Just Say No

It took me approximately 30 years of growing up for me to tell people "no". No, I can't, no thank you, no, don't really want to. Family was the hardest to say no to, especially my mother as I so wanted to please her....at my own expense. Didn't know it at the time, but she wasn't impressed, just self centered. It was also difficult to say "no" to the opposite sex because we as women, we all know that when you say "NO', it means time for negotiations and let the mind games begin. The world doesn't take no for an answer very well either. How could I be so selfish, so not a team player.

I thought I could do everything. Control everything....be liked and at the same time be nice and kind. I've seen that saying that states, " don't confuse my kindness for a weakness". That was me....so I thought. Nurture this person, nurture that person, do this, do that, fix this, go here, can you please?, I knew you would come through...but I couldn't do it anymore. I came to the realization that I came first and that saying yes to everyone and everything just brought on resentment, guilt and frustration and worse....not taking care of myself.

Which is why I am teaching my college living daughter to "just say no". NO...it's not to drugs, although that would be alright too. It's just say "no" to whomever and whatever that makes you uncomfortable, tired, off schedule and just plain crazy. Through our recent talks it seems that time has started to repeat itself. So, I tell her what no one bothered to tell me....It's OK to say NO! NO, I can't go to dinner, NO, I don't want a boyfriend, NO, I need to study and NO...I just don't want to....

I told her that if at anytime she didn't want my opinion, advice or 2 cents, that she is to tell me NO thanks.........I'm Just Sayin'

Little Big Man

Today is my #1 grandson's 9th Birthday. I wasn't there when he was born as I was at a funeral....ironic, I know...that's a whole other entry. But anyways, as our tradition goes, on each of my grandsons birthday day, I take them to any store and buy them anything (in moderation) that they want and in doing so, enjoying some one on one grandson Nana time. Over the years we've had some pretty good conversations...today's was no exception...


Me.........So, how's 4th grade?

Him........pretty good!

Me...... Any girlfriends yet?

Him..... No...but that will come in time I guess.

Me...... Do you like any girl?

Him......No...but you know Nana, the girls that like me chase me and bother me. That means
they like me.

Me.....ya know, your right!

Him.....I just can't figure out women.

Me.......and you never will

Him......ahhhh man!

Vintage Wreath

Being that I have a little more spare time on my hands, I've been a little busy bee here in Santa's Work Shoppe. Among many other items, I've created a vintage wreath using very old pattern paper. If your interested, here's how I did it...If your not...look at the pretty pictures.


I started with vintage patterns

and cut them into squares....you decide the size

then you fold them using the fan technique and secure them with whatever you have...I used raffia because I couldn't find my twine

it makes one of those "Old Skool" wedding flowers....remember?

I attached a ribbon and proceeded to glue gun them to a Styrofoam wreath. It actually looked pretty good as is.....

but I took it a step further....I sprayed the tips turquoise

and added some glitter

and Voila'...
a Sparkly and Turquoise Vintage Wreath. Super easy to make.
I'm Just Sayin'

School of Burlesque

I see a lot of inappropriate clothing at work and we are usually on it, but today this one slipped through the cracks...

This is where P.E shorts come in handy.....I'm Just Sayin'

The Blog Doesn't Fall Far....

Well, I'm a little surprised. Raquel was given an assignment in her Ag. Communications class and it was to create a blog. Out of my two daughters, I'd say that Meredith was more like me, but now I'm seeing a little more of me in the younger one. I asked her permission if I could put this on MY blog and she said "Go for It"...so I am.

If your interested in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animals, Nutrition or just plain nosy like I am most of the time OR....If you care about me and my well being and state of mind...go check it out....HERE

And if you really really want to...you can follow her. She's kinda easy to know...I'm just sayin'

It's SLO Time

Everything went perfectly. Not only is this school highly organized, but everyone was so cheerful and happy. We met up with some friends who's son is also going here. Raquel is doing good. I'd be doing good too if I was hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, doing yoga, biking, going to dances.....etc. She loves her roommates and she's getting ready for classes to start on Monday. It was not a pretty sight as we left, but I do feel better now that we've talked. Now I gotta figure out this me and hubby thing....I'm just sayin'

A Change is Gonna Come

I have been dreading this post. It's been on my mind for a while now and I've tried to come up with something clever and witty, but all I get in my head is sadness. I shouldn't be sad. I should be happy, upbeat and positive and I am...but I'm sad too, perhaps I'm many things, least of all....worried.

We are on our way to SLO and I'm sure we are laughing and singing in the car mixed in with a few words of wisdom from me and Eric, but I know my family, I know my daughter and I know myself. There will be an underlining feeling of sadness and the "not knowing" of what the future will bring. But when I think about it, this is what she has worked so hard for...This IS the future...it is happening NOW. I don't have to tell you all the work, effort and time she has put in to get to this place, nor do I have to pledge my love and pride I have...but this time has come way too fast.

And so, with all this said and done, here we are, taking the next step in hopes that everything will turn out alright and it probably will.