WTF Wednesday - Saved by the bell

Today was seariously sucking bad. At every turn, Grandy was faced with all things challenging. I came home to not good news even.

Then, Grandy happened to check the status of the book...

THE BOOK!!! The Dead Dad's Club

http://amzn.com/0615458149

Go check Amazon. :)

My day is complete.

Thank you!!

Does this shoe fit?

“Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.” - Bob Packwood

Everybody makes mistakes. Some are small and silly, like driving away from the drive-thru window before you get your food (hasn't everybody done that?). These small and silly ones are typically overlooked or laughed off. In fact, I believe many of these silly things have actually been dubbed "Grandy-isms", which I believe could be defined as the art of doing stupid things.

When a colossal mistake is made, it generally boils down to an error in judgment. The key to fixing these mistakes, or at least I hope it is key, is recognizing the error. If the definition of insanity is truly doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result, then at some point the roller coaster must stop.

Right about now, reader, you are asking yourself why Grandy is waxing philosophical all of a sudden. Well, let me tell you that Grandy has not hit her head (although it does feel like it often) so you need not be concerned about that. Just know that there are sometimes things that can't be thoroughly explored on this blog (because the witness protection program frowns upon it), and try to follow as best you can.

I have never promised my son that I was a perfect human being. In fact I'm pretty sure I blew any myth he might have had on that from the time he hit 2nd grade (ok...maybe kindergarten). What I do promise my son, and will continue to do so, is how to BE HUMAN.

Mistakes will be made but it's how you handle those mistakes, how you face them, and what you learn from them that defines who you are. No matter how bad you think your mistake is, face it. Even if it hurts, acknowledge it.

Can you tell Grandy is currently pleading with all those oblivious to their own mistakes? Alas, those that are oblivious wouldn't even know this blog post applies. HELLO!! If the shoe fits...WEAR IT!! *sigh* I would like to write a song that contradicts Carly Simon's "You're so vain. I bet you think this song is about you." It would go something like, "You're so lame. This song is absolutely about you."

The Book Is Coming!!!

Sometimes life gets in the way of being able to do the things that either calm you, or bring you joy...or both. Writing has always been a hobby and release for me, and this blog has been a way for me to share my random thoughts and sarcasm.

Someone was commenting last night about my "writing skills". Funny thing is, she was referring about my uncanny ability to send one of those "OH HELL NO" emails in a most diplomatic manner. You know the kind, "I can appreciate your position, but respectfully disagree."

I mentioned to this new friend that I have a blog, and she almost didn't believe me. "Why have I never heard of this blog?" she asked. ::Pause:: I didn't know what to say at first. I haven't focused on it for a while (thus the last post being two months ago).

This. Must. Change.

Well, Grandy got some news yesterday, that only the bloggy world could appreciate. A few years back, when the Grandy writing juices were really moving, she "met" another beautiful blogger through NaBloPoMo, who was embarking on a new journey to write a book chronicling the grief process that a daughter goes through when we lose our dads. About 2 years ago, I submitted my story...and it was selected!!!

What a great reminder that perhaps I can tell a story or two.

Guess what folks...THE BOOK WILL BE ON AMAZON IN JUST A FEW VERY SHORT WEEKS!!!

Be on the lookout for Dead Dads Club from the lovely Mary Burt-Godwin at The Mama Mary Show.

More to follow...

Never forget...NEVER FORGOTTEN

Has it really been 10 years? Were it not for remembering my son was only 5 at the time, I would swear it was just a very short time ago.

There were events everywhere to commemorate the anniversary of this event. Our local scout troop retired a very special flag, flown by a man on 9/11/01...and not taken down until Osama was found.

After 10 years, emotions are still very much involved. After 10 years, the sense of comraderie and unity is stronger than ever. I am so very proud of who we are.

I heard this song 3 times today...and of course cried 3 times.

Counting Lessons

When this picture came in an email, it had Grandy LAUGHING OUT LOUD!!!

But then...I realized...What am I laughing at? I'm the one that makes the blackjack dealers count my cards out loud FOR ME.

*sigh*

Maybe this Wal-Mart in Mississippi is on to something.

GRANDY-BUG

This car was Grandy.

It was cute...It was rounded...and it sometimes went topless (which is a different story all together).

Fortunately, this car did what it was supposed to do when it was wrecked. It kept Grandy's injuries to a minimum. Unfortunately, the Grandy SLVRBG did not survive.

I LOVED THIS CAR!!

There is so much more that upsets me about this wreck, that I can't begin to explain. It's not a materialistic thing, but rather that it is just one.more.thing. In the grand scheme of things however, and considering what so many other people are facing in their lives, it could be worse.

Now Grandy has to find a new car. We're not happy about it...and we're NOT going "new" new...but we are happy that the Grandy boys don't have to find a new ME.

Grandy-isms...Work Edition Again

There were about 15 people who reached out to me this week saying, "WTF Grandy!! What's up with the blog?" (alright, perhaps that's a bit of a paraphrase)

So...in honor of all my friends who have been waiting for me to entertain, Grandy presents another rousing chapter of "Grandy-isms". The last couple of weeks have provided for some EPIC material. Remember folks, I can't use names, and must keep it vague as to WHO I may be having these conversations or email exchanges with, in order to keep my job protect the sometimes innocent.

Him: So, what happened with that? Did it slip through the cracks?
Me: Not my crack...yours.

Email exchange:
Adjuster: (received first thing in the morning) Dear Mary, as I promised you last week I will be calling you today to discuss.
Me: (sent at the end of the day) Dear "Adjuster", technically the promise was that you would call me yesterday, given that our deadline is tomorrow. How bout you just tell me in your email, what it is you don't seem to want to tell me on the phone?

Shared on FB...but good enough to repeat:
Him: How did you get so smart?
Me: I surround myself with truly gifted people who help me, or really stupid people who make me look good.
Him: Which one am I?
Me: That depends on the day.

Different "Him": ::smiling:: You were snippy with me in that email.
Me: Which one?
Him: Which email were you trying to be snippy in?
Me: No, they were all meant to be snippy. Which one finally worked?

Her: Why does your office IM status always show as "busy"?
Me: Because there was no status available for "Drowning within an inch of my life".

Different "Her": If I ask you a question, will you give me an honest answer?
Me: Will you be able to tell if it wasn't honest?
Her: I suppose not.
Me: Well there you have it. Let's play!!

There you have it folks. Another brief chapter of Grandy-isms. I really do have a lot of fun at my job. I am easily amused, and it helps get me through the day. :)

Stay tuned next week for "Grandy-isms...Back Stage Edition"

Singing & Dancing Grandy

It has been almost 15 years since Grandy has performed on stage.

It has been even longer than THAT since she has had to kick, two-three-four, turn, kick, turn.

This Friday, June 17th, Grandy makes somewhat of a comeback in The Producers.

When my friend asked me about 6 weeks ago (days before my 39th birthday) if I would consider, I of course hesitated. The work/life balance hasn't exactly been the best feng shui mode lately. 60 hour work weeks. Board Meetings. Boy Scouts. Boosters. There was just not enough hours in the day.

But my girlfriends talked me into it because there are never enough hours in the day. They were right, and it's been a blast. My daily schedule continues, but somehow I'm mustering up the strength to get my butt there. And although my body is asking me, "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO ME?" it is lots of fun.

Really. My body hurts like no other. There has been a lot that's happened to me physically since I last did this. If I were in the finance world (which I'm not) I would suggest the following stock tip: Buy stock in Ben-Gay and 5-hr Energy. WOOF!!!

I think my boys notice I'm having fun with it too. Although I come home tired and hurting, I'm smiling.

So...Friday is opening night. There are 6 performances. And Grandy's anxiety level is reaching new heights. It has dawned on me...my past life and my present life are colliding. NOBODY in my current day-to-day life (minus my mom and sisters) have ever seen me perform on stage. They didn't even realize that's what I used to do for a LIVING.

There are A LOT of people dying for the opportunity to catch this. "What? You're going to be funny ON STAGE? REALLY?!?" To which I respond..."Let's hope so."

Kind of exciting...kind of anxious...kind of hope I don't fall off the stage. While Grandy can't promise she will take this on as a regular hobby (remember all the stuff going on), it's good to be "back".

"Let's Do This!!!"

Let's Do This!

Several months ago Grandy got a calling to make a difference in a family's life. She hitched up her pants and gathered a group together, and threw a fundraiser for a young boy who was battling yet another round of cancer.

This event was the most amazing experience ever. Our small community came out in droves, and we were able to raise A LOT of money in two very short weeks. We were connected with this family, and Grandy cried daily. It was humbling to see a renewed sense of caring in the hearts of others.

WHAT?!? People are GOOD?!? This totally goes against everything that Grandy knows about society.

Ok...perhaps we should recap. If there are any readers left, or any new ones out there with nothing better to do, you might need a cliff-notes version of this 4 year blog. Grandy is jaded. Grandy uses sarcasm to mask the fact that she cares too much, but knows that people aren't always capable of doing that.

This event...scratch that...THIS BOY changed things for Grandy. Here is this 9 year old boy, fighting his FOURTH (yes you read that right) FOURTH round of cancer, and he came to the event playing with light sabers. He approached his illness with such bravery.

Grandy reached out to her equally jaded professional community, and the money and support came flooding in. THIS would be why Grandy was crying. The event was AMAZING!!!! The community was AMAZING!! THIS FAMILY IS AMAZING!!!

Last week, our boy lost his battle, and passed. It has rocked me to my shoes!!

As I took lil man Grandy to the prayer service that night, we learned of his brave final moments. As Dad explained what was about to happen to him, he intitially did what would be expected. He asked, "What about my sister? My brother? My friends? My baseball team??" When Dad bravely explained the next step for him, our boy (and believe me this boy belongs to this community) replied, "Alright. Let's do this!!"

LET'S DO THIS!!!

Folks, this phrase will never have the same meaning for this girl again. Grandy has survived a lot in her life... Stroke. Broken Back. Multiple Surgeries. You name it, Grandy has overcome many freakish issues. My favorite quote has always been Neitzche, "That which does not kill me, makes me strong." It will be the quote that goes on my tombstone...of course with the tag line...OOPS!!

Despite all that Grandy has had to overcome, it still feels like not enough. This 9 year old touched many lives. Grandy has more to do.

Grandy's perspective is different now. Not sure what this means, actually. All I can tell you is we should face each day with my new motto...LET'S DO THIS!!!

Are YOU ready??

Miss you Max!!

Mother's Day

We make you eat your vegetables, only so you'll stay healthy.
We give you chores, to teach you a work ethic.
We ask that you keep your grades up, because we know you can.
We ask you to clean your rooms, because we frankly don't want to hurt ourselves or end up gagging over a plate of food that's 3 weeks old.

What you may not realize is...

When you are nervous about a test, so are we.
When you are heartbroken with your first "break-up", so are we.
When you feel joy at finishing that project, so do we.

Being a mom is the best job in the whole world. We wouldn't trade it for anything. Thank goodness this is a job we never get to retire from.

I learned what I know about being a mom, from my Mom and doing what I thought made sense. What makes sense to me doesn't always make sense to you, but I hope it might someday.

Thank you to all my moms who have influenced my life, and is playing a role in my son's life. It truly does take a village, and I have the best village around.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom...and THANK YOU for giving me a GREAT gig to my son!! LOVE YOU!!

WTF Wednesday - Sarcasm

Recently Grandy had to answer some very difficult questions that will be seen by TONS of people in my "day job". We refer to the type of questions as "World Peace" questions. You know the ones I'm referring to, right? The types of questions that are asked to Miss America contestants. The kind of question that usually prompts at least one "World Peace" response.

Grandy was so proud. She limited her snarky comments to a minimum. It's for the best, really. I'll be able to share with you what this is for in another month or so, but trust me...it was TOUGH. Regretably, this recent struggle with these questions (did I mention the questions were all surrounded around Grandy?) has created a bit of a "back up", if you will, of sarcasm. I can only be uber politically correct and diplomatic for so long, before I ooze sarcasm out of my pores.

Subconsciously my mind must have been reaching out. As I was surfing the net, I found myself googling sarcastic images and comments. Suddenly, I found myself staring at an image that simply had the words:

Teehee... As I looked further, there were several others that seemed to recharge the Grandy mojo. Here are some of the better ones: “If you find it hard to laugh at yourself, I would be happy to do it for you.” - Groucho Marx

The weather today is somewhat sarcastic.
Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic.

“Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.” - Drew Carey Hehehe...

Grandy feels MUCH better now. :)

FIFTEEN?!?

The lil' man Grandy had a birthday last week. He turned 15. It's hard to believe. In this picture he is sitting on a stool, and he is STILL bigger than me.

It seems as though we cannot stop the aging process of these kids. DANG IT!! I'm not asking to slow things down for myself. Really. But could we do something about keeping our kids young? No? DANG IT!!

This year is bound to bring more grey hair to Grandy-Land. Lil Man will be getting his learner's permit this year, working on his Eagle Project, and oh yeah...working on his grades.

This will be a big year for him indeed. I of course shared my birthday wishes with him both at home, and on the blessed Facebook, but it has become a ritual to put at least a little something on this blog for him. Someday he may look back at all his mom's rantings and maybe laugh. Until then, we'll just laugh for him.

I Love You Little Man!!!

Movie-isms

There are some movie lines that just jump into Grandy's head. Usually there's an event or thought that triggers it, but that's only in my head. It's all part of my RANDOMNESS!!

Unfortunately, I apparently need to update my material. You know, expand my movie quotes to ones that happened AFTER the 80's. Methinks that my material is making me look or sound older than I am (or want to be). Lately, I've been getting a lot of blank stares, or silence on the phone. Is it the age of my material? Perhaps some of you can tell me you know EXACTLY what movies these quotes are from, and that might make me feel better.

At work if I'm trying to get someone to send me the documents I need I will say, "I want my two dollars."

If I walk into a room and I see someone I know sitting in the corner, I can't help but say, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

Any time I have a cold and have trouble breathing I usually exclaim, "I can't breathe in this thing."

Grandy never just says good-bye, or farewell to someone off on an adventure. No, that would be too simple. Instead, people are sent off with, "Have fun storming the castle."

When someone's just not getting what I'm saying they usually get, "Hello...McFly!"

If I walk into a friend's house as we're getting ready to leave and it rarely fails that I say, "What's a-happenin Hot Stuff?"

Whenever something good comes my way I usually say, "It's good to be the King."

So...Is Grandy showing just her age? Or is there someone else out there that can name all the movies this crazy randomness comes from?

baby steps

extra extra

this is grandy with a new phone.

while i am thrilled that the new phone will let me peak in on you all here, i will be thrilled when i can figure out how to capitalize in the body of this post. oh...and use more punctuation.

sigh...

my struggles with technology are ever apparent yet again.

baby steps, grandy. baby steps.

Too Much Talky

Grandy wants to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everybody for their comments on last week's post here. PLEASE NOTE: The above picture is NOT directed at any of you. This picture is solely directed at yours truly.

Really.

I have re-read my post from last week and WOW is it LOOOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGG WINDED. It would appear Grandy's lessons on "less is more" need a little fine-tuning.

The other day I couldn't help but laugh hysterically at a guy notorious for leaving long voicemail messages. He must have spoken for about 3 minutes when the machine cut him off, and I'm not even sure he ever got to his point.

Now...the polite thing for Grandy to do when he asked me "are you laughing at me?" would be to say, "No, not at all. I got a funny instant message." But alas...you readers know I don't roll downhill. What came out was "Heck yeah!! I HATE IT when you leave me messages like that and wish MINE had a time limit."

We laughed about it because he knows how he rambles. But next time (if I think about it) I am going to DEFINITELY just hand him this picture while he's leaving the message. It is TOO classic!!

Good thing he has a sense of humor. YAY FOR GOOD SPORTS!!!

WTF Wednesday - Because I Can

While Grandy is in the midst of entertaining the idea of initiating a "professional" style blog, I should clarify that THIS is not the blog for THAT. There are about 500 posts that contradict most things of a professional nature in this blog...so why change the way I think NOW?

With that said...I stumbled across the this picture and realized it has been too long since we have shared one of these.


see more funny videos

SO WRONG...In SO MANY WAYS!!!

But admit it...when you got it...you giggled.

HELP: When two worlds collide...

So the last post Grandy got up here was almost 2 months ago. Hmmmph! So much for the motivation. Oh well. Those of you out there looking for me, know I will return.

Funny thing is, there have been several things calling me back to this blog lately. And no, it's not the nagging voices I get from a couple of you out there. Actually, Grandy has been meaning to come back and check in. I only just now realized that my last update to you all was that poor cat stressed out. Here Grandy sits...almost 2 months later...just as stressed. Today's stress level hit a relatively euphoric moment, however. It is what prompted Grandy to come and tell all my fans about it (all two of you that is).

Let's see...I think I told you that in the last year my job has changed, and a new boss. There are all sorts of new expectations, learning curves, goals, pressures, wins, losses (blah blah blah) associated with your work life that it seems all I can do when I log off from a long day is play a game on the laptop. My brain has been MUSH!!

One of the new projects I've launched is a monthly newsletter that is distributed to many law firms in Northern California. I'm pretty proud of this project actually. I formally launched it's premier issue in October, and sans the month of January, I have published a new one each month. The topics are not a rocket science, but there's more to providing quality content to a bunch of attorneys and legal administrators than I am used to. Grandy doesn't get to insert ONE piece of Grandy-isms in there. Oh well...their loss.

In the last couple weeks, the popularity of the newsletter has been increasing even more. I have even received a permission request for the re-publication of one of my newsletters on a national site. Really? Alrighty then.

Keeping up with who to include (or making sure I'm including everybody) is quite the task. Grandy has set a goal to have 500 contacts in her distribution list by the end of 2011, and judging by the hubbub surrounding recent issues, I should be there by June. It will take me just that long to manually get all the data in the system for submissions.

Today there was a suggestion made about how to make the newsletter accessible for anyone to see. Something about increasing my visibility among the industry. Ideas were being tossed around to try to show the benefits of my...um...skills?

Grandy should "start a BLOG".
*blink blink*

Me: Um...no. Can't do that, sorry.
She: Really? You have such a talent for writing!! "So and so" (protecting the innocent) said it would be easy and she could help set you up. You could link all your newsletters there.
Me: Yeah, I know it CAN be done. But I can't do one.
She: WHY?!?
...pause...
Me: I already have a blog.
She: REALLY?!? That's GRRRREEEAAAATTTTT!!!
Me: Um. Not exactly.
She: Oh for goodness sake, why not?
Me: IT'S MY BLOG!! It has nothing to do with professionalism. It's written as me. The real me. Full of Grandy-isms (yes, those moments are also referred to that in the real world too) that may not be my finest moments.
She: I don't understand.
Me: Let's just say that there are some things shared on this blog that are better off not blending with my professional life. While I can assure you that all names have been omitted to protect the not-so-innocent in most cases, I'm just not sure those two worlds should collide.

So while she didn't understand what I was saying, I'm pretty sure this will not be the end of the discussion. In fact, this topic came up at the end of 2010, when I was making progress with the newsletter.

Don't get me wrong, I'm honored they think I'm qualified for such a thing. HOWEVER, there are only a handful of people in my professional life that know this blog exists. Those people that know are FRIENDS and people I trust. Friends and family know of my blog, and several follow it regularly (well, when I'm posting regularly that is).

It would only take ONCE for someone to Google me and they would get directed here first. Not sure I want that. What would become of my "WTF Wednesday"? There's a couple random silly posts I've shared (I'm thinking of "Things you hear at my Desk" posts) that are so much more fun when anonimity can be attached to it.

This blog started as a creative outlet for me 3 1/2 years ago, when I was searching for a place to connect to people. I was terribly ill, on disability, and needing a way to connect to the outside world. In this time I have connected with people in ways I could never explain, nor could I replace. I don't even actively publish about my blog on my Facebook. I'd rather post something completely random like a Bejewled Blitz score, than advertise this blog. This blog is kind of protected ground for me. Like a "home base" when we played tag as kids.

Here's where Grandy is seriously needing some input from my blogging community and friends. Many of you read my blog...but never comment. If ever there was a need for your input, I need it now.

What are your thoughts? HELP!! I need your brilliance!!

Woof!!

It is day 3 of the new year back at work.

Grandy has only one word to describe it...UNCLE!!!

There are a few things on the bright side though:

• I'm making some significant progress on some complex projects.
• The new boss has a great energy, and I'm hopeful for big things in 2011.
• I am laughing A LOT at my desk. I'm dropping a couple of swear words too...but for some reason I'm having more fun doing so.

While my phone is still ringing off the hook, my email keeps climbing over 500, and 12 people come to me with request a day...I am still having fun.

THAT...dear readers...IS A GREAT START!!

An Exciting New Year

A new year is upon us and yes, another month went by without a post from Grandy. While I would love to sit here and make promises that it won't happen again, it's a pie-crust promise...easily made, easily broken.

One thing that's great about having this blog, is it is doing what I intended it to do. It's my journal. Albeit is a journal for all the world to see (although I don't think I have nearly as many followers at the moment), it is still a journal of what is going on in my life.

This is Grandy's 4th annual "New Years Post" (but never formally called them that). Funny how there is an apparent theme. Each day is spent usually in my jammies, recapping the year, or thoroughly hung over (see last year's post here). This year, I don't have much to recap or report...which is a good thing. Grandy has made it through the year, having recovered from several "walks of shame", and is looking forward to a year of new beginnings.

The only resolution I'm making for myself (and making a future note to self) is to recognize my self worth. Lucky for me, it's not a kind of resolution that I can just give up on easily, like a diet or a workout plan. Whew!! Good thing for me it is just something for me to try to focus on more.

I'm grateful for this blog, in reminding me of where I've been, and being my online journal. I'm thankful for you all, both silent followers and the commenting inclined. This blog has been a learning curve, and I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for me.

So...what's your plan for 2011? What is the most exciting thing you have planned for the year?? Tell me...