The next Grilled Grandma
The next Grilled Grandma is my No. 1 fan and my No. 1 commenter here on Grandma's Briefs.
She's also my mom -- better known to Grandma's Briefs readers as Ann.
You may be wondering why I didn't feature my own mother as one of the first Grilled Grandmas. Well, as any editor worth her red pencil knows, it's imperative to have a backup plan for when a story falls through, leaving editorial space to fill. My mom has been my backup plan for the Grilled Grandmas feature since Day One ... which she knew and agreed to.
This week, one grandma I approached politely replied "No thank you" and another gave no reply at all. So, like she does in so many ways, my mama saved my ass helped me put my backup plan in place and stepped up for a grilling. Many, many thanks to you, Mom!
See ... even grandmas still need their mamas! I'm so happy to share mine with you. You can read her grilling right HERE.
Of course, if you know of a grandma who'd be happy to be grilled, I'd be happy to grill her. Just e-mail me her first name and e-mail address and I'll do the rest.
Today's question from "The Christmas Conversation Piece":
What's the biggest change in your life since last Christmas?
My answer: Sheesh ... there have been so many changes in the past year that I'm still trying to catch my breath. But probably the biggest change is that I've come to terms with the fact I'll likely never be an editor again after last December's layoff. I'm finally at peace with that and, although still in the process, I'm rather enjoying the reinventing of myself.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Reader Comments (10)
Thank you, Babe, for the honor of being your Grilled Grandma; it is truly a priviledge but pales in comparison to the honor of having YOU as my daughter.
My biggest change from last year's Christmas (though that was nice, having Jeff, Suzanne and Cody with me Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) is that it was usually pretty lonely and isolated there in that log home with only deer, bear and squirrels for neighbors, eighteen miles into the woods. Henry David Thoreau can have his Walden Pond; I've been there, done that and here, where I can have frequent visits by family, is better!
It took me a long time coming to terms with not being a teacher in the classroom. It totally is a reinvention process, is it not?
Definitely the work-at-home schedule and freelancing. In many ways, it's a blessing and I love it. In others, it makes me lonely, bored and feeling like I'm a shill who could be doing more and better but never gets around to it. Still, I think that's my attitude rather than the situation. I wouldn't want to go back to an office ever if I can help it.
Sounds like lots of us have been affected by layoffs, outsourcing, basic bruisings from life. But we're all making lemonade out of it, it seems!
I have two biggest changes: two new little grandchildren and a shift in my job from what I loved doing -- technology -- to a job where I don't hardly use technology at all!
It sounds like we all have an opportunity to stretch and grow in relation to jobs or joblessness. (Is that even a word??)
I am a school teacher and felt a"burn o" coming on last spring. I wanted a change & ( just for a year) and I talked with my principal. An opportunity came up for me to be a mentor to 3 intern teachers from the University of Utah. It has been a learning experience but it also has made me think about how much I love teaching. I will return to the classroom next year with a renewed commitment.
There have been a lot of big changes since last Christmas, but mine is probably accepting the role of laid-off stay-at-home-mom. It took a while, but now I can't imagine doing anything else, at least while my kids are young.
As my blog friend Tammy -- and David Bowie -- say: Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes ... !
I find it interesting that the changes we've all faced seem to have worked out okay, despite the sometimes crippling angst that originally accompanied them. Although, Nina, I hope being out of the techno loop is working out okay for you (and CONGRATS again on the new g-baby!).
Wow! Look at all those grand-babies!! I can't wait to have that many to call my own!
It's so great to know your mom will save your a** when asked!
The biggest change between this Christmas and last is that I won't be hosting the big Christmas Eve dinner this year. This is a huge relief!