The first

Ok - if I do a blog about one grandchild it stands to reason that you will be seeing more since I have more grandchildren.  Right?  If you can truly say that you were not expecting to see another blog about grand kids then you are going to be disappointed - because I have several grand kids.  Just warning you.  I won't do them one after the other so don't quit reading my blog because you think it's only about grand kids.

I have to write about my first grand child.  Richard.   He's been on my mind a lot lately -- not sure why.  But you know the first one is always kinda special.  Admit it.. they are.  And they are awfully spoiled.  But of course, Richard wasn't.  I guess he's been on my mind so much because he will be turning 18 this year!  So hard to believe. 

We were very fortunate when he was little.  His family lived in Arizona and we lived in Missouri.  However, his parents would allow him to spend a couple of weeks by himself with us each year.  We truly enjoyed having him around.  He kept us entertained.  Now we still enjoy spending time with him.  He spent Thanksgiving with us last year and stayed with us for a week and a half.  When he was little he would ride with us on the riding mower when we mowed the yard.  Typically he would fall asleep while we were mowing (we had a big yard).  This past year, Grampa taught him how to drive a stick shift.  Told him everyone needed to know how.  Luckily he didn't fall asleep during that time. 

When he was younger he loved to play games like Bouncing Tigger.  This involved hanging onto my arm and just jumping up and down.  He also played George of the Jungle.  This involved me making towels into loin clothes and letting him swing from my arm.  (I'm seeing a pattern here in the fact that grand kids think I am some kind of jungle gym.  They either use me for a swing or some kind of trampoline). 

As he got older we stayed connected by games such as NeoPets (we had virtual pets online that we took care of) - this allowed us to email each other, RuneScape (another online game).  When I visited we played video games together (Black Ops) and he has taught me to skate board (I don't do this very well).  We also play some basketball (it's hard keeping up with a teenage grandson and two of his friends). 

The poem below sums up some of our feelings for each other. 

                                          WAITING FOR GRANDMA  

                                He's been waiting all day long it's true
                              Waiting and watching for you know who.

                                 He's been waiting all day you know
                                       For Grandma's car, this is so.

                                   Waiting for Grandma to appear
                                 He knows she has to be quite near.

                                 A great big smile lights up his face
                                      And he starts to jump in place.

                                 Grandma throws open her car door
                                        He can't stand it any more.

                                   With his arms stretched out wide
                                     He runs to his Grandma's side.

                                  She picks him up in a great big hug
                                    Both their hearts are full of love.

Written for Richard
By:  Grandma
         November 1, 2004

My Bud

I talk about my Bud a lot so thought maybe I should share a little bit about him.   He gave himself this name. 

It all started because his sisters were always going to stay with their 'best friends'.  Now Remington has friends but isn't big on going to their house.  His sister Lily says to bad you don't have any friends to go stay with and you can only stay with Grandma.  His response:  "Grandma is my best friend.  We are buds."

So we are Best Buds.  We do a lot of things together and believe it or not - we actually think a lot alike.  He likes to play the game of "which would rather" or "which do you like best".  I'm sure you've all played that game.  And most of the time, our answers are the same.  Now, I'm sure you're thinking that this happens because one of us will give an answer and the other person will say "yeah, that's what I was thinking too."  Not so,  his mom has texted me to see which of something I prefer and it's been his choice too.  So yeah, we have a connection.  Sorry, Charlie - I've never had a connection like this before with anyone but you.

Grampa and I got Remington some walkie-talkie's for his birthday.  Just a cheap pair for fun.   They came with interchangeable covers.  We use them in the house.  His code name is Monkey Man and I am Red Eagle.  A few weeks ago when he was over for the night he let me choose two of the covers and he took the other two.  When he went home that weekend he left one of the walkie-talkies by my chair.  I saw him a few days later and mentioned it to him.  He said; "yeah, that's because that one is yours and I took mine home.  We are gonna share them, Grandma." 

My bud saved up his money and bought himself a tablet.  He usually brings it when he's spending the night.  A few weeks ago he had his tablet and wanted me to play a Temple Ruin game he had on it.  He was explaining to me all the rules and how to jump and get coins, etc.  I told him he was much nicer than his cousins who always want me to play games on the Wii or such with them but don't tell me the rules.  They make me go first and comment on "you really suck at this, Grandma", "you aren't very good at all are you, Grandma."  They then take the game and proceed to slaughter my score while telling me what I should have done when it was my turn. 

Anyway, Remington has his tablet and I have the computer.  We are playing games and we keep switching back and forth to take turns.  He is quick to tell me when he gives me the tablet, "don't be spending any money on there!"  LOL  He's heard me tell him that about my games - don't be spending my money on there I'm saving it up. 

This past weekend, we teamed up in a silly string fight.  We look out for each other.  Grampa and Chris were having the fight with us.  We had to wait until CSI was over.  So Remington goes running out of the room and I can see him running back and forth and getting stuff from the kitchen.  I ask what he's doing and he says: 'making us something - just wait you will see."  He comes in with shields he had made for us to protect our faces from the silly string fight.  We were ready! 

This same weekend while out shopping he decided we needed to have some clipon animals.  He had found himself a monkey that he was buying with his own money.  He also saw a penguin that he thought we needed to buy also - with my money.  He said they were best buds just like we were.  He was going to keep the monkey and I could keep the penguin.  The monkey was good at looking and the penguin was good at buying.   Gotta love his way of thinking. 

One of his favorite games to play is run and jump on Grandma.  This can consist of running across the room and jumping on me while I am sitting in a chair.  Or it can consist of just running and jumping on me while I am standing.  Gotta tell you - he is getting to be almost as tall as me so if I am standing I really have to brace myself for this.  I told him when he got to be as tall as me I as gonna play run and jump on Remington. 

I'm truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with him and by the fact that he  still wants to spend time with me.   Now, that's not to say I don't enjoy the other grand kids.  Love them all and I love the time I spend with them too.  The Arizona grand kids don't have the time with me but we still spend time together on the phone, facebook and various other ways.  Yep, I'm blessed to be able to enjoy them all.  I'll have to write about them another time. 

Simple

Simple -- yeah right, I'm sure you're thinking.  I like things simple - less confusion that way.  Really. 

Now, I know you came here expecting to read one of my tintalating expositions but not so today.  Simple is actually the title of a new poem I wrote that I just thought I would share with you.  Hope you enjoy it. 



 SIMPLE



My faith is simple – my words are too
I trust in the Bible – the words are true.

I try to live out my faith each day
Wanting nothing to set me astray.

I’ve been asked why I believe
That Jesus died on the cross for me?

Why wouldn’t I believe is my reply.
It’s in the Bible – the Bible doesn’t lie.

It’s stated over and over again you see
That Jesus would come and die for me.

He would suffer and take the pain
Leaving me with much to gain.

Eternal life is mine you see
A plan as simple as simple can be.

Do you believe that Jesus lived and died
And that for your sin He was crucified?

Then He rose again from the grave
All for our lives to be saved.

All we need to do is confess our sin
And then put our trust in Him.

Yes, my faith is simple – my words are too.
The Bible says Jesus died for me and you.



Written by: Kathie Marrs
February 25, 2013

Cheated

I've been cheated!!   Yep, it's true I have been cheated.  Not just me but my grand kids too.  We wanted snow!  We wanted lots of snow. We were promised snow. 

Now seriously, for days they have been talking about this storm coming in.  Forecasters saying we could get anywhere from 1-3 or 4-8 inches depending on how far south the cold front pushes.  They gave us winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings and yes even notification of a blizzard!! 

So seriously - wouldn't you expect something from all that!   I did and so did Lily.  We prepared ourselves.  We did the snow dance. You know the dance.  Your arms flail wildly in the air as you twist your body into all kinds of contortions, followed by jumping jacks and then repeat.  The arms flailing in the air represent the snow coming down and the body contortions represent howling blowing winds for the blizzard effect.  Jumping jacks?  Oh, that's representing the snow angels you will be making in the foot deep snow you receive. 

Snow dance accomplished I settle back in my recliner and wait.  I see a few posts on facebook that snow is falling!  YAY -- I am way excited.  I make Chris look out the window to verify that yes it is snowing and he assures me yes it is.  (Didn't want to get out of the recliner if it's a false alarm).  

So Gary and I decide to go for a drive in the snow.  Upon looking out the front door we see big, huge, fluffy flakes falling at an abundant rate.  The grass is already covered.  Great -- things are looking good now.  My porch frog is going crazy!  Whistling at the snow - one whistle right after the other.  He is way excited about the snow.  He is going to whistle it on down. 

We drive around for a while and notice that on the east side of town they only have rain.  A little farther north they only have rain.  I'm a little bit put out about this.  Someone's lying to me and I know just who it is.  The weather forecasters!!!!   Seeing how upset I am Gary heads back to our side of town where there is snow on the ground.

Now at this point, I am a little bit concerned that perhaps we have been misled about the storm.  At our house we no longer have those big, fluffy flakes falling - just a kind of snowy, rainy wet mix.  I already know in my mind what's gonna happen.  I'm getting gypped!!

Sure enough - I wake up this morning to 35 degrees and "wet roads".  Supposedly we got more snow over night but it melted.  I think they're lying about that.  I'm going to need to see some pictures for verification.
Now I will say that there are some areas north and west of us that really did get hard with the storm.  I hope that they all stay safe and warm. But for those of us in this little pocket of area where we never get anything -- we got gypped!! 

All I can say is - it's a good thing I don't have any friends who are weather forecasters!! 

Curtailing laughter

Don't you just love laughter?  I do!   One of my favorite things to hear is the laughter of children and babies.  And there are so many things to bring on laughter.  Who can listen to a baby laugh and not laugh themselves?

I loved when my girls were little and they would get uncontrollable fits of laughter.  Thing about this is, it's contagious!  Oh how difficult it is to try to be a responsible parent when you want to laugh with them.  I was fortunate enough to be able to share this with my girls.  Well, in fact, I still share it with them when we get together!   Aren't I lucky?

Not everyone can say that I admit. And I don't get to share it as often with them as I would like. I am also fortunate enough to be able to share this form of laughter with my grandchildren.  That's probably more fun - because then you are the one getting in trouble with them.  I love that! 

I am also fortunate to be able to share bouts of laughter with my husband.  We do enjoy our laughter! 

Now have you ever stopped to consider what makes you  laugh?  It could be the antics of children or grandchildren.  I know my grand kids are always good for a laugh.  It could be something stupid yo see that strikes you as funny that sets off the laughter.  Sometimes trying to explain why you are laughing makes you laugh harder.  And sometimes  just hearing someone laugh makes me laugh. 

I know for a fact that if I texted my friend Shellie and asked her about cults and virgins she would spit her coffee out because it would make her laugh.  And I also gotta admit that every so often I send her that text just to make her laugh.  Knowing that she is laughing makes me laugh.  I also know that I can mention sandwiches and bedtime to Gary or K.C. and they will laugh.  A little inside joke but it is hilarious! 

Some of the funniest things to make us laugh are commercials.  Which brings about this post.  Gary and I were watching TV the other night when a commercial came on.  Serious announcer says: Do you suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter?  Seriously??   I do now.  We couldn't stop laughing wondering why suffering from laughter would be considered a problem. 

To be honest, I thought it was a fake commercial.  You know, the kind they do on Saturday Night Live?  That show confuses me because of their fake commercials.

Now, back to the commercial that set us off the other night.  I swear, we laughed for 15 minutes or more.  Even after discovering that this is considered a disease and there is medication for it!   The disease is PBA (PseudoBulboAffect).   I don't want to minimize any serious disorder or anything but you gotta admit - since when did you think of laughter as a disease? 

So what sets off our laughter now?  You guessed it.  All one of has to say is: PBA  --- oh yes, we suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter.  However, we are going to consider it a blessing and not a disease for us.  Laughter is the best medicine and it keeps you young. 

Students

Well, here it is Friday morning and it should be fairly quiet.  Why oh why do I get the calls I get? 

Starts off with someone calling and they go into this huge description of the problem with their computer and what do I think the problem is?  How can they fix it?  Blah, blah, blah -- keep talking.  I say let me create a ticket and have a technician come and help you.  What is your extension?  Person on the phone - oh my gosh I am so sorry I must have called the wrong number.  Me:  this is the IT Service Desk did you not want a technician to look at your computer?  Person on phone:  Oh yeah, ok.    I hope their day improves.

Next caller is even better.  Student calls says she cannot get into Blackboard she has to get in there she has been using this forever and Lordy she sure hopes she ain't on the phone with me for 30 minutes like she was yesterday when she called and no one helped her out.  (If this is true and after talking to her I can see why they were unable to help her). 
I ask for her ID number and pull up her account and do not see any issues with it on the administrative account.  I ask her if she is able to access TED as TED sets the password for Blackboard.  Student:  Honey, I don't need to get into TED - Oh good night I just don't have time for this if it takes to long I'm just gonna have to come down there and I certainly don't have time for that.  Me:  well, let's just see if you can get into TED.  I see that you changed your password on Feb.11th does that ring a bell with you?  It would be 6 numbers you changed it to. 

Student:  I ain't never changed my password I've never been in TED I don't know what's going on I've always used my birth date for my PIN I have so many passwords I just can't keep track of them but I ain't never gone in and changed my password why would I do that:  (and yes I deliberately did not put any punctuation in that previous sentence as the lady did not take a breath the whole time she was saying it). 

I am trying to intervene into this tirade to advise that if I can verify the answers to her security questions I will be able to reset her PIN.  However, it will not be effective for Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours.  Since she cannot get into Blackboard anyway we need to go ahead and do so since she is also unable to access TED.  

Very first question:  Where was your mother born?  Student:  Evansville, Indiana.  Me:  Did you just put Evansville or would you have put Indiana also?  Student:  Oh my word I don't know I know she was born in Evansville, Indiana in XXXX and she died in XXXX she was born in Evansville, Indiana I know she was and she lived there most of her life oh Lordy why do I have to do this I run my own company and have for 32 years I don't have time for this.

I intervene again and ask the second question:  What school did you attend for third grade?  Student:  I went to Webster I know it was Webster I only attended three schools they were Webster Carver and Washington oh Lordy I don't have time for this I know what school I went to I better not have to come down there I do all this stuff for DHS and they know who I am my professors all know who I am ........

I insert the next question over her protestations:  What street did you live on in third grade?  Student I lived on 7th street I know it was seventh street am I gonna have to come down there I don't have time for this you know.  I interrupt to ask:  How did you enter that?  Would you have put the number or spelled it out?  Student: I don't know I don't understand any of this I supposed I probably would have spelt it out oh Lordy I don't have time for this if I have to take off work a couple of hours to come down there it won't be good everyone knows who I am my professors all know me DHS knows me I have run my own business in Tulsa for 32 years I don't have time for any of this. 

Me:  Ok I have reset your password back to your 6 digit birth date do you want to make sure that it works?  Remember, you are not going to be able to get into Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours.  Possibly you can access it this afternoon tomorrow for sure.  Student:  oh Lordy this better work what is my birth date I just don't have time for this I have a test I have to take by Monday  my instructors all know me why is this so difficult I have it changed and now what am I gonna do are you open tomorrow I have so many passwords and I don't like computers don't even have one at home wouldn't have one at work if DHS didn't require it. 

Me:  Yes Ma'am we are here from 8-12 tomorrow if you should need any further assistance.  Have a great day. 

Next student calls wanting assistance logging into the new email system.  Me:  are you at a computer now where you can go to the login screen?  Student:  No, I'm driving down the road but thought I would give you a call while I had time.    Seriously hope he remembers the steps I told him to go through when he was able to get to a computer and that he remembers the password.  I wouldn't be surprised if he calls back.

Another student calls:  I need to apply for my FASFA but I don't know my ID number.  Me:  Have you set up your security questions in TED?  Student:  I don't know I just talked to someone.  I go to TED and after much discussion of the correct spelling of this foreign name I am able to find student in the system but of course there are no security questions in place.  Me:  Unfortunately, you do not have any security questions in place so I am unable to give you any information over the phone.  Are you able to go to a campus?  Student:  Well, not right this minute what else can I do?  Me:  You have two options, you can either go to campus and show them your photo ID or you can photocopy your ID and fax that in requesting the information.  If you fax it it it will take 24-72 hours for a response.  Student:  I can't do that what can I do I need to apply for FASFA?  Who is going to help me?  Me:  No one is going to be able to help you over the phone because we cannot verify who you are.  The quickest and easiest way to get your ID number would be to go to a campus and show them your photo ID. 

Student:  I do not have time for that.  Who can help me?  Shall I fill out another admission form?  Who can I talk to?  Me:  I do not know that filling out another admission form is going to help any.  It will still have to be processed and they will need to email you your ID and that will take some time.  I am not certain of the exact amount of time but again: you have an ID.  The quickest and easiest way to get your number is to go to a campus.  Student:  How do I get my ID number then?  I need to fill out my FASFA who is going to help me with that?  Me:  I don't have any information on FASFA that would be Financial Aid and they do not open until 10 am.  I do not know that they will be able to help you over the phone because you do not have security questions in place.  The best thing to do is to go to campus with your photo ID.  Student:  I do not have time for that.  Who is going to help me get my FASFA?  Me:  You can call Financial Aid but they do not open until 10.


And the day has just started!!!  

Weather Woes

How appropriate is it that I write about weather woes today?   A winter storm at the end of February, snow, rain, mix,  you name it we are supposed to get it.  And it started with big, fat fluffy flakes of snow this morning. 

I personally don't have any weather woes - well, unless you count the fact that I didn't get to enjoy the snow.  I had to work - and I don't have any windows in my office so I couldn't even look out the window at the snow falling.  I love the snow!  I am in a minority here and I realize that.  I love the snow so much that I used to keep containers of snow in my freezer for my Arizona grand kids to have when they visited. 

A great snow day would be snow falling down - 4-6 inches on ground so you can have a snow ball fight or make a snow fort, fire in the wood stove, hot chocolate or hot tea to drink and unlimited books to read (my Kindle has that part covered).  Nope, no weather woes for me. 

Weather woe for kids who had to go to school.  I think they deserve a snow day to enjoy the aforementioned items.  And kids here don't get to many snow days usually.  Yep, they deserve a snow day - if I could I would close schools for them for the day. 

Weather woes for people who don't particularly like snow (not sure what their problem is).  Especially bad for them if they have to go to work.  That means they have to get out in the snow and drive in it.  Typically not a fun thing to do here in Tulsa as people don't know how to drive in snow.  I will say though that today was actually okay driving wise. 

Major weather woes for college students.  At least they think so. They did not like my answer when they called and I said, "yes, the college is open today".  When asked what time they were going to close the next answer wasn't fun for them either - "to my knowledge school will be open all day long."

Weather woes for those who have not yet signed up for TCC Alerts and decided today might be a good day to do so.  Most likely that won't go through in time for any notification should they decide to cancel classes.  Sucks being you - why weren't you responsible enough to sign up for those alerts before you actually needed them?  

No, I do not know if your instructor is cancelling his class tonight.  My advise is to look and see if he has posted any announcements.   I am sorry you live "a ways out" (not sure what they consider "a ways") and don't want to come to campus if you don't have to.  No, we do not know if they are going to cancel classes for tomorrow.  I recommend getting up at your normal time of 10 am (you lucky dog you) and preparing yourself for class.  Best advise is to check the college web page to see if any announcement is posted there as to school closing. 

Weather woes for those who did come to campus but are concerned that a blizzard might occur.  They don't have enough change for the vending machine to buy up all the granola bars in case they get stranded.  Idiot!! Why aren't you prepared enough to carry snacks with you?  I thought most people did any way snow or not.  Never know when you will be hungry so pack along some snack crackers or granola bars anything.  

Most of all though is weather woes for the following person

  They obviously had called the Service Desk only to be told that "to my knowledge the campus will be open all day."   Upon hearing this bit of unfortunate news they had to drive to campus and attempt to make it on time to class.  In a hurry to be certain they were not late they must have forgotten that there has never been an exit at this spot in the parking lot.