crazy mama

Genderless toy aisles, George Carlin and raising my boy

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ Leave a comment

It seems lately George Carlin is running back through my head again. I like remembering George and all of his rants and insights.

I loved his creativity of being able to convey and articulate his thoughts and views into monologues that were not only hysterically funny, but also made you think.

So often now we have everyone being politically correct so they don’t “offend” groups of people. I understand that some PC is needed; however it really gets out of hand for some things.

A perfect example, in my humble opinion, is the “genderless” toy aisles at Target. No more pink and blue to” jump” out at you as to make you go to one aisle or the other. Now you just wander up and down the aisles looking for that certain toy. I do wonder if they are going to just put a bland background as I still see all the pink Barbie stuff and the My Little Pony sets aren’t exactly oozing with “gender neutral” colors. Neither are the Ninja Turtles or Jurassic World toys. I have to wonder does it really matter?

My son who is 5 and very much a boy will sometimes, when I let him in the toy department, cruise up and down all of the isles of toys as he wants to see what there is. He often stops at the Doc McStuffins section as he loves the show and I have no problem with him imagining being a vet or doctor. It does not matter to me that Doc McStuffins is a girl or that the majority of the toys are pink and it doesn’t matter to him either. We look at everything including the little kid toys. We talk about what he likes and what you

We wander down most of the aisles when I allow him to go into that department. Seriously, when we go to a super Target or if I have to go to Walmart instead of the local grocer, there is no going to check out the toy department unless there is extra time, and there is an agreement sealed in blood that he will not ask for Anything. Period, nothing, nada.

Life is challenging enough and he has to learn you don’t get a treat just for going into a store that sells toys. I don’t get a treat for going to get the basics.

Not to say we don’t have fun or I don’t give him a “treat”,

Here, hold your go-gurt and be happy! Oh look, the good string cheese! You can totally hold that whilst we cruise the store to get the things we need.

We have wants and we have needs.

We do not need a toy. We need milk and cheese. Sometimes we need ice cream so we have that stocked too. It doesn’t mean that he gets ice cream all the time either, or popcorn. Yes we have it if needed, sometimes as a dessert and sometimes just because we want it.

Maybe I see things differently now because of him. I have always tried to be aware of how others are and be considerate of others without leaving out who I am. I admit I now tone myself down a bit. Just a tish, but not too much.

He watches me and studies how I react and view things. It’s kind of freaky and I am still in shock they just let me take him home after I had him. “Here you go! Have fun with him and try not to screw him up too bad!” No manual or instructions. It isn’t easy but it’s worth every second.

I guess that’s why teaching him empathy and compassion are top priority for me. Along with a dash of sarcasm and how to handle it when life isn’t as fabulous as we would like it to be. And always about love. No matter what.

As far as being PC, we will just have to see what the situation is.

And for me, I am always keeping hope alive!

 

sweet sleep

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ Leave a comment

sleep

So many nights I wish for sleep and though my body and being is tired, sometimes exhausted more than usual, I cannot sleep.

I can close my eyes and my mind goes. It’s like a movie that changes from scene to scene every few seconds. Maos.

Sleep restores the body and soul.

Sometimes it is so hard to just slow my mind and make my body completely relax. I get so keyed up and often for no reason. Okay I admit, I do a lot of “my things” at night after everyone is in bed and often my brain is more creative and flexible. I can usually get things done and go right into REM pretty darn quick because I most likely will have to be up for something!

I usually can just fall asleep because I know sleep is precious and it heals and helps me. If a situation calls to be dealt with the next day, I can usually handle what I can and then go to bed and pass out.

mothers no sleep

Maybe it’s one of the side effects of having a child but when he’s sleeping and it’s late and I know I have to get both of us up in the morning, I will sleep. If I know I have to be at work or get something done I go to sleep as early as I can, like by 11-ish cause I am a night owl, because I am Not a morning person.

I can be cordial and polite, heck I can even get things accomplished and be around other people without saying something rude early in the mornings but oh it’s so much easier and better with just a little sleep!

So my wish for everyone today is to get some fabulous sleep in because believe me it’s precious! I need sleep in order to live better!

Keep Hope Alive!

Oh and I put this little gem on my nightstand, a bit of artwork from the boy that just speaks to me!

FullSizeRender

 

What a fabulously strange trip it is!

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ 1 Comment

road tripping

Sometimes you just need a road trip on this journey of life.

For me, I need to recharge and refuel and I love taking the boy with me when I can. Something about driving and the sound of the tires on the pavement, sometimes conversation or not, maybe a bit of music or at times even the silence just soothes us both. I love that he shares this with me as sometimes I need to just go. As he is an extension of me, I do love taking him and seeing life through his eyes.

life adventure helen keller

This weekend the boy and I are taking a mini road trip to visit my hos his aunties and the boy is beyond excited.

I mean the kid had a pretty fabulous Christmas break with family, fun, gifts, food, late nights, Star Wars and all kinds of great things that he has talked non-stop about since the holidays.

However, Monday I told him we were going to visit the aunties in the ATL and he about lost his mind! He has literally counted down the days and asked if tomorrow is the day. He is so geeked to go that Wednesday night when he went back to karate and they asked him what was one of the best things that happened over the holidays or what gift did you love or family time, etc. my child responds. “I’m going to see my auntie Juuuuudiiiii in Atlanta and it’s always a ParTeeeeee!!!!!” Parents looked over at me and I just smiled as I am trying to explain, in whispers, to his other grandmother what he was talking about.

In his excitement of going he shares bits and pieces of his thoughts with others. Like his mother, he may sound a little crazy. (Hey, I admit my crazy!)

Case in point, “Auntie Juuuuuudi’s house is like Disneyland. I never been there, to Disneyland, before but I know it’s way awesome so her house is like that! With lots of dogs and drums and movies and toys and food! They always play with me there. They like me over there. Yeah, it’s cause I’m cute too, but I love them and they love me. Plus Auntie Rex always gets me gifts and I love her and we stay at her house cause there’s too many puppies, like that song you sing mommy, at auntie Juuuudiiii’s and auntie Jodi will die if we stay there cause I may be stinky or like that phoid mary lady that brings death if the wind blows wrong. Auntie Rex has cute puppies but only 2 and she has tiny little things she lets me Touch!” That is all pretty much said in about 2 breaths and he’s grinning from ear to ear. It also makes it sound a bit bizarre to anyone not knowing our friends. The boy talking about being in the Dark Army. Yeah, good times! Just not as easy to explain to some people who have no humor or maybe morals, I don’t know. Hasn’t messed him up yet!

IMG_7926

I know that those girls love me no matter what is going on. That they love my boy I have no question. They went through so many of my life challenges with me and they know what a miracle he is. Because 2 out of 4, now 5 plus, have one boy each and those “babies” are now considered “adults” and it still throws me because you think they will be young forever and then it seems like overnight they are grown and making adult decisions and  sometimes it is overwhelming! One day you’re playing with their kids and you blink and their 6’ “kid” is playing with your baby and it just throws me. For my bebe shower they made me a cake that said “Better you than me!” and that meant the world to me! They meant every word with emphasis and feeling!

We have shared so much together that raising my kid now, even thought I am a state away,  just seems normal to me.

john lennon friends i get by

Plus like me, the boy loves a road trip! Short, long, it doesn’t matter I’ve been taking him on road trips since he was a month old.

It’s been too long and it is time.

Take the chances while you can and live your life!

You never know what tomorrow will bring so enjoy what you have while you can.

Always, keep hope alive!

 

Happy Birthday Elvis and have a fabulous Friday!

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ 1 Comment

amazing friday

We have made it! The first Friday of the 2016 work week is officially here! If you are reading this that means you made it and you are alive!

Speaking of alive, Happy Birthday Elvis!

In case you have no clue, today would have been Elvis’ 81st birthday. Being from the south, Elvis is a big deal and I know many people who will be making their yearly pilgrimage to Graceland to celebrate The King’s Birthday. To those folks, I wish you safe travels and one a heck of a party.

If you have never been to Graceland, I suggest you take the time out to go. It is an experience! It’s strange and a bit weird to me; however I thoroughly enjoyed my adventures there. It was one of those, “Well we’ve never been why not go?” kind of trips and it turned out to be a fun experience. Seeing how well preserved everything is and how much went into making Graceland a true iconic landmark makes the trip worthwhile. I mean the man was creative, I will give him that! You can see the extravagance lavished on his home and grounds. Of course there are areas that are closed to the public and of course I wanted to go into them. Of course access was denied. Party poopers! But I do recommend a trip to Memphis to visit Graceland and heck, a trip down Beale Street for some fabulous food and spirits. I mean if you’re there, why not?!

This feels like an adventure Friday no matter what responsibilities may be placed upon you. It’s like one of those going-into-the-unknown-but-I-know-it-will-be-fabulous Fridays! Yeah, that feeling!

The Keep Hope Alive No Matter What kind of day!

Not going to let stress or drama get me down, today is going to be a fantastic day! And after all, 81 years ago today a King was born.

Happy Birthday Elvis Presley!

elvis the king

*may I advise that you Google Elvis Presley videos, they are awesome! There were too many for me to choose just one from. He is the King of Rock & Roll!

 

Bring back the capes!

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ 2 Comments

superhero capes

The boy and I were discussing superheroes the other morning on the way to school. It seems that “Carley”, one of the “older” kids being 6, told the boy that superheroes aren’t real because no one really wears a cape. Therefore, no one could be a real superhero.

Little man was a bit upset by this revelation and I informed him that just because Carley was in school, that certainly did not make her an expert on superheroes. In fact, I bet she got a bit of coal in her stocking for telling kids a big fat story! How dare she say there were no superheroes?

We began the obvious list of superheroes: police officers, soldiers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, caregivers and the like. We named people we knew and pointed out others we didn’t. The man that let us get in front of him became a hero so we could make it to school on time. The older kid at school who stuck up for the younger kids that some other kids were being mean to. Every day superheroes.

“But mommy,” the boy began, “no one wears a cape! What about superheroes with capes like Batman and Superman? Even Super Girl has a cape! You even have a red cape mommy and you’re my superhero!” Yes, at this point I would have bought the kid a 5 pound bag of Skittles as he knows the way to my heart!

I realized he had a point. Most superheroes wear capes. At least in his 5 year old boy mind in order to be a “real” superhero you have to wear a cape.

Although, it is hard to be a doctor, nurse, soldier, police officer or fire fighter and wear a cape. There could be hazards to wearing a cape in say, a fire. Of course, if the cape is fire resistant then that could work, but it still wasn’t something worn daily.

The bad guys could grab the policeman’s cape unless they sprayed it with magic spray and when they grabbed at it, the cape would wrap around the bad guys arms like cuffs. That idea was actually pretty cool once you get past the magic spray that binds it together.

He still isn’t convinced that doctors and nurses couldn’t wear capes on a regular basis. Again with the magic spray so it doesn’t get in the way.

When he asked me if he could be a superhero when he grows up and wear a cape I told him, “Absolutely!” I mean, why not? I want him to do whatever makes him happy and where he doesn’t end up in jail or on drugs. Although wearing a cape as an adult may make folks think he is on drugs but that is an issue for later. For now, he wants to be a Batman/Ninja Turtle/Power Ranger/Jedi Knight type of superhero who helps people and kicks bad guy booty. He wants mommy to make his cape from magic and love so that it will “defeat anything”. He believes with all of his 5 year old little boy heart that this is possible. As his mommy I will let him believe it and achieve it. I mean there are worse dreams to have!

Keep Hope Alive!

I say bring back the capes, Superheroes! We could all use a cape now and then!

Life can always be crazier so just smell someone’s eyeball

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ 1 Comment

Lesson 1: Never question how much crazier can life get. 98% of the time, in my world, it gets that much crazier.

This is a basic rule of life that I know. I know not to ask, “What next?” or “How much more?” because there will always be something next and definitely more or whatever maos is happening in my land. Life doesn’t stop. It changes, but it doesn’t stop.

Of course, in my world, there is Murphy as in Murphy’s Law. Murphy makes sure I keep it real or better yet I remember I have no choice to keep it real.

It seems lately I keep seeing a side of humanity I wish I could forget. The side that makes promises and maybe even says all of the right things but then doesn’t deliver on their promises. It is quite irritating.

I will think I have things in order and organized for the day to flow. Then Murphy or irritating human steps in and things go to the proverbial hell in a hand basket in the blink of an eye. While it would be so easy for me to get angry or even flip out on said person or situation, I have learned to go with the flow and even find the humor.

For example, I had several appointments yesterday and for the most part, everyone showed up. There were a few who called and had to cancel for various reasons. But I still had 4 that didn’t call or show up. This would be adults who are cognitive and allegedly intelligent. In fact, there was a pre-screen prior to the appointments made to cut back on the no call/no shows because it really chafes my booty. 2 of them were being hired, as in getting a job they said they “desperately needed.” Those two had already been through the interview process and background check. It was filling out the paperwork and then they could start working! It wasn’t as if they had been waiting months! And I had spoken to them both the previous day to confirm they would be there as there is more for me to do so that they can start working. I have enough to do without doing 30 extra minutes of work to set someone up who all but begged me to work.

About the point I was seriously about to start dropping the F bombs, I remembered 2 things. One is how my word of the year is Creative. I immediately thought of about 10 different ways to use the F bomb creatively!

Then I thought about the boy. I started laughing. I couldn’t stop laughing because I was thinking about him telling me to, “smell his eyeball”. He says my eyeballs smell like playdoh. Really, how can you lose you cool when you are laughing about your eyeballs smelling like playdoh?!

I had found a way to creatively defuse my anger by making myself recall a comical conversation that I had with my boy. I am sure I didn’t seem sane to my boss… I most likely dropped a few colorful phrases prior to my finding a way to calm me down. After the day I had I know he understood my frustrations. I am not so sure he sees me as sane after the laughing fit though!

I know it isn’t always that easy to calm yourself, but every time I felt myself getting angry, I used the “your eyeballs smell like playdoh” moment in my mind and I couldn’t help but smile.

So I guess I am saying always find the positive.

Always remember to keep hope alive!

And see if you can smell someone’s eyeball, I am curious if anyone else thinks they smell like playdoh!

Have a fabulous day!

I think a George Carlin Tuesday is needed

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ Leave a comment

One day down people! We have now made it to Tuesday! We should have some sort of celebration! Not the middle of the week yet, but Monday is now behind us.

I can hear George Carlin in my head, “Holy Shit it’s only Tuesday!” I miss George. My kid has shoes with lights in them… I remember when those shoes were the “new thing” and his whole rant about them! Golly if he were alive today would he have a field day with everything going on in the world! I would be in hysterics laughing as I truly loved that man and could totally relate with his assessment of life. I remember seeing him live at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. It was Fabulous!

There is so much madness and things beyond maos in this world. Listening to George’s views on life and how people were screwing up, politicians, celebrities and the common man, no one can beat his spot on humor and brutal honesty. I really do miss him!

Especially after the wild Monday I had. I mean it wasn’t “horrid”, however I was on the phone all day and I would seriously rather see a female doctor for hours than be on the phone all day. I know weird, a woman who doesn’t like to be on the phone all day! It’s so bad when I leave work, I have absolutely no desire to call anyone. And there are people I really do want to talk to! I just find myself giving the phone the stink eye when it isn’t the fault of the phone. Kind of a “don’t kill the messenger” situation. *shudders*

I am grateful I have a job, really I am. I just get tired of being on the phone! I was on call all weekend and it’s like on Monday once that’s over, I want to throw any phone, far, far away from me! I look at is as at least it isn’t as bad as several years back I daily weighed the pros and cons of tossing my phone onto the interstate while driving! Those hate them but need them devices!

I think I will go watch some George today. I need a good laugh and a reminder to open my eyes, find the humor and get through it with laughter and creatively!

I hope you all have a wonderful day and never forget:

KEEP HOPE ALIVE!

 

 

 

Let’s do this Monday and in context please!

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ 3 Comments

monday 2016

Welcome to the first Monday of 2016!

We are officially here and all up into the New Year whether we want to or not!

Lately I have been noticing more and more people taking things out of context. This is not only with me but with others as well.

People can take a portion out of a book, a conversation, an article and twist it to try and make their point. Often people take context out of the Bible to bolster their beliefs and feelings. This is something that I see far too often and is extremely frustrating to deal with.

What I don’t understand is when you go back and read over, replay or try to connect with this person regarding said topic, they attempt to stand their ground when it is clear as mud that said topic was taken out of context.

In fact, it can make things more confusing and convoluted by taking something out of context yet some people find it easier to use for manipulation or to try and control a situation.

It’s interesting to note that, for the majority of situations, when you confront a person whose needs are more about deceit and ill gain, that they will argue to the end of time about how they are right and you are wrong.

The other folks, me included, once realized something was taken out of context, will re-evaluate the information and, for the most part, admit it does alter the meaning and the message. We then work to communicate on making sure the matter is cleared up.

I try to always take the time to make sure the information is all of the facts or just portion of the facts. Whether it be regarding work, relationships or general situations, I do my best to understand the full scope of what is being said or going on. Too many mistakes can be made from jumping to conclusion or over-reacting.

Monday’s can be a challenge as it is.

How about we all try to just get through this day without pulling a bunch of crap out of context? How about we work to be a bit nicer than normal because it’s the first Monday of the New Year and why not set the pace on a positive step?

Maybe it will start a habit of being nicer on Mondays. Couldn’t hurt!

monday not bad

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday!

Keep Hope Alive!

 

 

Fabulous Creative-ish Sunday

~ gracelessnessover40 ~ Leave a comment

creativity is contagious

Happy Sunday my Fabulously Graceless Friends!

I hope your New Year holiday weekend has gone fabulously and that today you get rest, as Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest!

I know that I will get some rest and of course my OCD self will finish at least one more project! But really, I am working to make my Sundays a day of rest, spending time with loved ones or something creative. It can be all three as long as it’s relaxing!

I am really working with my creative/creativity being my daily motivation. One of the fabulous bloggers I follow suggested that I do a vision board. At first I wasn’t sure, but the more I think about it, positive reminders and reinforcement could only make it better.

I will say that just choosing to take action in my life and Be Creative daily has already made a difference for me. Yes, I know we are only 3 days into the New Year, but for me, it’s working! I will keep you all updated as to how it works out for me.

For those new to my blog, I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I was however, very motivated by a lovely lady, to choose a word/phrase in lieu of the resolutions. I chose Creative/Creativity.

I have read a few “creative” phrases and written the words out. For me, that’s like bringing something to life. I feel like I am chanting it in my head, like a meditation of sorts. Like I am turning and observing from every angle possible.

Creativity can be used in every aspect of life from personal to professional. I like thinking of using it when I get into a situation that I would rather not face and knowing I already have the heart of creativity running through my veins – it means I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will find a way to get through it. Creatively and productively.

Of course I always Keep Hope Alive!

It’s just how I roll.

I hope you all have a fantastically, fabulous Sunday!

Mentally get ready for the first full week of 2016… we are going to rock this year!