ScooterGranny
 
  My Profile  
 
  About Me  
 
  My Photos  
 
  My Videos  
 
  My Journals  
AARP Member
Offline
Background
Birthday: November 4
Gender: Female
Location:
Colorado
United States
    My Bookmarks (1)
    My Comments (55)
    My Scores (5)

About Me

My nom de'plume says a bit about me. I am a Colorado native and myy DH and I live in Western Colorado with several furry and feathered friends. Between us we have three sons, two wonderful daughter-in-laws and one granddaughter. I currently work for a local community college. I had a scooter, a Yamaha C3, but recently traded that in for a Honda Shadow Spirit 750. I may be going through my second or third childhood. It remains to be see, but we are enjoying life.

Interests:
My kids and their families, my animals, dogs, cats, birds, camping, travel, riding my motorcycle, working on my computer.
More About Me

My Photos (20)

All My Photos

My Videos (0)

This user does not have any videos.
All My Videos

My Journals (10)

Thinking about Christmas . .

I have been thinking about Christmas. Honestly, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, but the commercials on TV have gotten me thinking. Unfortunately, I guess they work. Argh!   At any rate, my DH and I talked this weekend about budgets for Christmas spending. This is something we do not necessarily see eye-to-eye on and in years past have agreed to disagree. Translation: I won.   However this year is a bit different. He retired this year so our family budget has taken a hit. I know I am not alone in this. Many people have lost jobs in this rough economy.

Please understand that my DH is the frugal one. I am not. I wish I were, but, particularly when it comes to Christmas, I tend to fall for the commercial glitz and glamour. This does not make me proud. I love what Christmas is REALLY about and each year I vow that this year will be different, not so commercial, and not striving for the Martha Stewart level of perfection in decorating and dinners.  I usually don’t succeed and drive myself crazy with the trying.
In thinking about Christmas this weekend I am determined to make this Christmas different. The economy is one reason and there are some others. In years past those in our immediate family have agreed not to exchange gifts – my idea because I know that money is tight for everyone. However, I did not follow the plan. In some cases I even went above what was done previously. I was thrilled when gifts were opened by those I love to find the “perfect” expensive trinket I picked out for them. While they thanked me, I think they felt a bit betrayed. I wasn’t playing fair.
This year, I made the suggestion that we talk about the gift giving ritual and maybe come up with some alternatives while we are together at Thanksgiving. One of my sons agreed and came back with some great alternatives. However, the email came with the admonition that “Mom, you have to commit to what we decide.” I proceeded to begin to shoot off a response that I was the Mom and that I was exempt.   But I stopped.   And now I struggle with this. 
There is one other thing that you must understand.   I HATE shopping!!!   Most of my shopping is done on-line because I really detest just “going shopping” and wandering around a store or mall for hours.  Rather unusual for a female, I know. So, if I agree to go along with this I am free from the obligation of wandering the local mall or spending hours on-line trying to find the perfect thing; a definite pro. I will also undoubtedly save some money. No one can argue - that is a good thing.   My children will also not feel like I cheated. Hmmm, that has to be a good thing too.
Maybe one of the biggest advantages is that I might be able to relax and enjoy the true meaning of the season. Wow, would I love that!!
So why am I digging in my heels? Some of the things going through my mind: am I really a closet control freak and this puts me in “control” of the holiday? Do I feel like I am not taking “care” of my young ‘uns unless I am providing them with “things”? Or the phrase that I keep falling back on: I’m the Mom and you should do as I say, not as I do. I don’t think my adult children buy that one anymore.
So I will struggle with this for a few days and hopefully come to grips with doing the “right” thing as opposed to doing the “commercial” thing. 
Added: November 15, 2009
Views: 67 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
All My Journals
 
  Comments (80)  
RockyMountainGirl
RockyMountainGirl says:

We've had a really stressful week so when I suggested to Jim that maybe we needed to take a break sometime soon and head to the mountains for a weekend he immediately suggested the Hotel Colorado! We'll see how things line out but if we make it I know I'll be thinking of you while we are basking in your wonderful part of this pretty state we share.

Still praying. Any news?
Posted: November 12, 2009 9:53AM EST
jen43
jen43 says:

Hi, Thought it was time I stopped by and left a word or two, hope all is well with you and yours, take care, Jen
Posted: November 7, 2009 6:41PM EST
RockyMountainGirl
RockyMountainGirl says:

After your most recent comment I had to come back and ask if one of your loved ones suffers from "The Long Goodbye" of Alzheimer's? I'm like you, I'm not sure that we ever talked about this between us but maybe we did at some point in the last year. At any rate, I do not remember if you told me of someone in your circle of friends and relatives who has lived with this insidious disease. I'd be happy to talk about it if you ever feel like it. Let me know
Posted: November 4, 2009 10:40PM EST
Add your Comments:

  Submit