RELIGION IS AWKWARD

I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools for 12 years.  I'm glad I was raised in a church even though I no longer practice any formal religion or go to any church.  But I'm rethinking this.

So many of our holidays (HOLY days?) and traditions are based on a religion.  Some of my relatives are Jewish and I am always surprised at how many traditions are based on their religion.  Like "spring cleaning", I think.  Some say origins of spring cleaning date back to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the springtime festival of Passover.  Also to get rid of bugs that may have infested their perishables like flour.

It's hard for me to explain Christmas and Easter and so on to my grandsons without giving a little bit of the background. Usually I lead off with "some religions or cultures" believe .... yada yada yada.  It's easier in this age of Google as quite a few Catholic and Jewish holy days are about the same time of year.  And I know I could branch out with Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans and Zoroastrians celebrations and, of course, modern African-American holiday Kwanza.  

I'm just not that politically correct.  Yet

AWKWARD ADVANTAGE

February 21.  No school today due to SNOW!  Not much but Lake Oswego roads are very hilly as well as very curvy with 900 ft elevation, so we always get some.

The condo has a lower elevation so we get way less than the old homestead.

I have a wicked coughing cold and am sitting in the living room watching the bright sun melt the snow off branches.  Today is Kate's day off so they were out and about playing in the snow by 10:00 am.  It's about 1:00 pm and both boys have fallen asleep.  Because we were all awakened at 3:30 am by our upstairs neighbor.  He usually thumps around about that time but just for an hour or less.  I feel like I hear him fall every night.

Because since he moved here in September, he has fallen and broken his left wrist.  "Tripped" over something.  Last week an ambulance came as he "tripped" and broke his right ankle.  Before he moved here he had three other "trips" within two years.  Maybe it is something other than tripping?  I think so.

Kate made a run to Starbucks to buy us brunch!  Cold brewed coffee and an egg mcmuffin type sandwich.  With an afghan on my lap and still in my jammies ... I'm just enjoying the wonderful advantage I have living here with my people. 

Braeden is starting to enjoy reading rather than feeling like it was punishment.  Deacon astounds me with his vocabulary (Gramma, I have a situation in here).  The kidults are very indulgent.  As I am with them. 

AWKWARD HISTORY

I really am getting OLD!

It's hard for me to understand how I was taught history that is (?) untrue.  How do people go back hundreds of years and learn the "truth" which is the complete opposite of what I was taught?  

Christopher Columbus for one example.  Being born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, celebrating him was a big deal.  He fell out of favor and parades were halted but he is slowly but surely making a comeback among Italians.  And once again has a national holiday.

And then there is Saint Christopher.  I grew up Catholic and a St. Christopher medal or figurine was always in our car.  He was the patron saint of travelers .... until he was demoted.  I suppose that is why GPS was invented?

Here we are at Black History month.  Which is what inspired today's blog.  I learned about historical figures who were black side by side when I learned about that era of history, US or World.  I'm not sure who invented Black History month.  Why not an India and China month?  Their population alone should be  a factor.  Why not elder history month?  Why not Grandmother month?

Yes, I know that great people do bad things.  Even in the 1960's elementary school we learned about the harm to our native American Indians.  And slaves.  And so on.

Maybe I am just a Pollyanna ... we can still learn a balance between accomplishments and failures.  My grandson seems to be learning mostly the negatives about historical figures.  

Hmmmm ....

THE ULTIMATE AWKWARD

I postponed my trip to Hawaii.

Unbelievable?  Yes.  I am just too sad to go to His favorite place without him this time.  It's embarrassing to be this emotionally unstable but once I made the decision, I slept nine hours in a row!   Unlike the past few months of waking at 4:00 am and not being able to go back to sleep...and worrying about anything and everything.

He's been my constant companion and I have to say I hate traveling without him (or someone).  I'm grateful to have quite a few friends and bloggers who no longer fly because I think that's where I am right now.  Panic at the thought.  My travels to other countries may be via The Travel Channel from now on.

Of course, I make myself feel bad about not visiting my buddies in Maui and especially my friend/tenant.  She has spent HOURS cleaning and organizing and even having the carpet cleaned.  They have all been so kind and understanding....especially my Widow's group, of course.  Several of them remember Year Five being a rough patch.  Go figure!  I keep thinking things (and memories) will be more gentle given more time.

This loving little nest is hard to leave.  I'm thankful for little boy hugs (and parent hugs also).  Singles out there know the lack of physical contact is real.  I'm glad I have my "girl" Legos to interact with them.  Mostly I'm the book kind of Grandma.  Even little guy will bring some books, his blankie and his Lambie over for a snuggle reading session.  

That's my story.  Emotions are powerful.  I'm glad I listened.