself.
Thank you wherever you are.
I was a very vulnerable teenager. I was a challenge to my parents. I was depressed. I was lost. I was on the cusp of rebellion but I didn't have the guts. I just screwed up a lot. I couldn't put a finger on it at the time but something was really missing from my life. Me.
I met you. You were a good, good person. You had your own challenges too but something was different about you. You were stronger, I think. You were one of the most gentle and kind people I have ever met. You were fragile in your own way but you concealed it well. You excelled in most things. A proficient student. A skilled athlete. A volunteer. A friend to many. A lover of animals. A conscientious employee. An acrobat. A leader. A believer. A steadfast young teen with dreams to escape poverty. A son of a mother who was an alcoholic. A son of a father who was absent. A brother of a deceased toddler. A survivor of child abuse. Alone you were.
I didn't know at the time how many odds you had beat already. I didn't know at the time how much I had taken for granted in my own life. I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to have the parents I had. I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to have you in my life. You led me in a different direction. I didn't know at the time how to accept your generosity of heart, your wisdom, your encouragement, your fondness for me. I just didn't know.
Instead, I just mistreated you and let you down like everyone else did in your life.
Your only living relative was your mother. You wanted to pull her out of poverty one day. You wanted to save her. You wanted to make her proud. You did. Only, it was too late for her to be saved. What sadness and tragedy you have experienced.
I am so happy you have found a wife. A mother to your children. A person to love you whole. We were young kids back then but I still remember.
I thank you a hundred times over for believing in me at a time when I didn't believe in myself.
Thank you wherever you are.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
the corner store
If you were lucky enough to live close to a cool corner store, you gained lots of status when I was a kid. For some friends, it wasn't appealing enough to just visit with them- but if they happened to have a great corner store near-by, I was all over it!! I find that concept hilarious but it's so true.
A trip to the "corner store" was such a magical adventure- especially if your grandparents just stopped by and filled your pocket up with lots of spare change.
The one near my grandmother's was a favourite! We'd walk through and listen to the wooden floors creak beneath us as we would make our presence known at the candy counter! "Two bags please," I would say in a polite but firm little voice. I was all business. I'd hand one to my sister and together, we'd compete on how quickly we could fill our bags up with penny candy! I'd run to the cash register and hand her my fifty cents. This got us an overflowing brown paper bag full of the good stuff! We'd even trade once we got down to the bottom and our bellies weren't feeling so selfish.
We'd wave goodbye to the owner and then my sister would stop quickly in her tracks!
"We forgot the kielbasa, dummy!" We'd both run back to the deli counter and order an arm's length of the famous "Beach Road Kielbasa" for our grandparents. The owner would laugh at us as she handed back the taped package and we'd be on our way.
A trip to the "corner store" was such a magical adventure- especially if your grandparents just stopped by and filled your pocket up with lots of spare change.
The one near my grandmother's was a favourite! We'd walk through and listen to the wooden floors creak beneath us as we would make our presence known at the candy counter! "Two bags please," I would say in a polite but firm little voice. I was all business. I'd hand one to my sister and together, we'd compete on how quickly we could fill our bags up with penny candy! I'd run to the cash register and hand her my fifty cents. This got us an overflowing brown paper bag full of the good stuff! We'd even trade once we got down to the bottom and our bellies weren't feeling so selfish.
We'd wave goodbye to the owner and then my sister would stop quickly in her tracks!
"We forgot the kielbasa, dummy!" We'd both run back to the deli counter and order an arm's length of the famous "Beach Road Kielbasa" for our grandparents. The owner would laugh at us as she handed back the taped package and we'd be on our way.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
"Clean up in Aisle One please"
There is a cashier in me that will always remain. The little girl who loved pulling out canned goods from her aunt's fruit cellar while her sister rung them in was so much fun! I remember those days clearly. We'd take turns playing "customer" and "cashier" but we'd usually fight over the "cashier" role. Of course.
Throughout my teen years, I had various cashier jobs and this time, I actually got paid! Sweet! There was something about ringing the items through, taking money and giving back change, bagging the items and waving good-bye! I really enjoyed those transactions. Sounds funny eh?
You have no idea how excited I was to walk into Zehrs a few years back to find the Self Check-outs! It was my chance to get in the cashier role again but this time with my own groceries! My husband would often get fed up and start walking out of the store while I slowly scanned each item and carefully placed it into the bag. He would insist how much quicker it was to go through the regular check-outs but for me, it wasn't about that!
When I began my search for day-care items, guess what I searched for first? A cash register and some "pretend" produce, vegetables and plastic canned goods! I will often beg the kids to let me have my turn at cashier. I will pick up my pretend speaker phone and announce "Attention Shoppers, it is 9:00 and our store is now closing...." The kids laugh. I make my announcements with my very nasal tone and it makes for one very realistic cashier!
My inner child is here to stay and I am certain this will keep me young!
Throughout my teen years, I had various cashier jobs and this time, I actually got paid! Sweet! There was something about ringing the items through, taking money and giving back change, bagging the items and waving good-bye! I really enjoyed those transactions. Sounds funny eh?
You have no idea how excited I was to walk into Zehrs a few years back to find the Self Check-outs! It was my chance to get in the cashier role again but this time with my own groceries! My husband would often get fed up and start walking out of the store while I slowly scanned each item and carefully placed it into the bag. He would insist how much quicker it was to go through the regular check-outs but for me, it wasn't about that!
When I began my search for day-care items, guess what I searched for first? A cash register and some "pretend" produce, vegetables and plastic canned goods! I will often beg the kids to let me have my turn at cashier. I will pick up my pretend speaker phone and announce "Attention Shoppers, it is 9:00 and our store is now closing...." The kids laugh. I make my announcements with my very nasal tone and it makes for one very realistic cashier!
My inner child is here to stay and I am certain this will keep me young!
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