Monday, November 12





STRESS


That confusion created


when one's mind


overrides the body's


basic desire


to choke the


living crap


out of some ass


who


desperately needs it!


(Present company excepted, of course!)

Yes, I was stressed last weekend when I had so much company.....but YAY! I didn't have to cook tonight; we had leftover spaghetti and meat balls. I think both of us were so stuffed from all the food we ate in the last 3 days that we didn't want much tonight. Our guest did a very nice thing: he knew that our grandchildren would be here too, and he brought a set of Chinese Checkers for all of us. On Saturday evening after dinner and conversation, mr. kenju went to bed and our guest and I and the four kids played a game. The kids caught on to the rules quickly (one of them knew how to play) and it all came back to me as soon as we started playing. Our guest was kind enough to point out opportunities for advancement in the game, and before we knew it, the children were jumping their men all over the board!

The next morning, I walked into my bonus room to see all four of them on the floor, wrapped in comforters, quietly concentrating on a game of Chinese Checkers. Can you imagine how much that pleased me? Their ages range from almost 8 to 13, and seeing all of them engrossed in a game that will surely increase their brain power really did my heart good! I think that Santa will be asked to bring a new Chinese Checker set to their home this year (so I can keep mine here for when they visit).

19 comments:

Joy Des Jardins said...

You made it through the visit...and beautifully so Judy. As much as we all love when our kids come to stay for a while....it's difficult changing into another gear sometimes. My life is very different and quiet now. Hardly the crazy and hectic life I had when they were all living here....but what fun it was. Now I love seeing them, but have to mentally prepare myself for the crazy times again. Sometimes....often....I actually miss the craziness.

tiff said...

That's wonderful. I love it when the Things play games, and truly love it when their grandmother gets out the cards and they come running. Makes us all happy.

Anonymous said...

I've always loved watching kids play especially when they are so engaged they don't notice.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

How wonderful that they took to Chinese Checkers in such a big way....I don't remember how to play this, at all! Maybe, like you, Judy, it would come back to me quickly...! What Fun!

I like that explanation of STRESS....Oh Yes, Oh Yes! (lol)

Beverly said...

What fun...something that is not electronic. I'm sure we'd be amazed at the games children would enjoy if we would only introduce them to them.

Tia said...

I SOOOOOOOOOO needed that bit of humor about stress tonight!!!! You have no idea how perfect the timing was!!! =))

Thank you, thank you, thank you for making me laugh!

rosemary said...

I haven't played CC in decades...one of the few games i could play.....isn't it wonderful to see your grandchildren like that? I am jealous, Judy.

Travelin'Oma said...

I love the idea of old fashioned games at grandma's house. My grandma had Chinese Checkers and pick up sticks and I remember playing them on her very cold kitchen floor.

Shephard said...

lol...yep, I see the corrolation.
And I haven't played Chinese Checkers in ages. I always loved how colorful it was. :)
~S

Granny Annie said...

About that picture and the definition of "Stress"....I knew you had that sentiment hidden under you sweet exterior! LOL

Pat said...

What an insightful guest. Aren't left overs the best?

Changes in the wind said...

Grandma wins again:) You are the best for loving as you do.

Blonde Goddess said...

I used to love playing Chinese Checkers as a kid.
What a nice gesture...

Kristi said...

Where did you find a picture of me on the Internet, Judy? ;)

I love Chinese checkers, as well as all other board games. It's so nice that the grandkids were all playing together.

Unknown said...

It is great to see kids occupied with "simple" games (but more brain challenging) than all the electronic stuff. Hope everything has settled down at your house.

Chancy said...

Kenju
I agree it is heartening to see the grand children doing something other than watching TV or playing video games.

I engage mine, ages 7 to 11 in card games whenever I can get them to play. Go Fish, Uno and the older ones Gin Rummy.

awareness said...

That is a beautiful picture! I love it too when I find my kids and their friends engrossed in a board game. Monopoly has figured prominently lately..........right out of the blue. Scrabble is also a biggie with my son.

Glad you are on the relaxing side of company.

My mother in law used to say that fish and company were the same......they both start to give off an odour after three days! hahaha!

Beverly said...

just think of the memories they made, being at grandma's house and learning such a fun, old game...they will be sitting around the dinner table years from now, and talk about the weekend they first played Chinese Checkers...at your house.

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks for the Michele-sponsored visit - it's always good to hear from you.

I LOVE the image you used in this post. (I think I need it on a t-shirt.)