BACK TO THE GRIND

Hello! Well, my brief sabbatical is over, so I am back to blogging. I thought I would wait for something great to relate, but alas, that could take forever, so I am stuck with the mini- events that make up my ordinary but wonderful life. One of the perks of aging, in my humble opinion, is being able to experience youth again vicariously, through the grandchildren. You can use their energy to participate in sports, social events and academics without having to expend your own, except for cheers and praises. Of course, one must curb their enthusiasm , especially at ballgames, in order not to distract the foul-shooter or embarrass the player in front of his friends. Kisses are especially a no-no. And hugs. Definitely, do not call out pet names or BABY, regardless of how many times you have diapered that six-foot shooter in the past. Oh, by the way, if you are privileged to take your newly dating grandson and his beautiful cheerleader girlfriend to a buffet lunch after church, follow their lead and eat like a little birdie. No loading that plate down. Mince lightly, and do not relate tales from the young man's childhood. He wants to be percieved as a man with no parents and no past, I suppose. It would be better if you did not open your mouth at all, except to tell them to have a good time at the movie. No, strike that , too! I am getting better at following my detailed instructions. I know that if he gets hurt playing ball, I am NOT to run out on the floor, and to keep an immobile face while he is being revived. No shouting at the referree, either. Proper dress for parents/grandparents is very , very, important to teens. Dress should be conservative, not to draw attention, but not old and fuddy-duddy. Beside the point that they are wearing new jeans with holes on the knees and pockets, and hoodies with weird names like Abercrombie and Hollister. Go figure. I had become paranoid about such things as causing my teens to die from embarrassment. That is until the mother of the above mentioned cheerleader told me that she had been thinking that G-Son Tyler was shy until she took the couple to the Mall on Friday. She said that a dress-up day was scheduled for this coming week at school. an event both kids enjoy. She purchased a Hannah Montana wig for her daughter to wear, and was astonished when shy Tyler wore it all over the mall. He has always liked costumes. When he was two or three years old, he would have a towel tied around his neck to make a Superman cape and could terrify us for hours jumping from the furniture. While I encourage him to become a doctor, I secretly think he would make a great actor. He has the looks for it and he was a hit in the Christmas play at church. But right now, ball games and girls are his focus. Yes, it is wonderful to relive your youth through your grandchildren and give them the things you wistfully wish you could have had, but just remember, if you want to keep your good standing and be allowed this privilege, you best WATCH YOUR STEP and get that silly grin off your face!