"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."
-- Unknown
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Sorry Mom...

MamaKat left a comment yesterday that really got me thinking. While I don't regret any of the big decisions in my life, I definitely could have been nicer to people at times — most notably, my parents. I know I put them through hell growing up because of my mouth. There was NO filter. Sometimes I said things just to get a reaction. I was loud, immature, disrespectful and just down-right bitchy at times (as Mama has often reminded me.) I was (and still am) very strong-willed and independent. And I like to have the last word, which can be tough when your mother also likes to have the last word. Arguments can end up lasting days.

Thankfully, I grew up, realized my parents love me and wound up feeling terrible for the "bad years." I can't imagine having to deal with me back then. So here is my formal apology. Mama used to say, "I'm your mother, so I always love you, but sometimes I really don't like you." Hopefully now you can do both? :)

Thanks to Jessica over at SouthernYankee for tagging me in her blog today!

First, I have to open the closest book to page 56 and copy the fifth sentence on the page (and a couple of supporting sentences that follow.) The rules say it has to be the closest, not my favorite or most intellectual... Unfortunately, I'm at work, which means my closest book is Power Pioneers: AEC's First 50 Years (A history of the company I work for!) So here you go, be excited:

"A serious blow came when the cities of Troy and Luverne gave notice of their intention to terminate contracts with AEC as of June 1, 1965, and to thereafter take power from Alabama Power Company. Such notices were given without prior warning when APCo filed a contract with the city of Troy at the APSC on Aug. 4, 1964, and then filed a similar contract with Luverne on Oct. 5, 1964."

I won't make you suffer through any more. I apologize for not having something more interesting to share with you. I assure you, my bookshelves at home are lined with edge-of-your seat thrillers that have nothing to do with power contracts. I bet Jessica is wondering why on Earth she tagged me!

In the second part of her blog, she was tagged with another Kreativ Blogger award where she listed six things she valued, and six thing she didn't. I like that idea, so I'm going to follow suit:
Things I value:
  • Honesty, no matter how harsh.
  • Memories. I cherish the good times and try to learn from the bad. Our experiences shape who we are.
  • Time with the people I love.
  • Compassion.
  • Forgiveness.
  • Music. It can lift your spirit and speak to your heart. Whether your in a great mood or you've had a horrible day, there is a song that will speak to you.

Things I don't value:

  • Jealousy.
  • Pettiness.
  • Negativity.
  • Close-mindedness
  • Spitefulness.
  • Immaturity (in adults; I understand it in kids :) I don't like to see 8 year olds act like grownups...they should enjoy childhood!)

So, I guess it's time for me to tag people now? So, how about Hebba, Bethany, Christi, Lacey and Jen? I hate leaving people out, so if you want to do it and you're not listed, feel free! :)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading your blog, so don't forgot about it. I looke forward to reading it. You probably don't remember when you were a teen I told you to just let your mom have the last word, because she was gonna have the last word anyway. It was then I realized how much you were so like your mom. It's just those teen and early adult years that are hard and then you realize how much your parents care and why they were so hard on you. I'm sure I have my battles to come because both of mine are very strong willed and they are only 4 and 1 year old. By the way this is your Aunt E.

Anonymous said...

I do both LIKE and LOVE the person you are becoming. I knew one day that your strong will would be used for the better. It's kind of amusing to hear some of the things I use to tell you come out of your mouth when you're correcting your little brother about something...
note to Aunt E-
when the "bad" years come with your two, just remember what our "big sis" told me - "pick your battles." oh, and keep a sense of
humor.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I forgot to say that I agree with your list of things you value and don't value

M

Unknown said...

I have a "mouth" problem as well ...it doesn't seem to know when to shut the hell up :)

Diane said...

I loved this post. I wrote something on my blog recently about my daughter (who is 9)... I said I love her fiercely and without condition, but sometimes I don't like her very much. I have no doubt, though, as difficult as she can be now (and will be in the years to come), that she'll grow up to be an amazing woman... and it seems your mom feels the same about you :)

Southern Dialogue said...

I loved your blog! I can relate so much with how you were growing up as I had a mouth with my parents for years! I also like reading your mom's comments to your blog! You guys seem to have the kind of relationship me and my mom have! Thanks for posting it!!