A Haven for Vee

Monday, January 21, 2008

Eight Reasons Why It's Great to Be Who I Am or Something Like That



Sandi, bless her heart, tagged me again! That's Sandi right there just before she tapped me soundly. (Yes, this little giffie is a shameless rip-off and I apologize right up front to both one and all, but most especially to Sandi and to her dear friends who created such a thing of beauty for her only to have it all messed up by moi. Sorry!) ;>

Let me preface this by sharing the definition I once heard for an optimist: An optimist is a person who, after falling from a forty-story building, yells at every floor, "I'm okay!"

And that about describes where I am these days; It feels as if there's a big splat in my future. I hate to be a hypocrite don'tcha know. Yesterday, I shared two quotes that I love and want very much to be true. I don't always feel them; nevertheless, I want them, earnestly desire them, but I am not always living them. Okay, now that I have been perfectly clear, my conscience will allow me to carry on with this list. (Oh, and by the way, isn't Sandi the best little armchair psychologist ever getting me to think about my blessings?)

1. Despite a childhood that wasn't all that pleasant, my parents did their best to love and support me. A challenging childhood helps me to understand others who endured difficulties in their own.

2. Despite marrying the wrong man, I have a wonderful daughter and a wonderful son and two terrific grandsons. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes the trade-offs make a difficult thing worth it all.

3. Despite my sister's also marrying the wrong man, I have two terrific nieces, too.

4. Despite leaving college in my junior year, I was able to return and earn my degree eleven years later. My education has meant a lot to me...much more the second time around than the first.

5. Despite having left teaching, there are those who call me their favorite teacher. This astounds me and humbles me. Their letters are tucked among my treasures. It's still a joy after all this time.

6. Despite being a moping shell of a person lately, people have continually reached out to me. It is a blessing to have friends...real and the not-so-real. Yes, even the figs are a big blessing. (Figs=figments of my imagination otherwise known as you.)

7. Despite living alone, pets are terrific. I've loved so many, lost so many, but a good cat is a wonderful gift. My cat is a sweet companion; she's a good little comforter, too.

8. Despite feeling lonely sometimes, I've known the love of family and friends. Loneliness is a choice.

I should force myself to do this exercise every day, but then you'd be calling me Oprah.

I've seen many versions of this meme about, including one that requires many more than eight points. (I see that Robin did one recently and she did 15! Fifteen! That would've killed me.)

Now I'm choosing the following ladies because I want to know eight things (or more) about them that make them grateful to be who they are or something like that:

CC at Six Months of Settled

Brenda at Coffee Tea Books and Me

Jan at The Life and Times of Li'l Ol' Me (Jan has already been tagged and is sprinting away as fast as a jackrabbit. This will give her even more to ponder.)

Ladies, you know that I won't be one bit offended if this doesn't fit into your blogging plans. Feel perfectly free to interpret this meme any way that you desire...unlike "the good book," adding to or taking away is perfectly acceptable.

A delightful Monday to you all!

ETA: Blogger has been particularly difficult this morning so I apologize for things not looking quite right. I'm going to make a pot of chamomile tea so that I may chill out now.

13 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I've never been tagged before...Thank you, Vee! This is fun!

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  2. Okay Sweetie Pie, what in hell is going on that is bringing you down? Do I need to pack up my shotgun and sidearm and come up there and whip some "dont' be hurtin'my buddy" *ss? Cause I will. Loading the guns now...it's not to late to stop me...I'm fired up...hello? hello? lol
    hugs to you Vee...I'm having another cup of coffee...a little concerned for you and hoping you feel really really better very very soon!
    Sandi

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  3. I'm thinking some cabin fever is setting in. Call a friend, talk it out. Scream and throw pillows.

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  4. #1 - Me'thinks there are a lot of us out here, who did not grow up in a "Leave It To Beaver" family.

    #3 - Mmmmm, and would you be thinking that she's about to make 'the second time around'?

    Needless to say, you do not have to reply to any comments, made in comments.

    Mari-Nanci

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  5. Vee - I think you and I have more in common than either of us ever thought. As I've mentioned before, I too am having a hard time feeling "happy" lately. I don't know what the problem is. I look at my life sometimes and I see how lonely I am. But like you said, lonliness is a choice. I COULD have more contact and relationships, but tend to shy away from it because a part of me perceives "friendship" as a "burden". After all, you have to give back some of what you're getting, right? And what if what I have to give isn't good enough?? I think I may be drifting into a spot of depression, I don't know. I keep thinking I'll "analyze" myself right out of this funk, but so far...no luck. But I'll keep working it and keep thinking of you, too, hoping you're able to snap out of it, as well. (We may need to start some sort of support group soon, though!!! lol)
    Kari

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  6. I ain't doin' it again and you can't make me! *lol* Those 15 that Robin tagged me with were REALLY hard to do...I can't imagine trying to do 8 more! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your list and getting to know you a bit better! Oh, please consider me a real friend...not imaginary. : ) I just don't live next door! Take care of you sweetie!

    Hugs,
    Jan

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  7. Vee, I was so excited about getting tagged that I didn't stop long enough to reflect on your list...like Bax said, I hope you consider me and us all "real" friends sending you hugs through cyberspace and comfort through words. Even though you and I are just now getting to know each other, I can tell you are leaving a loving handprint on the hearts of many, many people. I'm sorry you're feeling blue. And I wish I had just the right thing to say to help you feel better. Feel better, okay?

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  8. Well...I am glad you were able to see the BRIGHTER side of all the things you listed!! LOL
    You are a hoot!
    Blessings,
    Robin

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  9. Nice to learn a little more about you, blogging friend.
    I am sending you hugs and a smile. :-)

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  10. Counting our blessings is always a worthwhile exercise!
    Hugs, Judy

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  11. Great "tag". I'll answer the questions soon. :)

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  12. My Dear Ms. Vee,
    The only splat in your future that I see is you knocking yourself down, now stop that. Who do we know that lives this life perfectly? No one! You have much to be proud of and you may be a retired teacher but you are still teaching me! I'm breakin' out the pom-pom's and and shakin' 'em to vigorously cheer you on as you have so graciously done for me! Lifting you to the Father for lighter and brighter days!
    Much Love,
    Miss Sandy

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