Actual Sentences Said to Me

This has been a weird year and we're only three quarters of the way through it.

It started in January when the Belle made it clear, in actions and in words, that she was done. She wanted to die and I believe she willed herself to die.

The Captain was a lost sailor without her. He would often tell me or the husband that he wanted to die. He did.

A friend told me that she's reevaluating her life and doesn't need friends.

My father said he wasn't feeling well. In my opinion, he was receiving inadequate medical care. I jumped in and now I'm sure my parents want to knock me out of the way.

The husband told me the other night that we need a new adventure. I'm not sure what planet he comes from but my life is already an adventure. I want him healthy and happy. I want my parents healthy. I want the baby to excel in college. I want my girlfriends to be able to take a deep breath without worrying about children, parents, grandchildren, etc.

Someone said to me, "I don't like your husband sometimes." If there's a person that you like 100 percent, all the time -- my bet is that you don't know that person very well.

What Choices Will She Make?

I spend a fair amount of time thinking about the daughter. She lives in another state and our communications are limited to email and phone. (Although, she and her father have mastered texting each other.) Still, there's nothing like the warm embrace and the familiar comfort of the hug. I took a million of them while she was home for Christmas. She probably felt a little smothered. I hope she felt the love.

She is happily in love and we are thrilled for her. Then I do the life comparison and realize that I had worn more than one wedding dress by the time I was in her stage of life. (Not a recommended path!) I did not birth children but I know she plans to do so. As if this was any of my business, I wonder when? Am I so conservative that I would expect her to be married? If there was a little grandbaby in the picture, would I care?

We embraced the decision for her to move away, have her adventures and get out of Dodge. The husband did it and I wish I had done it as a young person. Yet, I'm selfish and now I like it best when we're all in the same city.

The oldies do not understand. She is their eldest grandchild and they are a bit perplexed with her choices. Not married? What is she waiting for? No children yet?

Education has been a focal point. She has far surpassed her father, her mother and me with degrees in hand. So far, the best use of those degrees is something she struggles with and we less-educated people can only advise. Like all parents, we just want her to be happy.

Adventuresome People

There must be a certain gene that makes people look at physical challenges with a gleam in their eyes. I missed that gene. I'm a 'fraidy cat. Scientists will probably discover a vaccine for it but I'm guessing it won't be in my lifetime. I wouldn't take it anyway -- I prefer to watch.

Ann Curry (The Today Show) has been broadcasting from Antarctica this week. It took approximately 10 or so tries for her to be able to go to the South Pole. Weather can change in a nanosecond and planes cannot land. She made it yesterday. She is earthy and beautiful, regardless of the situation. She looks good in a war zone or in a parka when it's 50 degrees below zero. I've never cared for her interview style -- she's a little too gushy for me -- but I sure do admire her spirit. I've watched her handle every assignment, from bungee jumping to sky diving, from flying faster than the speed of sound to whatever is thrown at her next. As someone said this morning, "If they offered to send her to the moon, she would go." I'm always incredulous at her willingness to do whatever.

I remind myself that the father-in-law was a pilot in WWII and he was shot down. He wasn't doing it for the thrill -- he did it for our country.

My biggest physical challenge is walking a dog who is stronger than I. I prefer the mental challenges.

Some things, like climbing Mt. Everest, seem absurd to me. Then I get a little perturbed when my tax dollars are used to send the rescue teams out.

My life is already an adventure without seeking additional thrills.