@jubilant @qualitygal Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend the entire day with my two oldest granddaughters! I love, love spending time with them. As I've stated here before, I've been taking them for the day various places since they were toddlers. We have an unusually close relationship.
So, it was my idea to go see (what I call the 'circus movie') the one with Hugh Jackman. They were all for it (lucky for me)! My daughter met me with them and my 5 year old grandson (my son-in-law and other grandson was at grandson's basketball game). We had lunch at Wendy's because it was next to the movie theatre.
After the movie I drove us to Chickfilet because that's where they wanted to go (one granddaughter hadn't eaten much at Wendy's). We took the food back to their house and sat outside in my car eating it.
It was so funny because we could see my daughter, my son-in-law and other's walking back and forth watching us out the window (car light was on). Eventually, my daughter couldn't stand it any longer and came out to see what we were doing (she's nosey...Ha!).
We sat and had some of our wonderful conversations. They are very, very intelligent and honest with me. They know I don't judge them or their friends. I always tell them how grateful I am and lucky to be able to spend time alone with them. I've always told them I won't discuss our subject matter with their parents unless I think it's something or signs of trouble (or might cause trouble). They know I'm true to my word, thus they are outspoken and honest and trust me.
Yesterday's conversations was the use of cuss words and that three letter word....sex. We don't get into details just the funny aspects of the use of cuss words (what works best and when to use them) and "can you imagine" this and that! We sat and laughed so hard. Good for the soul to laugh period but especially with people who have such a good untainted heart.
As they've gotten older they've been able to see the less guarded side of me. You know, the side we keep back (cussing, etc) from young people and when we only want to show our public side to others.
It was the same way with their mother and my two other daughters. Gradually, as they got older they were 'allowed' to get to know the real me, flaws and all. Actually, I allowed it pretty early as far as them being able to point out things like, "Mom, you are being selfish" (this was said by my one daughter when she was only 5 years old....and she was right at the time).
So, finally, my reason for coming back to this post. I saw and watched the Sunday morning show I enjoy. The segment was about college campuses and free speech. It was about college students now allowing speakers to come and speak on various subjects 'that upset them'. Speakers on controversial subjects about race, religion and so on get yelled off of the stage and no longer allowed to give their side because it's too upsetting to them.
The wonderful thing about this country is it (the country) takes (what I call) a 'correction' and starts to swing backward.
I see this happening now. The problem I have with it is (unfortunately) it often swings too far in the other direction. Eventually it comes BACK to the middle. Hopefully, the 'over-correction' won't last long, maybe not happen at all (fingers crossed). That's what I got from the segment...(i.e. it's swinging).
These young people (teenagers, young teens) seem to give me hope. They are willing to listen to all sides and (I have to believe) it's not just my grandchildren but many of those this age who will listen to EVERYONE and decide what's best for the country, not just for them, but the country (not always the same).
I wish more people would listen to people like us. By us I mean old people! Ha! My friends and I always say we are more likely to want what's best for this country. Sure we care about our Social Security payments, but we don't have children in school (not directly affected), most of us drive ourselves (don't have to worry so much about getting paid by a job) and so on. I know it all dribbles down to and affects us, but not the same as those in the work force every single day. We've been there...done that...seen it...been a part of 'it'. Hopefully, most of us have learned a few things in this process....right?
To get off of this subject...I'll say, I'm feeling more optimistic today! I've had a vitamin shot (being with young people). I'm ready and willing for the next 'round'.
I so enjoy coming here because I get to enjoy all of you. I get to read ideas, likes, dislikes, what works, what doesn't work and so on from people all around the country. I wish there were teens and younger people here, but hopefully, they're busy making the world better....Ha!
My mother used to say to me, "If you want to feel old...hang out with old people. If you want to feel young, hang out with young people". I do that and like to think I'm young(er) because of it.
ps - I did tell my granddaughters that Grandma's been working on getting her back better. Soon I'll be able to teach them how to do the Watusi, the mashed potatoes, the locomotion, the swim, the twist and many more dances. They've been taught well (humor grandma) as they said, "Oh! Good Grandma! We can't wait!" (the car light had been turned off by then, but I'm sure their eyes were rolling around....like..."maybe she'll forget" to show us). Ha!
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