I was driving along the other day and realized how fortunate I am in that my family is close by.  I have a sister,a niece,  children, grandchildren, and those friends who are 'family' all living nearby.   The salon where I do massage therapy is a happy place to be on most days. 

My studies at the University are challenging, but I think it is helping my 60+ year old brain to keep active and healthy.  So far, I am studying Portguese, French, and English.  At first, I wasn't thinking of working toward a degree, but now I think I will try for it.  Just because I can.  I'd like to get my degree in Portuguese.  I also want to tag the French along with it.  So, the next time I go in to the university I will talk to a student advisor. It will take me a very long time to get it, but so what?

My husband will be finishing his degree program soon, and hopefully, he will be able to find a job.  So we remain positive. 

So, the world has continued to turn despite my not writing in my blog lately.  We have had a very mild winter, and I am sure many will moan "Global Warming".  Except, the previous winter was brutal, and so I am grateful for the reprieve.

I have been enjoying my life, and despite having a very sore shoulder right now, I'm feeling pretty good.  Today, I had breakfast with my hubby, then I went to church.  I met my sister and her godchild there and we went for coffee after church.  It was fun. I must head over to my part time job for 2 pm.  Some days, I wish I did not have to have that second job, but I realize I would miss it if I did not have it.  Not only would I miss the extra money, but I'd miss the co-workers as well.

I just bought a wonderful countertop appliance.  It is a combination convection and microwave oven.  I will try it out on my next day off. 

My shoulder is really hurting me right now, so I should end the typing.  Going to try to massage it out myself, and then apply heat.  If I had my druthers, I would make a living giving massage, but the economy is not helpful on that score.  I only have a few clients.  And so the second job.  Bye for now.  

So today, I was snubbed by my cousin.  She is upset with me for something I said.  Well, I acknowledge I can be somewhat direct and blunt.  But I am not vicious, I hope.  Perhaps with the passage of time, it will be understood that what I said was motivated by concern for my sister.

In my close family, we have always been direct with each other.  It saves time. I am used to this mode of expression.  And at any rate, I get to have my say, as well, so I feel it is fair. Sometimes there are arguments and the uncomfortable realization that "heck, maybe I WAS wrong??"  But since my family actually loves me, and I them, we get through these things.  They say what they think, and I say what I think, and through discussion we sort things out.  Sometimes the discussions are LOUD.  But I am glad to say that nobody stays mad for very long.

So, I am unsure of how to proceed with this.  I have gone over and over my words, and they did not seem so very unforgiveable.  And at this point, I am willing to let this go until she feels up to talking to me again.  Clearly, she doesn't want to hear from me.  So be it.

Time to move on and enjoy the rest of my life. 

So, my task is not to worry over this, but to move on.

I have not written for this blog since December.  I was off from school for the winter break and trying to get caught up with so many things around the home.  Now, I am back at the university taking English 102 and Portuguese 202 and French 102.  It will be hectic, I know.

There is a dog in my house.  His name is Chance and he is very lovable.  I am thinking of offering him to my daughter because he needs a new home.  His owner has had to move and he cannot have a pet where he is now.  The dog does not bark and seems very docile with no aggressive tendencies.  But they would either have to fence the backyard in, or tie him outside to do his business.  Once the kids get home, he would have ample people to give him walks.  I wonder if this will work.  If not, Chance can keep us company for awhile.  He's a good doggie.

This weekend is the Superbowl, and although I am not a huge sports fan, I'm inviting the kids to come over to watch the game since they do not have cable.  First thing in the morning will be Church, and then a get together for brunch with the ladies from our salon where I do massage therapy.  Finally, there will be fun times at home with the family watching the Superbowl.  Must make sure my homework is finished by then.

It is good to be thinking of something happy.  There has been too much death this year.  Young people have died in accidents, and it has been so very tragic. So, I welcome the time to get together and enjoy. 

Enjoy the good things in your life.

Last night I had our family Christmas gathering, because I had to work at Sears this morning.  It was lots of fun.  We had wonderful food and drinks.  But the best part was watching the grandkids open their presents.  My sister gave the two youngest grandsons Superman and Batman pyjamas.  They couldn't wait to put them on and they actually Danced around in them.  Nate is 4 and Sam is 7.  Dancing, happy boys...I loved it.  They wanted to watch one of the videos I gave them... and we all sat and enjoyed "Planet 51."  The two older boys seemed pleased with their presents, too.  And little Gracie, at 7 months loved the food, the paper and the lights!  My neice gave her a sooooffft little polar bear and she kept patting it.  So cute.

Now Sammy has autism, and he is on some medicine for his croup.  The medicine is not agreeing with his autism.  But he was sooo good.  He was sooo happy. I'll take it.   And he loved the Star Wars Lego Wii game I got him.  Actually, it is for All the kids to play.  (But Sammy just Loves Star Wars)

This morning, I worked at Sears.  When the husband picked me up, I asked to go for a ride to a nearby town. Tiverton Four Corners has the cutest crafty sort of shops.  We would take the kids there when they were small.  It felt nice to be with my husband, but the warm memories of when the kids were small echoed all around me.

I am glad that I enjoyed those years with my children.  I can never get those days back.  Sometimes, I wish I could relive them.  But those beautiful memories are mine and I will never forget them. 

I am so proud of my grown children.  They are very nice people.  I feel blessed to have been a part of their young lives and hope to be around to watch them evolve and grow. 

The fun part is being a grandma...really.  I would be sad about growing older, but I have these dancing boys and a little girl and two teenagers that fill my heart, too.  So my adventure is not over yet.

So today, I had an adventure.  I went to the salon and gave massages.  The last one was for my hairdresser who trades with me. We left the salon and got into our cars, but hers would not start.  OOPs no gas.  No gas can, either.  So, I took her to Walmart and got a gas can. Next, we pump gas into the gas can, with difficulty.  Next, we drive back to the car and try to pour the gas from the can into the tank.  Turns out it is a 'mission impossible' gas can, and we have to figure out how to work the nozzle.  After many 'fancy words', we finally get enough gas in the car to drive down the street to put more gas in the tank.  It was kind of funny in an "I Love Lucy" kind of way.  It was fun to help my friend.  Sometimes these goofy things happen in life.  And you just have to grin and bear it...hopefully with a friend! to which I say, yeehaw!!

So today, the repairman came to fix my washing machine.  Luckily the part was in warranty ,and I only had to pay for the labor.  Much cheaper than buying something comparable. 

My oldest son made my day today.  When I was younger, I did a lot of singing and playing guitar.  I played lots of Irish tunes, which were great for one voice and one guitar.  (and sometimes just the voice)  Anyway, he told me he'd had a rough night at work, and when he turned on his ipod "Follow Me Up To Carlow" came on.  It reminded him of the times when I would sing to him and his sister (the youngest was not born yet).  That memory cheered him up. 

I guess it is important for your children to see you enjoying yourself.  You need to let them know you enjoy having them and that they are special to you.  And let them see you having fun!  Include them if you can!

Here in New England we have a strong work ethic.  It is an admirable thing.  However, we also need to have a Fun ethic.  It is healthy to have wholesome outlets that you can share and enjoy either alone, as a couple, or as a family.

I still enjoy my guitar when I play with the Grupo Folclórico Madeirense.  My daughter and I sing at the family Mass once a month. 

Yes, I think sometimes people overlook the importance of having fun.

People ask me why I am taking courses at the University.  Well, the answer is simple:  I have always wanted to study languages.  For me, learning is fun.  I have met some great people, and have stretched my mind out of its comfort zone.  It's a good thing.