The Elder Scrolls

There is a moment in life that is perhaps even more difficult to accept as a reality than parenthood.  It is, after all, the next step up.  Grandparenthood is a tough transition to digest and adapt to.  Yes, it is extremely exciting - but, it makes the Grandparent-to-be realise that they are growing old, and will now have to pass on the crown to the next in line.


I see this difficulty by observing my own parents.  Although they are both excited [and show the excitement in different ways], I can see how much they struggle with the fact that they no longer are Omnipotent - and that I get to have the final word, not them.  I would guess it is more or less the same as admitting defeat, in a way.

To some, becoming a Grandparent might be the one opportunity they have to redeem themselves and try to rectify any mistakes they may have made with their own children,  To others, it is the perfect chance of taking all that was fun about parenthood and relive it all over again - this time without having to worry about being the "Bad Cop".

As difficult as it might be for you to wrap your head around your own impending parenthood, try and be as understanding as you can with the Grandparents-to-be.  It might take you an extra effort not to bite their head off when they insist about doing things their way - but with a bit of patience, you'll manage to agree to disagree at first, and then eventually, find a solution.

I had to face this with my own mother when it comes to Childcare.  She seemed to take offence at my mentioning Childcare Centres to her at first.  She wanted to be the one to babysit for me whilst I'm at work.  I tried to word things as simply and carefully as I could, on separate occasions.  I showed her that I still had every intention of checking out some Centres - and went into detail about one of them to make her realise why I consider it to be a good option to have.  By the end of it all, she ended up telling me she now realises that yes, I should go for it.

My siblings and I grew up with our Grandparents and Great Aunt as our babysitters.  I suppose mentioning Childcare Centres to my mum felt as if I was trying to rob her from "her turn" at living through the experience.

I don't really have any advice to share - other than to be patient.  You have the final word - but it doesn't hurt to ask for the Grandparents' opinion in certain matters - it will make them feel useful and included.

Starting anew

First of all, I would like to thank you all for showing an interest in my inane ramblings and for the support you've shown! Thankies!!


New year, new chapter I guess, right?


Well, this year will be one of many firsts.  For the first time, my countdown will be to a life-changing event.  I will become a mother for the first time, and will be responsible for what seems to probably be a not-so-tiny-Creature.  I will be entering my first life-long commitment relationship-wise, and will hopefully get to witness Creature's first words, smile, steps, meal, bath, Samhain, Yule and gods know what else!

From here onwards, my life will no longer be mine - it will be ours.  For the first time, I will have someone I love, love me back [I hope] and sticking around for a long long time.

So yes - it truly is a new beginning for me.

My only hope is that this year, there will be no funerals to attend.  For those who know me, you know it has been an annual thing since 2000.  Having a break and focusing on Life, rather than Death, would be nice.

Oh!! And I also get to witness the officialisation of another accomplishment of mine - my brother will be getting married to my lovely friend.  I claim full responsibility for their introduction :D

I look forward to this new challenge that lies ahead of me. For those of you who are thinking "What about doomsday?" I have my own theory - it is highly likely that the date is correct - and the end will be brought upon us... by Creature's first steps. Muahahahahahahahaha.

Once upon a time, books were affordable.

This morning I woke up to an article on the local newspaper about some 13 year old boy who asked for a book over a Kindle for his birthday.  "Big deal," was my initial reaction, along with "At least the love for books seems to still exist within a small proportion of the younger generations. Maybe not all hope is lost."

It always is pleasant to see a child reading a book. It is an unusual sight nowadays.  I don't blame the parents though. Not entirely. Books have become so expensive nowadays, you would think they are a luxury.  For example - a simple board book [i.e. a book consisting of less than 10 pages, made out of thick cardboard, with minimal words and colourful picture, aimed at babies/toddlers.] can cost anywhere between €8 and €15. [go to www.xe.com for a currency conversion if you live outside the Euro zone].  That, my friends, is silly expensive.  How are you meant to teach your child how to read and what the joys of reading and book ownership are all about?  Bookstore owners [as well as toy store owners who mark educational toys at silly prices] need a healthy dose of reality.  With the income most households have, and the expenses they have every month, most cannot afford to buy more than one book every... 2? 3 months?

With such expensive pricing being placed on what should be a child's gateway to other worlds... their faithful companion, friend and teacher.... it is no wonder that so many parents don't even bother and would rather plop their child in front of the idiot box, also referred to as TV.

I myself am a bibliophile, and have every intention of passing on this quality to Creature once s/he is born. What I don't intend to do, however, is to fill his/her head with all the Happily Ever After nonsense.  I know, shocking isn't it?  What I mean by that is - I find Fairy Tales so much more enticing in their original format rather than the lovey-dovey unrealistic Disney influenced modified versions.  If you're still confused, I would suggest looking up The Little Mermaid. The proper version. The one with no Happily Ever After.  You know, the one with suicide and murder involved in the picture.

I can only hope that parents do some shopping around, and perhaps try to find the cheapest possible option to stock up their children's libraries. Charity Shops, Car Boot Sales, Bazaars, The Internet - all feasible options.  Don't deny your child the joys of reading. Try to include it in your budget.  And never be afraid of giving a book as a gift. Check with the parent/a family member whether the book you had in mind might already be sitting on the child's bookshelf though. Getting duplicates can be frustrating for a child.  And getting book vouchers can be frustrating for the parent[s] due to the majority of book shops on this island having a very limited stock of interesting titles.