Drink up

Yesterday I told you about my addiction to books. I've always considered myself relatively free from addiction except for that one little vice.

Then Megan called to ask what I'd like her to stock up the house with for my desert visit, and I realized I do indeed have another addiction. My reply was that the only things I need—really truly need while she and Preston are away and I'm babysitting my grandsons—are internet access and coffee. She meant food items but I'll eat whatever she has on hand; no picky grandma am I. What I wanted her to have on hand (and hooked up in her new house) is internet access, I emphasized, and lots and lots of coffee.

I don't consider internet access an addiction; I need it for my job...and to pop in here to see how you all are doing when Bubby and Baby Mac allow for that. The other part of my request to Megan, though, made it clear that coffee is an addiction. I really did say "I need lots and lots of coffee." And I really did mean it. I do need coffee.

Yes, I need coffee. I love coffee. I'm addicted to coffee. Which is why I like this video and want to share it with you. Even if you're not a coffee addict drinker, I think you'll find it interesting.

Drink up! I certainly am (although only until noon as any coffee after that time would require another addiction—to sleeping pills come bedtime).

Today's question:

How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? And what's your favorite blend/roast/brand?

My addiction: The first step

They say the first step in overcoming an addiction is admitting you have a problem.

Well, I have a problem.

I'm addicted to books.

Here's proof—my rows upon rows, shelves upon shelves of books:

No, those aren't duplicates. I do indeed have that many books, that many bookcases and hiding places.

And no, I've not read them all. Most, but not all. I'm not addicted to reading them, just accumulating them.

I have no idea what the second step is, but I have a feeling it's not gonna be easy.

Today's question:

What is your addiction?

Introducing Grilled Grandma Vonda

What is a Grilled Grandma? A Grilled Grandma is a grandma whom I've grilled with some grandma-related questions, and she's graciously responded with answers and photos. Here is Grilled Grandma Vonda:

How many children do you have? I have 5 kids.

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? I have 11 grandkids, ages 14, 12, 11, 8, 6, 5, 4, 4, 2, 2 & one lives in Heaven.

Any great grandchildren? Not yet.

What do your grandchildren call you? Just grama, I'm the pajama grama cause I get everyone their favorite cartoon pj's for Christmas.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Not enough! 4 about weekly, 6 about 2-3 times a year.

Beyond the initial elation, what most concerned you upon hearing you'd soon be a grandma? That I wouldn't get to see them often enough.

What is the best thing about being a grandma? I don't have to say no! (It bugs their parents but I love it!)

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Keeping my mouth shut when I'd really like to 'express' my opinion.

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud.  When the 5 year old was teaching me how to put lipstick on & she said I could put 1 color on top lip & a different one on the bottom lip.

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? To see how they love it when I have a new coloring book & new box of crayons & we color together.

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Have them show me stuff they are doing.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? Computer.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? I hope they will grow up being non judgemental & have good self esteem.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Acceptance.

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? I think I would try harder to be involved in their lives through letters, internet and traveling.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Just smile at the parents when you wish you could scream at them. :)

Do you have a website or blog? I just started one called Innocent & Mischievous: Grandma Style.

 This grilling will now be permanently placed in the Grilled Grandmas Hall of Fame—AKA the Grilled Grandma Archives—under, fittingly, Grilled Grandma: Vonda.

Dear Readers: If you'd like to nominate a grandma for grilling—yourself or any other grandma—please e-mail me her first name and e-mail address and I'll take care of the rest. Thank you!