GrannyXpress

Merry Christmas! (Cheap Cheap)

Filed under: GrannyX Approves, GrannyX Suggests, GrannyX Recommends, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 25, 2007 11:23 am by healthiacynthia

Wow, what’s with all these supposedly “exclusive” gifts at escalated prices all over the web? Would you pay $36. for a dozen banana muffins? Come on! Wouldn’t you like to give something that has much more REAL value than muffins and that will be around as an heirloom? For less than $36?

If you didn’t get to all your gifts before Christmas and aren’t happy with hanging out at Walmart just because it’s open 24 hours a day, click below for some real wonderful dreams-come-true for prices that match:

Granny’s Fave Gifts

Filed under: GrannyX Suggests, GrannyX Recommends, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 19, 2007 2:31 pm by healthiacynthia

I know that this is a bit of a cliche, but I really treasure gifts that are created by someone I know. You want to give your grandmother a gift she will cherish forever? Forgo the fancy nighties and the expensive perfume and chocolates… give Granny something you crafted or painted or wrote for her.

Below are some beautiful examples that my friends have done this year.

Eva Cote is our Pastor’s wife. She has cross stitch on the go all the time it seems. It’s a labor-intensive art, but something that people keep and hand down through the generations. Here are the pictures that she made for my daughter-in-law.

Mary Lou Johnson lives on Hornby Island and every Christmas she paints (usually a watercolor) a picture for her ‘Country Mouse Cards’– the Christmas card replication of her Christmas painting. I bought this year’s painting and fancy that these little missies are my granddaughters in a future snowy Christmas scene.

If you have a spare day (haha) before Christmas I suggest that you might want to do something creative for someone you know. Another great gift for Grandma? How about some of her favorite homemade goodies, made lovingly by you?

**If you want more information about contacting Eva Cote (cross-stitch) or Mary Lou Johnson (watercolors), contact me by clicking right here. (Your email address is not revealed on-site and I hate spam as much as you do).

Kindness Remembered…

Filed under: GrannyX Suggests @ December 17, 2007 1:20 pm by healthiacynthia

This is a most appropriate time of the year to focus on kindnesses… to practice them, and to recall the kindnesses of others…

Today bloggers worldwide are blogging on the topic of “Acts of Kindness”… you are encouraged to fill your ‘love cup’ by reading lots of blogs today!

*I remember how kind my friend’s mom was when I was growing up. It was surely annoying to have me over so often, on weekends when I was staying with my grandparents, but I never heard her complain or tell me to go home. A particular kind act is engraved in my memory. We were getting ready to go to a dance. I had made a botchy job of hemming up a tweed skirt (mini skirts were all the rage and this particular one was probably ‘to the knee’ in length). Mil took the skirt and undid the crappy threads and did her very professional hemming magic on it, pressed it, and voila! I was ready to dance.

*In Grade 12 I had menstrual cramps every month (endometriosis I diagnosed myself several years later). One day I bit the bullet in class and told the teacher I had “the flu”. I’m sure she wasn’t fooled. She asked the Principal to drive me home and he did. They were very kind, I thought. This stands in stark contrast to what I heard on the news today wherein an aboriginal woman, about my age, recalls only being allowed to use the washroom 3X a day when she was at boarding school.

*Two years ago our family moved to this beautiful valley on Vancouver Island. There are poor people here, just as there are everywhere, and in some cases, this is a magnet because the climate makes it easier to endure a winter “living rough”. Shortly after we moved here a notice in the paper called for volunteers to help with the annual Christmas Day dinner for the poor. We’ve been helping out with that for a couple of years now and plan to do so again this year, or at least the men in the family will. Our Church has a dinner on the 22nd to which we invite families from along the highways and bi-ways. Starting in January we make sandwiches for the Red Cross to distribute to the hungry on Sundays.

I have been the recipient of so much kindness in my life that it behooves me to “pay it forward”. My heart is for little children who haven’t known the love of a grandparent, something that I grew up rich in. That is my focus for kind acts… taking a few minutes to speak to an overwhelmed mom in a store, helping out with expenses for some of the single moms I know who are hard-pressed all year long, not just at Christmas, etc.

May you know and show kindness today and over the year to come!

Looking for a Gift for Grandma?

Filed under: GrannyX Approves, GrannyX Suggests, GrannyX Recommends, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 16, 2007 4:23 pm by healthiacynthia

Or a Gift for Grandpa, as far as that goes? Here are some ideas that you might not have considered:

Techie Treats
Many of the Grandmothers I talk to complain that they don’t use the computer because they don’t know much about it, and are, often, afraid of doing something really awful to it. They know that a 12-year old knows much more than they do around the computer. I know that. We all know that. If you are a tech-savvy 12-year old or teenager or 20-something with a grandmother who expresses some interest in learning about using the computer, how about schedule some lessons? Either sign Gran up for a set of lessons at the nearby YWCA (an example) or, better yet, offer to spend an hour a week teaching something of what you know. Remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE. Don’t launch into program languages, but do:
~ go over some basics of e-mail.
~Show them how easy it is to journal on Blogger.
~Give them a tour of eBay– maybe they have some stuff they want to make money on, or a collection they would like to expand. Help them set up an account.
~Have fun! Explain about “cookies” during one session… talk about ways to avoid spam at another session.
~Take Granny on a Facebook jaunt… show her how many Groups there are started by people who love and adore their Grannies! Let them see all the groups for people over 50. Invite Granny to be one of your FB Friends.

These are just some ideas! If Granny is not into the computer in the least, then finding other ways to spend time with her will be just as valuable!

Grief at Christmas

Filed under: Uncategorized @ December 14, 2007 4:22 pm by healthiacynthia

It’s drizzling out today and I feel like I need some action… this ‘rappin granny’ has the energy to keep herself young and beautiful for many years to come.

This is a tough time of the year for many families. The expectations for an unforgettable Christmas are stacked up there with the memories of Christmases past that can’t be forgotten because of their horrible and/or disappointing features. People don’t “move on” until they have fully grieved. Much of what happens at Christmas is a reflection of what has not been ‘deal with’ by family members stuck in their grief.

Grief is change– thinking of it in these terms sometimes defuses the emotion. What can you do to handle the ‘changes’ that need to be made in your family?

Is it possible to talk during a time when there isn’t a crisis happening? A good time is when you have just had a chuckle together, or shared some favorite food. I used to find that driving was an appropriate time to gently bring up delicate issues… if the other person doesn’t feel ‘on the defensive’, the interior of a car is frequently a safety zone…. the driver is driving, so can’t do the eyeball-to-eyeball thing that sometimes triggers fear and hostility. What are some ideas for a place and time to talk about the ‘bad feelings’?

This is just one of hundreds of ideas for dealing with loneliness, sadness and anger that get in the way of happy family togetherness. Do a search and find other ideas, and God bless you!

Granny Needs A Cuppa Tea

Filed under: GrannyX Approves, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY, GrannyX Comforts @ December 12, 2007 2:01 pm by healthiacynthia

I’m feeling a little behind the eight-ball today (not quite sure what that means exactly– some sort of snookers metaphor to mean that one feels pressured?). I have my Toastmasters meeting tonight with some big-wig in attendance and am down to do an evaluation of one of the speakers. I’m not sure where the anxiety is pouring in from, but I WILL deal with it. Part of the problem is that I am ’stuck in’ to learning some business stuff and I really don’t feel like going to the meeting… so maybe it is not so much ‘pressure’ as ‘resentment’. Well, I can deal with that as well.

In the meantime, I think I shall have a cup of tea. I have a number of lovely teacups in my cupboards (courtesy of my mother and grandmothers) and am going to rinse one out and use it for the tea… join me? If you don’t have any gorgeous teacups, here are some lovely ones to peruse and order (Warning:teacup collecting is a passion among some):

Granny & Holiday Stress

Filed under: GrannyX Recommends, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 10, 2007 3:04 pm by healthiacynthia

Here is the standard 1950s Santa’s knee shot. I was likely about three or four in this picture. I am not looking too happy, in fact, I have such a death hold on the lollipop that it looks a little like a bludgeon, does it not?

Is Christmas always a happy time for children? Well, if you look at the stresses that adults report during this Merry season, you will find depression, financial hardships, and family conflicts pinpoint this as one of the least peaceful and serene times of the year. Because children are little emotional attennae on legs, they pick up our anxieties, as well as adding a few of their own to the mix.

Our son was complaining about his two-year old’s behaviour just last night. They had arrived home from a family Christmas Dinner/potluck put on by their church. A-1 was still wired. Her parents were pooped– they have a new baby (A-too is about 10 weeks old) and don’t get nearly as much sleep as they would like. What to do?

*Well, for last night it would be important just to establish some peace and balance. Once inside the door, a familiar routine can be soothing. A-1 loves a bath and a bedtime story.

*She is only 2, but a short de-brief of the party might be useful… could even happen on the way home in the car. “Wasn’t that fun? Did you like the balloons? I saw you playing with the big balloons!” Part of going over what has just happened is making a transition to what activity follows… “transitioning” from one event to another is more challenging for some children. Reviewing the just-past exciting event and anticipating the sweetness of the family togetherness rituals to come might be one way to help with ‘gearing down’.

*Keeping the Christmas parties and visits to a minimum is also helpful in maintaining peace in the home. Pick the ones that are absolutely essential (whatever that means to you and your family) to attend, and RSVP the others. You will notice a huge dip in your child’s stress levels if there is more family fun (cookie-baking, popcorn-stringing, carol singing) and less outside static. Make some simple at-home “traditions” you can practice every year. Babies and toddlers certainly don’t need trips to the Mall to sit on Santa’s knee. Do the Santa trip at home– “photoshop” the old elf into a picture with your child.

*Like Hallowe’en, a lot of physical illness (stress) can be avoided with good, ongoing nutrition for your child, particularly when it seems to be the time for all adults to foist extra sweets on children. Keep fresh fruit and veggies in their diet and on-hand for snacks. Drink ample water yourself and your child will see it as a suitable quencher of thirst.

*Don’t sacrifice the child’s nap at any point, if possible. Children often misbehave just from sheer shortage of sleep. I recall that I often took a nap at the same time with my kids and that it was a life-saver for me– and them.

*When the holiday stress is rising for everyone, you, the parent, have the responsibility to reach out for support. Make sure your own stress levels are bearable and that your own needs are being met adequately (nutrition- rest- physical exercise- intimacy- connection). Do you have someone supportive to talk to? Is there a family support group that you might want to join in the New Year?

*WWJD?

The Christmas Party Angel

Filed under: GrannyXShowsOff, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 9, 2007 5:34 pm by healthiacynthia

This afternoon the grandchildren will be going to a Christmas dinner and party with their parents. I hope they all have a blast! (This is the latest picture of “Little Angel”– Angelika. She is a giggler!

Hand Knit Sweaters

Filed under: GrannyX Approves, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 8, 2007 9:58 pm by healthiacynthia

I may have mentioned before that I had thought that I would be a mad-glad-knitting machine of a Granny when I had a little grandchild. I’m rather ashamed to admit that I haven’t knit anything… well, not anything that I’ve finished for a baby. I did knit a lovely green blanket for Alyza, but I made a few mistakes and then I didn’t actually finish it up with the band that had to be sewn all the way around. (Zoe inherited it). I also knit a little poncho, but the wool was scratchy and I didn’t think it looked quite right. Knitting can be therapeutic, but at this point, other people do a much better job than I do.

Plus, my granddaughters are heading off to the Philippines for five months where they need knit items like a fish needs a bicycle.

I myself lo-o-o-o-o-o-ve handknit Irish sweaters and have my eye on some at eBay that would make fine Christmas presents….

Auction Action: Bidding the First Time

Filed under: GrannyX Recommends, GrannyXLovesTHE.BAY @ December 6, 2007 3:27 pm by healthiacynthia

Even though there are piles of people out there over 45 who use eBay on a regular basis, there are also a number of people who don’t… maybe because they are spooked by the reports of rip-offs or because they just don’t trust the process to be secure.

The fact is that eBay is a huge money-generating business and it is in the best interests of the competitive guy who owns it (who also owns PayPal and Skype) to keep customers happy… it is not likely that he is going to put up with pervasive scams that can be eliminated by lesser internet wizards.

As a wiser, older eBay’r commented to me, “Cynthia, I buy all sorts of things on ebay and have had nothing but good luck. I think Roosevelt was right when he said ” we have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Seems to me that we are being scared to death by the fearmongers = our governments (yours and mine) being the worst of the fear peddlers.

Yes, life goes on and we better not allow fear stop us from living.”

This is someone considerably more senior and sage than I.

So, for anyone who wants to try eBay for the first time (or maybe go in after a long absense), here is a little bit of a non-techie tutorial:

TIP #1: BE WISE from the outset Realize that this is an Auction Site and that items on auction are marketed with emotional appeal. Decide what you are looking for and decide exactly how much you are willing to pay, what your ceiling is. Remember that you will be charged (most times) for shipping and handling, so find that out before-hand by sending the Seller your Postal Code.

TIP #2: WHOA– BACK UP THE HORSE, NELLY Go into eBay and REGISTER. You will need to provide your usual information (name, address, email address) AND a USER NAME and a PASSWORD. Put this information somewhere where you can find it to use again the next time. Ready to do that? Click on the following bar:

TIP #3:Now, supposing you wanted to find a GEISHA DOLL to bid on. You would normally just type GEISHA DOLL on the Search Bar on the eBay page and it would bring up all the GEISHA DOLLS that are there waiting for you to bid on them… or buy them outright (some are not part of the auction).
>If you want to try this process out now without going through the Search Bar, you can just click on the following button that will take you to the GEISHA DOLLS so you can see how they are set up.

Geisha in Kyoto

CLICK BELOW TO GO TO THE SITE!

TIP #4: Take a Scroll on the Wild Side That is, scroll down the page of items that you have available. Notice that there is a number in red… that indicates the time left in the auction. Read the items that please and/or interest you. Contact the Seller at his/her email address (in the right upper corner of the ad) to get information about shipping, other charges, whatever you want to know. Look at the Seller’s Profile (again, top right corner of the ad). Does he have a lot of complaints against him? Then you might want to do a ‘miss’, because you only want to deal with reputable sellers, right? Pick someone who has a lot of eBay interactions (over 30) and who has a rating of 95-100%. You can go and read the ratings as well.

When you feel confident, place a bid. They will walk you through that process.

HAVE A LOT OF FUN!!

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