Teach Your Children Well?

It has been quite a weekend here at Casa Del KatKnits, Gentle Readers and Monday dawned with great promise – or at least the thrill of knowing the weekend was over and something different was on the horizon, right?

Alas, not so – the best laid plans of Kat and life jumped off the track.

First off, I need to take a few moments to honor a woman that, while she was not great, she was an awesome grandmother to my three kidlets and she shared with me a vexation for the ineptitude of her only son. Yes, my mother-in-law passed on to her well-earned rest on Saturday. The first time I met Marjorie was for the Christensen Thanksgiving Extravaganza. God rest her soul, my poor mother-in-law could not cook to save her life, and save for The Most Amazing and Incredible Sloppy Joe’s I have evah tasted! She loved me dearly and I got the recipe! This was truly a blessing; it made my home the favored place for all my kids’ friends to come whenever I made them!

However, I digress, the Thanksgiving Extravaganza was something my then significant other begged and pleaded with me to go. On bended knee he wooed me away from the bosom of my family on this most eaterly of holidays and I swear, my brain must have been oxygen deprived or maybe it was the stupidity insertions, anyway – I agreed.

I was met at the door by The Great Gordone and Tiny But Mighty Marge with open arms and the remainder of the holiday was spent with Marge begging me to deter her son from going out and cavorting with all his friends and staying home a night or two with them. In an effort to appease both the Dimwit and Marge, I put the two of them together in a room, shut the door, and left. Yeah, it was not wildly successful – but at least Marge stopped putting me in the middle!

Therefore, I begin offering my assistance for any prep work for the Extravaganza, right. I mean, at my family the cooking begins a week in advance and the day before there was always a flurry of activity in my Dear and Sainted Nana’s kitchen. I was no slouch and wanted to help where I could! It was at this point I learned that there was nothing to get ready – the meal consisted of instant potatoes, Stove Top Stuffing (not even in the bird), canned Ocean Spray Cranberry gelatinous substance – the gravy would be prepared after the Turkey Incineration had happened. If you could have heard my stomach shriek, if you could have felt my soul shrivel up and die knowing it was going to miss the Nirvana of Feasts (all home prepared, no box anything at my Nana’s house). I thought for sure that I would have to be hospitalized because of the shock! The meal was truly the worst tasting thing I had ever had. I should have ditched now, but as stupidity was my strong suit, I did not fold the hand and played it out. One of the blessings of that union, besides Frick, Frack, and Paddywhack was Marjorie. I remember the day she and Gordon asked me to call them mom and dad, it was an incredible moment. I remember the Engagement Party to End All Engagement Parties when she told me that she would be a model Mother-In-Law and she would wear beige and keep her mouth shut. I found her adorable, she was 4’11” and never kept her mouth shut – nor was beige her color; she was so much larger than life!

The Great Gordone and Marge the Mighty were married for 68 years and Gordon went on to Valhalla twelve short weeks ago. Missing her Gordon terribly – she joined him in perfect rest on Saturday. I shall miss her greatly as will her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Therefore, that brings me, and you, to Monday and my not so brilliant thought that the mourning of the weekend was over and that a new morning had begun.

That was my first mistake, oh boy! One thing that Gordon and Marge did was to fill a void that my parents had left unfilled. Fortunately, I had two terrific grandfathers and one hell of a Nana. They are all long gone now and I am left with my parents, such as they are. I love them dearly but only in small doses. In addition, I got a good dose of my father today – he called to ask about his “all perfect, incredibly intelligent, and amazing grandchildren” and the conversation started out on a little catch up on all that is Frick, Frack, and Paddywhack. Which then progressed into how our nation was going to ‘hell in a hand basket’? I have plenty of practice biting my tongue with my dad, and bite it I did today! Then came THE question, how is Ex #2 – do you ever talk to him, how is he doing, gosh I miss him. To which I replied, no dad, Ex #2 has not called in several weeks now – he has a new girlfriend and I think he is doing just great.

I was not quick enough to change the subject because he immediately launched into where was boyfriend #who knows what but that last one you had. I tell my dad, I have no clue, but I am sure I could find his number if you want to call and ask him.

I know, I should have just said he was great right. Okay, remember that stupidity thing from a few paragraphs up… yeah, Stupidity Strikes occasionally – even when you try to avoid it!

Then, the REAL reason for the call began – I am a Loser Magnet, yes – you read that here first!! My Not So Sainted Father began to tell me I should Get Me to a Nunnery and Run, Woman. I am that much of a loser, however not being Roman Catholic, I am not sure they will take me even if I wanted to go!  It is a miracle that I managed to produce three such charming children!

Being blessed with an abundance of moxie and the ability to laugh in the face of even your dad telling you what a loser you are – Dad, it is a good thing I did not need you to be in a good mood today! In addition, in perfect Dadness, he did not get it at all.

After he hung up on me, I laughed all the way home, one large smile on my face and thoughts of Marge in my heart.

Rest In Peace Mom.

Rising to Meet Current Challenges as One Nation

Several weeks ago a new reader commented on one of my posts. She ws so eloquent and spoke so directly to my heart, I emailed her and asked her if she would not mind writing a post for my blog.  I am humbled that she agreed, and so proud to present her to you now.

First, a bit of information about her:

Her name is Sharon McMillan and she blogs at New Urban Mom and she is also on Plurk, again as New Urban Mom. I would encourage you to add her blog to your blog reader, and friend her on Plurk.

And, without further adieu, I give you her brilliant thoughts:

I know “photo ops” are part of the political process and we really shouldn’t read too much into them, but I was really encouraged to see President Bush welcoming President-elect Obama into the White House during a visit this past week.

Beyond the historical significance, I couldn’t help but to feel I’m living in a new and promising age as I heard President Bush expressing his support for President-elect Obama.  The global financial crisis and its pinch on the U.S. economy would have a lot to do with the “spirit of cooperation” in Washington and around the world, but nonetheless it’s refreshing to see…and feel.

Yesterday I listened to President-elect Obama speak about the need for a new spirit of service and sacrifice among Americans during his first weekly online address and I thought I’ve got to do my part–now.  Our leaders are attempting to show such a degree of cooperation and clear sighted dedication to dealing with this problem that I think we can with confidence follow their suit.

Like many of you, I have family and friends that will be affected by a collapse in the auto sector – in fact we’ll likely all be affected if that happens. I worry about the impact that a uncertain economy will have on our schools – especially in those communities that can least afford any more cuts in education.

So instead of holding my head in panic, I decided that we need to do something.  My particular focus is in helping to keep communities vital and attractive to new residents and businesses—primarily because I’m a strong school advocate and schools need revenues that our businesses and residents can bring. Here’s what our family is doing:

  • Investing in our community – and that includes everything from choosing colleges close to home to vacationing and shopping locally.
  • Instead of buying clothing or gadgets that our kids don’t really need for Christmas, we’re going to support a home-grown, community resource that brings joy to residents and attracts business and support for the struggling city of Cleveland – we’re going to purchase Cleveland Orchestra tickets and take our family there for a Christmas gift we’ll enjoy in so many ways.
  • We’re purchasing regionally manufactured clothing, toys and as many food items as we can for a local family in need (something we do every Holiday Season).

There is probably so many other things that we can do to help our communities through this period. If you have ideas about helping local economies across the country, please share.

Just call me the Goddess of Moisture…

Just call me the Goddess of Moisture…

The Goddess of Moistness

The Goddess of Moistness

Just a little in the wee hours fun from my friend Perptacular and her constant encouragement of mischief and mayhem.  You all know I need little encouragement and Perp just fans the flame and combustion happens.  So I saw this fun little quiz on her blog and voila! I present to you all the goddess I am, did you all have any doubt???

YOU ARE APHRODITE

Animal: Dove
Color: red

Aphrodite is the beautiful goddess of love and passion. She is one of the most influential of the Greek gods, constantly being prayed to or asked for help. She is also a troublemaker, getting involved in all sorts of love triangles. Aphrodite is the Goddess that all young girls pray to, to bring them the man of their dreams.

Aphrodite is admired and sought after for the freshness that she represents. She often dives into situations that seem appealing without thinking the results through, but can usually charm herself out of any sticky situations.

Aphrodite formed from the sea foam, emerging as an adult from the ocean.

I am telling you, I cannot make this stuff up!

So, who is your inner Goddess

When Guests Visit and have sex…..

I am thrilled beyond belief to have a Guest Blogger today!!  It is one of my very favorite people on my favorite social network!  I present to you the Incomparable, Witty, and Inspiring Yoonamaniac!

Here is her “Naughty Meme” for all of you to drool over…
1. Is there anyone on your blogroll you would have sex with?
No.

2. Sex in the morning, afternoon or night?
Any time but morning. I’m extremely cranky and grumpy in the morning.

3. Have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road to puke?
Yes.

4. Have you ever taken your clothes off for money?
No, I would have to pay people to watch me take my clothes off.

5. Shower or bath while having sex?
No, being not so graceful, I’d probably hurt myself.

6. Do you want someone aggressive or passive in bed?
Aggressive

7. Do you love someone on your blogroll?
Almost all of them.

8. Love or Money?
Right now, money. I need money real bad.

9. Credit cards or cash?
I try hard to pay cash most of the time, but I have an enormous credit card debt right now.

10. Have you ever wanted a best friend?
Yes.

11. Camping or a 5 star hotel?
5 star hotel hands down. I’ve never gone camping, thank God.

12. Where is the weirdest place you have had sex?
I haven’t been to any weird place.

13. Would you shave your entire body (including your head)?
Yes. I once considered shaving my head along with a few friends for a friend who was going through chemo and started losing hair. She asked us not to.

14. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes. I used to love buying my boyfriend lap dances.

15. Ever been to a bar?
Yes.

16. Ever been kicked out of a bar or a club?
Never. I’m kinda boring.

17. Ever been so drunk someone else had to carry you?
Yes… or rather drag me.

18. Had sex in a movie theater?
No. That would be so uncomfortable.

19. Had sex in a bathroom?
No, I don’t like having sex on hard surfaces.

20. Have you ever had sex at work?
Yes, like 15 years ago. shhh….

21. Ever been to an adult store?
Yes.

22. Bought something from an adult store?
Yes. I have no shame.

23. Have you been caught having sex ?
No.

24. Does anyone have naughty pics of you?
I don’t think so… I hope not.

25. Ever had sex with someone and called them by the wrong name?
I don’t think I’ve ever called anybody’s name during sex.

I've been tagged!

My funny, charming, and yes – knitting friend PerpStu has gone and tagged me for a bit of Friday fun!  So, here goes, Gentle Readers… you will want to stay until the end to see if I get you!

#1. A shout out to PerpStu, her blog is well worth the time to read it. Trust me on this. If you do not have her on your blog reader, add her now. Go ahead, I will wait!

Okay, got that done?

Then here comes part two of this little fun-for-all:

#2. Below are 5 Fun and Interesting Facts about me!  Yes, more of what all you inquiring minds want to know!

1. I love trivia and if you are having a trivia game, you want me on your team. My mind is filled with useless knowledge.  Yes, if it was not important I remember it!

2. I am perpetually upbeat and cheerful. There are days when my family views this as a serious character flaw, but I have been this way all my life. I work with people who either love me for this or don’t love me so much for this.

3. I love change. Yes, I know this is really an odd trait to have and I have been known to change things up just because.

4. I have a tattoo and I want another one. I have been contemplating this for some time now and  don’t be surprised if in an upcoming blog post there is the announcement that I have new ink!

5. If I could pick anywhere in the world to live, I would – without hesitation, move to Scotland. I have been there more than once and it is my favorite place in all the world.

Step #3, Tag six other unwilling victims Bloggers!  So without further adieu here they are:

1. Dingo’s Got My Barbie

2. The Divine Ms. A

3. Chris T who is a brand new blogger!!

4. Jimbob51

5. Ourfounder

6. And, last but not least, StevoFC

I would also add Ruprecht, but I fear he has been tagged already!!  However, Rupe.. if you have not, consider yourself “IT”!

Have a great Friday all and an even better weekend!

Pin It on Pinterest