Comments Of The Day

"Erin, my toy heart is still here, in the back seat of your car. "
"I know, Mir, would you like it back?"
"No, I want it to stay here with you. My heart will keep you safe when you're driving your car."

Conversation between Mir (age 5) and myself this evening.


"You know, if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will forever be banished to the pits of hell. Aren't you afraid of that?"
"I'll take that up with God later, right now I'm more or less concerned about you blocking the entrance to my home."
"God doesn't like your sense of humor."
"And I suppose He sent you to tell me that..."

(At which point African neighbor who I have not yet met ( I told you there were several) opened his door and with thick accent says, "She very nice MIXED girl. Please leave."

I thanked him and felt there was no need to correct him. As I walked up the stairs he headed out to his Lexus (what happened to the 92 prelude?!?!?) he yelled up at me, "I don't care what you say, you've got some black in you..." and got in his car.

Unless my parents have been hiding something from me.......My brother always said I was adopted ;-)

All Things I Need to Know in Life I Learned From My Mom Part II

I previously noted the wonderful teachings of Mags, but was prompted to write more when another "mother" of mine called me Erwin. (Dar, I had completely forgotten about that name until I saw your comment on Julz's blog...

For my previous post please click here

Here are some additional Magisms:

You only have one reputation; protect it. Mothers and daughters can be friends. Don't confuse "I can't" with "I won't." Make lists, and lists of lists if necessary. Don't LOSE the list. Just because everything appears to be organized and in a tabbed folder doesn't mean you can find it when you need it. There is no such thing as a "safe spot." There is nothing graceful about getting old. Just because a person is a paraplegic doesn't mean you can beat them in table tennis. The "Star Spangled Banner" doesn't begin with "Jose Can you see." Everything looks brighter after a "catnap." Don't let your Waterford crystal sit on a shelf and gather dust- use it even if it's only for a spritzer.

If you fall, don't wait for someone to help you get up... especially if it means waiting until the next day. Be independent, people will not line up to wipe your ass when you're old. There is no limit to a mother's love. "Flip the switch" and commit yourself to whatever it is you're doing. You are your own worst critic. Weisgarber women inherently worry about everything. You can teach an old bag new tricks.

Be humble enough to laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. Allow yourself to lean on your friends when needed.

Remember the day-to-day moments you share with the ones you love; when they're gone, this is what will flood your heart with warmth.

Love ya, Mom. Jose singing and all...

I Have Food Issues

Not only has it been noted on blogs, but it is a constant joke amongst my friends and family.

Naturally since I have food issues, I would be enticed to watch a show called "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern."

Some foods (or types) I don't enjoy.

1. Meat of any kind if it is served on a bone. Count me out, I won't it unless social protocol requires it. (ie if I'm a guest in your home, I will cringe through it.)

2. Food that "bursts open" in your mouth (grapes, blueberries etc)

3. Seafood of any kind

4. Tomatoes

5. Mushrooms

6. Beans of ANY kind

7. Milk

The list could go on, but I'll stop short and state there is no amount of money I could receive that would persuade me to eat live bugs or worms. I would do it to save my mother's life, but she'd better live a long time afterward.

Spoof

This is my response to comments I received about the necessity of wearing knee high boots in July.

Pass me my flip-flops, please. :-)

BUT I must confess. I actually had to seek help from the culprit of wearing said boots in order to post this youtube video.

I'm Afraid I can be this Stupid

I have a friend who is a wonderful, sarcastic, unassuming guy who is 15 years my senior. One of my favorite discussions with him went as follows:

"Erin, you know, sometimes when you speak you project some of the most insightful and intelligent ideas and I marvel at how brilliant you can be for such a young age... And then at other times, you are completely clueless to things that should be obvious."

I laughed over this, as it is true. I am a recent owner of the Blackberry Curve. When trying to link my personal email w/ my Blackberry, I stumbled typing my password. I know this is not correct to say, but I have 3 passwords that I use, and I've had them each for 10 or more years. Why is it when I was trying to sync my email, I inappropriately capitalized a letter OVER 20 TIMES! After my 5th attempt, I started keeping track. It went even so far as me going to my regular computer and being completely dumbfounded becuase I could access it on my PC.

Oh God, I'm turning into my mother. In all other accounts, that's a good thing... but not here.

I Must Be Missing a Gene

I've had an interesting week. In spite of being under heavy deadlines and stress at work, I managed to squeeze in some personal time with my friends. I firmly believe laughter can be the best therapy, but admittedly, I have left both evenings with 2 different social groups feeling slightly puzzled.

It boils down to me being a single woman; a title I relish. Several times this week when I unabashedly answered, "No, I'm not married, nor am I looking to get married in the near future," I heard, "Don't worry, the Right One will come along," or, "You just haven't found the right person yet."

Here's where I'm just going to open up and sound off....

Under what impression are you insinuating my life will not be enriched nor will I be truly blessed unless I get married? Does it look like I define myself by whether or not a ring adorns the 4th finger on my left hand? Where is it written that the successes, hopes, dreams, and happiness of my life will be determined by the cut, clarity, carat, or color of a diamond?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-marriage/relationship, whatever. In fact, I'm open to the idea... But I refuse to believe if it doesn't happen for me, I'm going sit back and reflect on my time on earth and say, "Boy, my life would have been so much more fulfilling if I'd only gotten married..." And I find it condescending when people try to assure me it will happen... someday. It makes me feel they believe my life to be lacking--which then leads me down the path of feeling judged. I know it's a stretch, and perhaps this is a tender issue for me, but I don't need people to feel sorry for me. I am a happy successful woman who is blessed with wonderful friendships, 742 trump cards, and a family who is ever -present in just about every faction of my life. I know what it is to feel treasured, loved and cherished, and I know how to reciprocate. Enough said.

This brings me to my second night... Perhaps it's ME, who's not cut out for this marriage thing. I sat and listened to 2 of my friends, both of whom are married, talk about their spouses. One was a male and one a female. I understand relationships are all about compromise, but all I heard tonight was insecurity, mistrust and ultimatums... And both profess to be happily married. What was even more ironic is they sought advice from me. I was told that by remaining single, I still have every shred of rationale and logical reasoning which tends to float out the window once vows are exchanged. I laughed and dispensed the best advice I knew... COMMUNICATE... to which I received blank stares. This is inconceivable to me. I mean, you have selected this person to be your LIFE PARTNER, your sole mate... what do you mean you can't communicate? I'm sure this is inexperience here, but I thought the whole point of marriage was to have someone walk with you during your journey through life... A partner, or teammate to share in the experience. If communication fails, so does everything else, right?

My head began to hurt. I don't know if it was the several glasses of wine or the heap of contradictions being tossed on my plate. I left, thankful to be going home alone and comforted in knowing I only have to be accountable to and for myself.

And You Thought WV Was Bad...

As Noted from Central Ohio's "Alternative" News Source..