Last Chauffeur Day of the Year

It's Winter Break, and I have free time, so that means I'm back to being my Gram's chauffeur! 

Where to, you might ask?

To organ class, where else?!

And might I tell you, it's not just any organ class as my gram would put it, "there are no beginners in this class... we all play very well and are quite experienced!"

after all, it is the advanced class

Typically,  she has classes every Wednesday 

(but due to the Christmas holiday and all, it was moved to Friday ...just for this week!)

Pretty snazzy looking for pushing 92, eh?

It was too funny. Last night I got a call from her. 

"Erin, I'm just checking again, you can still take me and pick me up from Organ tomorrow, right?"

..."yes gram, I'll be there promptly at 10:00am!"

that was the fourth time she reminded me.

In one week.

So, I got to thinking. Which is never good. But really. Listen to this.

My gram has two hearing aids. Without them, she is deaf. literally. 

When she plays the organ at home, you can hear it from three houses down.

I wonder how loud it really must be in the building where they play...

oh dear. I can't imagine.

Any who.

After her organ class, she goes out to lunch "with the girls" 

(cute, huh?)

She calls me from her little jitterbug (a.k.a old persons cell phone!) and fills me in on her where-a-bouts. 

It's always one out of three places.

i Hop

Garden Cafe

Fernando's

Today it was good ol' i Hop :)

When I go to pick her up from one of those three locations, I always have to sit and chat with the girls for awhile. I mean really, old people LOVE to talk and hear stories. I always have to budget for at least a good 30 minute conversation before I can leave.

Today, I brought them some goodies in a cute little mason jar, pulled tightly with a bow, for a late Christmas treat!

Santa's Chex Mix

Craisins

Pretzels

Peanuts

Corn Chex

(drizzle white chocolate and let cool)

add M&M's and mix together.

Santa-Hat's

Buggles

white non-parcels decorations

red (white chocolate candy melts)

mini-mallows

Click here for the full recipe

It was good to see the gals, but some were missing due to Christmas parties, traveling and all. Stay tuned Wednesday for pictures of the girls and some funny stories!

Until then, check out some older posts and funny stories from my gram this summer here and here. 

Can you believe TOMORROW is New Year's Eve?

My recap of the year in tomorrow's post.

xoxo

Day of Birth

What nerd spends her birthday blogging?
THIS one.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday, then by working with dear old first graders (while feeling like hell), visiting my dear old gram and bringing her a good ol' Arby's jamocha shake, spending some quality time with my ma and gram, then driving home to change into my pj's, hope in bed, sip on some ice cold water, and watch a lot of stupid, yet addicting, trashy television all night.

       

Check out these hot ladies that I was blessed to spend my day with...

Hot mom and rockin' gram...yeah

JEALOUS, much?

;)

Not a typical 23 year old birthday, but laying in bed around 8:00pm is my typical day. 

I have actually became quite content with things and my not so typical and rather dull life (at times). While most peopel look at me and wonder how I manage always falling asleep around 9:00pm (yet I can't stay stay asleep more than 2hours at night) or how I like not partying and going out with my friends. To those people, I can say yes, it is very hard and frustrating seeing others going out around you having a gay ol' time while you just sit by and watch. 

but honestly, 

sometimes I actually enjoy my life. 

It's quiet. It can suck (but whose doesn't at times).
But it's my life.
<3

While being sick surely has it's crappy times...more than you know

I have met some freakishly amazing people.

Some who have chronic illnesses and some who don't.

...all are equally important in my life

Special shout out to @Sarah from Sunlight After Rain

and Brooke over at Growing Older, Growing Up?

and to EVERYONE else out there in the blogging world who cares.
Your constant words, comments, encouragement, and all mean the world to me!
Thanks for being a part of my life :)
A great birthday to know that so many people care
<3

------------

Happy Birthday to me :)

I am SO blessed.

xoxo

erinj0

Labor Day Weekend

.It's been a long Labor Day Weekend.

I picked up a babysitting job to make a little cash, and let me tell you...that kept me busy!

It has been quite some time since I have: changed a diaper, watched hours of Dora The Explorer and Nick Jr, played with sidewalk chalk, blew bubbles, and played house and hide and go seek...

After the long weekend, it made me realize just how needed naps really are!

I wish that as adults, we could still get an occasional "nap time break". 

I mean heck, people get smoke breaks, we should be allowed nap breaks!

{yes, I am totally kidding...}

---------------

My mom and gram are in the good old sunny state of Florida visiting my family while I was left here. By myself, working, sitting around, not doing a lot  -  

Here is the first card she gave me before she left. 

It was nice...I even got a gift card :)

...and then I get this one!

My mom loves to make me smile and crack the jokes! 

When my best friend went on her first date, she got picked up at my house.

(first of all, that was a mistake!) 

He rang the doorbell and my mom answered with underwear on her head, while contiuing to talk in some weird foreign accent saying something along the lines of  "Oh hello boy, are you here to pick up the good old Lisa? Where are you taking her and what are your intentions"

Sadly, no, I am not fibbing. She really did.

You know what's even better? I can't wait to embarrass my kids someday :) 

**I pick them up later tonight and made them a little welcome home snack!**

♥ photo credit

*please note that this beautiful picture was not the result of my oh so fab baking skills. 

They tasted just as good; however, they didn't quite look that way - 

so I thought I would share the professional pic ; )

*Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies*

Yield: 24 small brownies

What you will need:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350˚F.  

Line an 11″- x 7″-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs and oil until smooth.  Set aside.

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt and brown sugar.  

Add to the wet ingredients and mix until thoroughly incorporated.  

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.  

Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until passes toothpick test.  

Cool completely before cutting.

-enjoy

Goodnight friends :)

xoxo 

-erinj0

AARP?!

I checked my mail today, and to my surprise, I am now a senior citizen.

I received an official "laminated" AARP card and membership ID. 

{what the heck?!}

Now, I knew my life was moving pretty fast here lately, but oh gee - I didn't realize it passed by me THIS fast! haha

Even if I did become a member (which dear lord, I would never...it's probably a scam) but hypothetically, if I did, there would be plenty of perks...

• I could get movie discounts (because they don't do student discount anymore...stupid, I know!)
• Senior citizens get free pie at village inn! whoooo, who doesn't like FREE pie?!
• Shopping discounts! On certain days the old folks get super savings on their clothes! (can you say, jealous!)
• Fast food joints and even dine-in restaurants offer special savings to those over the age of 55! (heck 15% off your meal or free drinks can really add up ; )

...the list continues! This gets me thinking that just maybe...living the "good-OLD-life" won't be half bad after all <3

Speaking of old(er) people, I have a quick story.

Yesterday my family got together for no apparent reason, but just for the fact that it was a nice day and we decided to have a Sunday grill out.

After dinner, we pulled out the good old game known as "Taboo" - the purpose of this game is to get your teammates to guess the word on the top of the card without using the basic words that most people think of to describe it. 

For example if the word is [pizza] you can't say sounds like, rhymes with, or the words: slice, cheese, food, junk, eat, etc... it actually is quite difficult.

You see... the problem when we play "team games" is that my grandmother is 91 years old and she tends to (for lack of better words) suck at these things. Granted, she is old and processing time is quite different and much more difficult, but we always dread if grandma gets put on your team.

*sorry grandma*

Funny thing is  this: she ended up killing it & rockin the show! She even showed up my mother and got THREE words completed before the timer ran up! (My mom only got ONE. ha, it was great)

-This might have been a "you had to be there type story, but it really was funny" - 

She is so independent and hates asking for help. 

Quite the stubborn one she is. 

I know I will be just the same when I get older, I can foresee my future already.

(man, I feel bad for my future children already!)

Anyways.

Goodnight all.

Hope all is well :)

xoxo

-erinj0

It's WEDNESDAY and you know what that means :)

caution: this post is rather long.

Today is the one day of the week that I am my grandmothers chauffeur :)

Since I had leftover cake-pops, I decided to baggie them up and give individuals out to her lovely lady friends :) Oh my, they just gushed over the things... I learned that dear old ladies just love when youngin's like myself go out of their way to do something for them. 

{Granted, I just put my leftover pops in individual baggies}

**two pops per bag**

 They LOVED them. 

I even promised to bake them another treat for next week :) 

...and since I had extra almond bark to use up, I made some sweet and salty snacks...

**********************

The day started out interesting {as always}

I always get a good laughin' when my gram calls me on her little JitterBug cell... 

As you can see, it is a senior citizen friendly phone :)

 ♥ photo credit

 She calls me when they are almost done eating/talking

(her friends take her to the nearby restaurant after Organ class)

*Note: The phone is programed to call me automatically when she flips open the phone. All she has to do is press the YES button to confirm calling me! ...nifty, eh?!

The reason I chuckle every time she calls. 

Well, there is only ever THREE possible locations they dine at:

IHOP, Julio's, or Garden Cafe

...and every time she calls here is what it's like

Me: "Hi Gram, where you at today?"

Gram. "Erin. Hi. We are at ______. Do you know where that's at?"

Me: "Yes, Gr..." 

(she gives me NO time to answer and assumes I do not know where she is at, despite the fact that I have picked her up from each location at least 4-5 times this summer)

Gram: We are at _____. It is right off of x and q street. Do you know where that's at?

(I am thinking to myself....I have only lived in this city my whole life!)

When you pull up, enter the building and take a left. We are in a big brown booth and sitting in the far left hand corner next to some people that are all dressed up... 

(she continues to give me MAJOR descriptors) 

...the funny thing is, the restauraunts are so small that it's not like I won't see them RIGHT when I walk in the door! We don't live in NYC or anything?!

Oh Grandma.

 ----------------------------------

Next. She tells me, (not asks like she usually does) that she will be needing to make TWO pit stops on the way home... The Credit Union and Walgreens.

In a round about way, I asked her what she needs at Walgreens, because I have a lot of coupons at home that she could use. 

**Keep in mind that my Grandma feels the need to give cash away like candy at Walgreens. 

Why? I have absolutely no idea, but she has no care in the world for the price of things 

(only at Walgreens) - and it's not like she is made of money or anything!**

 She tells me that she only needs a prescription cough syrup (which actually turned out to be Clariton allergy medicine once I called my mom to confirm) and "Dove" face soap. 

Hm. I made one mistake.

I asked her if it had to be "dove" face soap.

"YES!" 

How else do I stay looking so young?! she responded quite abruptly. I have been using it all my life. It even helps with wrinkles says my dear 90year old Gram.

...we go into Walgreens.

look EVERYWHERE.

Down all the beauty isles and even candy isles that Walgreens has to offer.

NO DOVE BAR face SOAP. 

Oh dear. oh my.

I decide to ask the beauty clerk. Excuse me miss, do you sell "Dove Face Soap"

her response: "Dove Face Soap? ughhh, no. Not face soap"

My Gram is in disbelief and cannot even fathom the idea that some place would not carry Dove "bar" face soap. 

{Haven't most people converted to the liquid FACE wash by now?!}

Here's the best part.

FINE. She mutters under her breath. I will go to Bag N' Save (it's just as bad as it sounds) 

I know they will carry the "nice" soap I am looking for! 

Bahahahaha. Bag N' Save!?

NICE? now that's a hoot.

I cannot for the life of me find "Bar Dove Face Soap" that is made specifically for your face. She keeps assuring me that it is out there, but I have tried all the stores in Omaha and cannot find it anywhere. I have found many different types of Dove bar soap, but not SPECIFICALLY for your face alone.

 

♥ photo credit

(this is the closest thing I found - but it's not made specifically for your face?)

I think she has been using body soap for her face this whole time. 

She refuses to use ANYTHING except Dove Bar Face Soap. 

HELP. Is there such a thing!? 

I don't know how I will please her in regards to this one!

Sorry for such the long post. 

Hope everyone is well :)

xoxo

-erinj0

Disgruntled Grandma & the "Amazing Bracelet"

As many of you all know - Wednesdays are the day I become a lovely chauffeur and take my grandmother to Organ class and where ever she may need to go after.

Well, here is a story about my recent experience I had this week while driving her home :)

Oh boy, get ready - 

BUT first, here is some background knowledge...

♥ photo credit

It all started with this little think called 'iRenew"  

Well, I am sure you have seen the silly late night infomercials of people in a shopping mall seemingly able to balance better after putting on this bracelet.

So, does it work?
Well, it bypassed all clinical trials, scientific studies, and a peer review process
WHY would this so called miracle bracelet do that if it claimed to be so life changing?



Also! It costs a whopping $19.95 per bracelet, plus $7.95 for shipping
(Oh yeah, and for another $7.95, they will send you another free bracelet)
REALLY? $7.95 for shipping this piece of plastic...

 Okay this magic bracelet claims that it can give you "healthier blood",  "greater flexibility", "inhanced balanced", "increased strength", and more...

There is NO supporting data whatsoever for this product, only "testimonials" that people are paid to give. Click here to watch the slowed-down version of their advertisement

I'll let you be the judge.

Now- let's get back to the good stuff,

Well this weekend, my gram took a tumble at a local store. She is ninety years old and lets face it, age is just catching up with her!
As I pulled up in her driveway after Organ, here's how the conversation  went down...

   


Gram:

"You know, when I fell this weekend, everyone made such a big deal about it. Rushing over to me and all. What do you guys think I do when I am home by myself?!"

Me:

"Well grandma, your leg started swelling and your walking was pretty unsteady."

Gram:

"Well, you know...did you ever get me that bracelet I asked you to look up. NO!"

Me:

"No, I didn't...I just know that it doesn't work and I don't want to waste your money on some scam. It doesn't really work, it's all psychological"

Gram:

"...When Erin, when I tried Sally's on at Organ, I could walk perfectly straight immediately after I put it on. I tried it! So, when you get your dear old grandma this bracelet, you will see how great I walk and wish you would have got this for me months ago like I asked."

*In my head, I am thinking...shoot, shooot, shoooooooooot. 

she STILL remembers this darn thing.

the guilt trip is so strong.I can feel it.

Sigh, it's time to give in...*

Me:

"Okay, I'll see what I can do then, Grandma."

**She then proceeds to get out of the passenger side door & as she steps out of the car, she stops, looks at me with strong determination... pretends she has the future bracelet on and gives me a wink...then looks intently at her front door... & attempts to walk in a perfectly straight line with complete balance to her front door**

Ooooo, grandma :)

Even though in my honest opinion, this bracelet is complete bogus and people are taking advantage of others asking SO much for a piece of plastic and metal...I think if I don't get her this bracelet by her next Organ class, I will get the wrath of Grandma.

I just have to remember, even if it is psychological...

if it helps her walk or "think" she is walking better, it's worth it!

♥photo credit

Do any of you have any stories like this?!

Enjoy your weekend♥

xoxo

-erinj0

I Hate the Heat...& the Heat HATES me : /

 Welp, it's the first official day of summer. 

As for summer, I mean the spring semester is totally finished

...all the grades are reported and books returned. 

I should be excited right? It's like a catch 22 - Excited school is over, but the actual temperature and the heat of summer is just dreadful to think about.

...Sort of anticlimatic


The summer time brings about many things in this dear old life of mine that I just do not like. It is like a vicious circle that I know will not turn out well. (Oh lordy, am I being positive or what) ha.

Heat=Tachycardia

Tachycardia=Fatigue

Fatigue=Brain Fog

Brain Fog=Homework/School Trouble

Homework/School Trouble=...you get the picture!

Sometimes I think I overdue to. I try to do too much or I go out for too long. I need to learn when is enough, but how will I every know? Will I ever learn... I don't know.

Story Time!

 *So, my gram calls me up last week and proceeds to ask how I am doing and start the typical grandma chit chat "so, how are you doing Erin? Feeling good today?" blah blah blah, the typical grandma conversations - After all of that, she then proceeds to ask if I could drive her to the weekly Wednesday organ class that she attends, with all her lady friends. (She knew that I had nothing to do, I finished my finals early and I would just be sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs staring at the wall) How could I say no? She has been trapped in her apartment for almost a week, as her typical driver has had a family emergency and unable to take her places.

*I pull up promptly on Wednesday around 10:10am. Let me tell you that I have a very low car and watching a ninety-two year old woman get in and out is quite...sad? Ooo, that sounds wrong - but you know what I mean. I ask if I can help get her seat-belt on (ask I typically do on the way to family functions when my mom and I always pick her up) - I definitely shouldn't have asked : / "I can do it, Erin!" she replied harshly, and I quickly backed down...*

*So. we were driving and I asked for clarification to make sure I knew where I was headed. I then said I would just catch the interstate, as it would be the fastest route. "I am in NO hurry!" Don't take the interstate. Well, mistake number one - I took the interstate and the eyes rolled and a "UGGHhHhh" fell out of her mouth. Whooops?*

*Arrival!!!!  As we stop she needs to put in a new hearing aid before she can enter.  I could see she was having difficulties trying get the tiny battery in her little aid with her arthritic fingers. You guessed it, mistake number two, I asked her if I could help. Eeeeeek. I'll just stop there*

*I was about to ask what time she would like me to pick her up. This is the kicker...she was really pulling my leg, playing the old lady card good here! She said..

• Well, you could pick me up after class around noon, if your in hurry - I mean I understand if you have to, but I usually eat lunch with all my friends and it's nice to catch up. 

OR

• I could call you from my cell phone (a "jitterbug" to be exact for people with hearing difficulties that has only a call, yes and no button! toooo cute!) and let you know where I am eating at. This way I could eat with all my friends and this is what I usually do. 

But it's totally up to you, she says. First, let me tell you that I was NEVER going to pick her up early, but man! She totally played those two options pretty well to tug at my heart strings.

*Lastly, as she was getting out of the car, I said "So are you playing today Grandma?" and she chuckles and responds, "Oh no dear, I didn't practice this week! This class is for advanced players and you need to practice!" HaHa ; )

I love being her new Wednesday chauffeur for the month of May!

THINGS THAT WILL MAKE/MADE ME SMILE THIS MONTH

1. STAR JONES GETTING ELIMINATED FROM CELEBRITY APPRENTICE! Finally : ) 
2. The Bachelorette starts this month
3. I renewed my lease & get to stay in my apartment another year
4. My appointment with my neurologist is less than a month away (I've been waiting 6months)
5. I find out where I student teach this month!
6. My family comes in town 
7. My lovely boy graduated from college this past week : )
8. My amazing family  
9. ♥

What made you smile this month?
: ) erinj0

Birthday "Open House" Party

Today was my dear ol' Gram's 90th Birthday "Open House" Party : )

Holy balls, does she have enough friends? Our entire family wasn't even there (and our family is pretty small!) and about 75 people showed up to wish her a Happy Birthday! Well, you know when you have an open house, people usually come, grab some food & leave...ha. These old people did just the opposite. They came, plopped down and stayed awhile. And boy I mean AWHILE. At one point, there was absolutely no where to sit and when you turned around, you were in someone's way. 

It was so nice to see just how loved my Grandmother really is. She has so many people that care about her and I can only wish that when I grow to be her age, that I too can feel just as loved and appreciated by my peers. 

The top was some strawberry wedding cake (said to be delicious by those who consumed it!)

The cupcakes are supposed to look the "organ keys" because she goes to organ class twice a week with her girls! : )

 Happy 90th Birthday Gram. I love you ♥

What a good night for family and friends : ) 

Something to definitely be thankful for

xoxo

-erinj0

It's a Beautiful Day!

Top Five Reasons Why Today is "A Beautiful Day"

It's my Grandma's 90th birthday! A blessing that she is happy and healthy : )

I left her some cupcakes, flowers & this cute balloon on her doorstep

(she was out attending her organ class and out to eat with her girlfriends...when she got home I called and asked her how she liked her surprise. She said she really loved the flowers and the balloon was cute. When I asked how she liked the cupcakes, she said "what cupcakes??" I said, "grandma the cupcakes in the box!" her response "oh, I threw that box away, I thought it was just keeping the balloon up!" Ohhh Grandma! : )

The temperature was 57 degrees! Spring is on it's way!!

I started Chiropractic care and it's off to a great start!

 (This is some equipment that was used on my nerve scan) 

My car troubles totaling over $350 are now covered by my warranty! Whew!

...and just positivity floating in the air ♥

xoxo

-erinj0