Here are a couple of beginning thoughts to several of the blogs I began but never had time to finish. I am going ahead so I can get these off my chest and out of my mind. That is one of the things I learned in Opinion and Commentary – once I had something to say I couldn't let it go. If you are still out there then feel free to weigh in on any of my comments.
Does everyone cry when Ellen DeGeneres visits some girls at a college dorm, when Hallmark commercials are on, when you have to say goodbye, when you read Christmas stories in magazines, when Silent Night is sung or when the music begins and the bride starts down the aisle? Or is it just that I'm a sappy wimp, in menopause, crazy or (fill in the blank)?
Why do men put up with wearing ties? How do they tolerate something knotted around their necks? Why isn't there an uprising? Ties have no practical use. Centuries ago they were to show your status, then to show your school colors. Yes, men look handsome in their suit and ties but they also look uncomfortable. If it is good looks your going for then put on a tux. Every man looks drop dead gorgeous in a tux.
Isn't Barack Obama half white? I never hear him referred to as any part white. Hmmmm…Wonder why that is.
I had fun, great, loving grandparents. One grandmother made the best, tastiest pies and candy. My family still cooks her recipes. My other grandmother let me play in her jewelry drawer and sewed all of my Barbies' clothes, including a hand beaded wedding dress. My grandfather had a walk-in closet stocked with toys and games that was just for his grandkids. He taught me how to play craps.
I want to be as good a grandparent as they were. Tough shoes to fill. And none of it had to do with Toys R Us or electronic gadgets…it had to do with time.
I have seen a few happy marriages, but far outweighing the happy marriages I've witnessed are the so-so, content marriages and quite a few disastrous marriages. Relationships are so difficult. Making marriages work is much tougher than anyone can ever explain. So why is it that I am always so ecstatic to see young people get engaged? It has to be the hope.
Driving with one of your children, especially a teenager, is the best time to bond, to get to know them, to let them know you, to lecture them and to laugh.
Finally, I wanted to say to all of you in Kerry Benson's Opinion and Commentary class with me...
I can't believe my good luck. How, after 36 years and finally completing my degree, did I get so fortunate as to have such smart, articulate, sharp, worldly, funny, diverse and kind classmates in my last class? Every one of you. Thanks for making me better. Thanks for making me think. I learned so much. I expect to see great things from each of you. I wish you much success.