Grandma

Now that the key people in Katie and Matt's life have heard the announcement, I can blog about being a Grandma-to-be.

First, let me say that when people say "Congratulations! You're going to be a Grandma!" I start looking around to see who they're talking to. Could I possible be old enough to be the recipient of that message? Apparently so. As with all things in life, nothing ever comes your way when you feel you're ready for it.

That being said, and no offense to any other grandmothers, but I'm going to be the best grandmother EVER. How could I not be? I had the best examples - my two grandmothers and my own Mom. Let me share what they taught me that I think is important about being a grandmother.

Grandmama Stan taught me to save old toys because grandkids are suckers for old toys - especially when they come down out of the attic. She was also the master at knowing all the details of our lives. I couldn't believe it when, as a young adult, I found out that she was writing my work schedule down on her calendar. Tradition is important. And, she taught me to share wisdom with little ones - even when they don't want to hear it.

Grandmama Hezzie taught me to be young and happy. She was my best friend. I probably drove her crazy by going to her house every single day, but she never let on. She always acted happy to see me. She taught me to teach your grandkids what you know. Take your shoes off and wade in the river. Eat figs right off the fig tree on your way back from the river. Lie on the grass every day to get a daily dose of Vitamin E.Love your grandkids for who they are - thick glasses, frizzy hair, braces, and all.

And my own Mom taught me to just let go of all the rules you had for your own kids and relax a little. It's OK if your grandchild sits on the counter while you're making dinner or wants to eat all the sugar birthday letters off the cake at once. I couldn't believe the first time she let one of my kids sit on the table. Wow, we never got away with that!! Read, read, read to them - making all the voices and sound effects. And send a book for every birthday and Christmas present.

I don't know how I'll live up to such great examples, but I'm sure excited to try. And if I can wrap my Grandmas and my mom up into one Grandma package I truly am going to be the best Grandma ever. I can't wait to get started.

Yard Sale

Two summers ago I had a big yard sale which was very successful, but I had lots of stuff left over. Seeing that it was all set up on tables in the garage, I decided to leave it set up since setting up a yard sale is A LOT of work (and doesn't pay well), then have another yard sale in a couple of weeks.

For two years - yes, two years - we've been parking in the middle of all that stuff.

So, today I finally had the second yard sale. It wasn't very profitable - only $60.00 but the best part is I got motivated to rid ourselves of tons of things that, after two postings on e-bay and two yard sales, had not sold. My objective was to get rid of EVERYTHING. (Except Kent and the cats.)

And I learned some things in the process, so let me share with you new wisdoms and some old things that I had forgotten.

1. People who do e-bay are CRAZY. My yard sale started at 7:00 am. At 6:40 am I walked out into the garage and I could hear voices outside. Yes, they were waiting. Honestly, I was afraid to open the garage door but I figured I couldn't just ignore them, so I let them in. I felt like the Queen of England making her appearance to the crowds. Up came the door - slowly and stately - and there I appeared standing in the middle of tables full of fun little vintage items and collectibles that they couldn't wait to get their e-baying paws on. They literally came running in and starting grabbing stuff. I don't even think they looked at what they were buying. They were just happy to get it before the next guy did. Works for me.

2. Some people aren't very personable early in the morning. As people came strolling into my garage I was so lively and happy - "Good morning!!" I'd chirp. They wouldn't even look at me. (I guess not making eye contact with me means I don't exist in their world and they're not obligated to buy anything out of a sense of just being nice to someone they just met.) "How are y'all this morning" I'd sing. It was unbelievable that I was met with not only deathly silence but averted eyes as well. Fine. You want to be rude? Go ahead. But you'd better be getting ready to buy something while you're doing it.

3. When you're old you can get away with stuff. While I was eating a lovely fried egg and piece of toast as I marketed my wares, this nice little grandma lady and her daughter were looking around. I'm munching away and she walks up to me with two quarters to pay me for a little purse she wanted. Did she hand it to me? No. She PUT IT ON MY PLATE. Right between the egg and the toast. Uh.....OK. Then she found something else she wanted and put three quarters - you guessed it. ON MY PLATE. And you know what I did? Smiled sweetly and said "thank you"! Maybe she thought it was like a collection plate at church or something. Like I said, when you're old you can get away with stuff.

4. Guys at the D.I. (thrift store) are very long suffering. Remember that it was my goal to get rid of everything - one way or the other. So I had to take three loads to the D.I. As I pulled into the drop-off line for the third time the guy just looked at me with the vague look of recognition on his face. I got out of the car, smiled sweetly, and assured him this was my last load. I asked him if he was almost done for the day. His unsmiling response: "No". That's it - just "no". Honestly, if I'd had a fourth load I don't think I could have faced him again. It would just have to wait.

So now my garage is clean. I'm feeling a little lost without all my little treasures out there but I'm sure I'll learn to get along without it. And, it's not too late to find new treasures at someone else's yard sale next weekend.

Oh, wait. I guess getting rid of stuff so you can get more stuff kind of defeats the purpose. Maybe I'd better go lie down until the feeling goes away.