Thanks For Making Me Feel Bad

Dear Sunshine Of Mine,

You are amazing. I could not ask for a sweeter, kinder, more generous, loving friend than you. In comparison I look like a grumpy, miserable old hag. Bleurgh.

But you are so amazing and I love you lots and lots. Here's to many, many more years of friendship... I know you'll continue to be the sweet, kind, generous, loving person that you are through the good times and the bad times. And I will continue to be the grumpy, miserable old hag in comparison. But I don't mind because I love you to bits.

This is dedicated to all my friends who have been by my side through the good times, and especially through the bad times. Cheers!

Nutrition For My Eyes

For a good friend, ScoMan.

Thanks for all the wonderful support.

Tech Savvy

Recently I met up with 2 friends of mine, a married couple, M and J, who came down for the holidays. So, we had a way-too-short catch-up.
We were just talking about things and of course the subject of computers popped up [as it will when 3 out of the 4 present were Computing students, making me the proud odd one out].

J was telling us about his grandmother signing up for a computer course. And when his mother brought over a PC to his grandmother's place, she told her mother not to delete 'My Documents' because "it's very important".
The following day, when she went over to visit, her mother proudly told her...
"I deleted 'My Documents'."

Then J continued to tell us more grandparents-related computer stories [after a short laughing break].
His grandparents had bought a new printer and were trying it out. It worked but after a while, it apparently stopped working.
So they took it to the store, told the people there that it wasn't working and exchanged it for another one. They were also given free ink cartridges in the process.
They took it home and tried it out. The same thing happened: it worked fine and then it didn't.
Again, they took it to the store where they got another exchange and more free ink cartridges.
Same thing happened when they took it home.
His grandad said to him, "I don't know why this keeps happening."
His reply?
"Because you've run out of ink."

That just cracked me up. I love grandparents. They're wonderful.

I imagine we'd probably crack them up if we tried to work the sewing machine or typewriter or whatever else they used back then.

Like that classic line from one of the episodes of 'My Wife and Kids'...

Claire, on the typewriter, saying to her father:
"I've been up working on this paper all night, now all I have to do is print it out. Where's the print button?"

Dear Mom...

I know you sometimes worry that my voice is too soft.
I know sometimes I have to keep repeating myself to people.
I know you're worried I won't be heard.
Don't worry.
I know how to speak up for myself.
When I was growing up, you would tell me to lower my voice whenever I was too loud.
Maybe you worry you made me too soft.
Don't worry.
I learned to voice my thoughts without having to scream and shout.

I know you sometimes worry that I have no direction.
I know I've been drifting along on this path.
I know you're worried I'm not going to get there.
Don't worry.
I know where I'm headed.
When I was growing up, you told me I could be whatever I wanted.
[Though I know you meant more along the lines of lawyer, doctor or accountant.]
Maybe you worry that made me unfocused.
Don't worry.
You taught me to dream and I'm chasing after that dream.

I know you worry that I might be irresponsible.
I know I've done little to prove you wrong.
I know I've made many mistakes, and I probably will make many more.
Don't worry.
I'll step up when the need arises.
When I was growing up, you told me I had to learn to be independent.
Maybe you worry I'm going to fall and not get back up.
Don't worry.
You taught me to be strong and I know I am.

I know you worry that I'm too stubborn.
I know I am.
I don't think that that's going to change anytime soon.
Don't worry.
It just means I don't give up easily.
When I was growing up, you told me not to let myself be bullied by others or by circumstance.
Maybe you worry I'm going to be disappointed if I fail.
Don't worry.
You taught me to stand my ground and to never cave in to pressure.

I know sometimes you don't see it.
But don't worry.
I'll be fine.
You did a great job on your part.
Now it's time for me to do mine.

A Toast To...

• The mother who stays up all night to look after her sick baby.
• The father who stays by his wife's side to help look after his family.
  
• The man who treats his partner like the princess she is.
• The woman who treats her partner like the prince he is.
• The people who never give up hope, no matter how hard the struggle.
• The people who take the time to help others who really need their help.
• The people who have the courage to keep chasing their dreams and rainbows.
• The people who make mistakes and learn from them.
• The people who work hard to provide a better life for their loved ones.
• The friend who is always there for a friend in need.
• The people who are willing to give a second chance to the ones who just need someone to believe in them.
  
• The people who will not let others stop them from reaching for their star.
• All the people in the world who bring joy and love to the people in their lives.