Not so long ago, I would get shocked responses when I told people how old my daughters were. People would say you are too young to have kids that old! Lately, that has not been the case! But I really don't mind. Yes, it is true that we live in a society that worships beauty and youth. The elderly do not seem to command the respect they once did when extended families and our grandparents often lived in the same household. How can we restore the value and respect for the elderly in our society? How do we develop a more caring nation? It is my hope that by spending time with your grandchildren, they will learn from you, love you, and value you.
I, personally, have always valued old people. They have so much knowledge, so many stories to tell, and so much to teach us. My friends often complain that their parents are a burden. I feel my parents are a blessing. I always feel gratitude that my children have had the benefit of having most of their grandparents alive and hoped that they value those relationships. My paternal grandparents died early but I loved the time I got to spend with my maternal grandparents. I have fond memories of Fanny and Max. Today, I feel it is a privilege to be a part of my grandson's life. I feel so incredibly lucky. Being a parent is a full time job-it is a lifetime commitment that has many emotional ups and downs. It was and is hard work filled with much worry and many, many rewards. And that job never ends. But as grandparent, you are no longer in charge. You no longer have to multitask. You don't feel the same level of stress. You can just be.
My grandson has my full attention whenever he wants it. Hopefully, spending time with him will teach him the value of the elderly (that's me and Pops!). He will look forward to spending time with us and not think of it as a chore. Rather it will be an adventure!
Part of being "Nonni" means you have a free pass to sing and dance like a madwoman, and get some guffaws and giggles. No grownups are there to judge your silly behavior (except maybe my daughter and son-in-law). By spending time with your grandchild, you will gently try and transmit values, ethics, kindness, and respect towards others. I am sure my own children and their peers critically examine how they were raised and then decide what their parents (my husband and I) did wrong and what they will do differently with their own children. I, too, did exactly that. And, although my parents are terrific, the major mistake they made was choosing to move away from their children and grandchildren. They missed out on the greatest experiences ever. And, my daughters missed out as well. I am never moving away! People often say the good thing about being a grandparent is you can give the child back to the parents. Actually, I think that's the worst thing about being a grandparent! I don't like having to give him back! My grandson makes it all worthwhile. When I am with him, no problems exist-I live in the moment. It is pure ecstasy! I can't imagine missing out on all of this fun.
So, what is the reason for all this sappy babble? Well, I am going to visit my parents (yup, the ones that moved away) for an entire week. I can't wait to spend time with my mom and dad. But, I am already in withdrawal knowing I can't see my grandson for eight days! I know he will not even know I am gone, but I will miss him like the dickens...
I hope he remembers me-maybe I will bring him a pet alligator for the bathtub. That ought to make his mom and dad very happy! And so my spoiling begins..
Elizabeth Berg says, "Obviously there was something to this grandmother business. So far as I could tell, it was like being the queen of England, minus the inconvenience of having to wear a crown."
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Television and Books-2013
This past Sunday evening presented a big dilemma for me. What to do? Golden Globes, Girls, Californication, House of Lies, Shameless, and Downton Abbey all airing at the same time.....
So, I went with the globes (see previous blog) and then watched all the other episodes on demand.
For those fans of Californication, we are lucky enough to have the first two episodes already on demand.
Let's start with Californication. I totally love this series. Every character is a hoot. Hank Moody
played by David Duchovny is a train wreck you can't avert your eyes away from. I adore his baby momma, Natasha McElhorne and his daughter, played by Madeleine Martin. This season there is an intervention to get Hank to cease his drinking binges. He goes to rehab and we will see how long that lasts. Also, enjoyable to watch are his agent Evan Handler (Charlie Runkel) and Charlie's ex, Pam Adlon (Marcy). This ensemble cast is sensational-I am always sad when the episode is over! Watch-you will not be disappointed.
I can't say the same for House of Lies which stars Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. This series is about a management consulting firm. The writing and story lines are redundant and boring. I love Don Cheadle, but this isn't a great vehicle for him. I predict this series won't last.
On the other hand, Shameless which stars William Macy as Frank, an alcoholic and father of 6; Emmy Rossum, as his daughter, Fiona, and Joan Cusack, as the agoraphobic neighbor, are accomplished actors in a great series. Every actor is multi-layered and engaging. I think Emmy Rossum steals the show as the only functioning adult who is forced to take on the responsibility of raising her other 5 siblings, since Frank is usually in a gutter somewhere sleeping off his drinking binge. Tune in. FYI-Rossum has a new album out and her voice is really amazing-who knew?
Downton Abbey-I am brand new to this series. I haven't watched the first two seasons. I just picked it up this season and have watched the first two episodes. I totally understand what is going on, and I don't feel the need to watch the previous seasons. The acting seems amazing, the stories of the rich family upstairs and the servants downstairs seem interesting. I am not as over the moon about this series as the rest of you seem to be. I will continue to watch before I give you my final answer.
Jimmy Kimmel in the new 11:35 time slot: I like Kimmel a lot and think he has a great show. I watched the premier with Jennifer Aniston. First, she destroyed his set with a sledgehammer and then she cut his hair. I thought it was a little gimmicky, but he got the viewers. He beat out Letterman and came close to beating Leno. My prediction: He will be the next Carson. Oh-one more thing, I think Jennifer Aniston is very pregnant! The peplum look didn't succeed in hiding her butt or baby bump. just sayin'.....
Just Finished the book, The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg. Attenberg is a great writer. She creates complex, tragic characters that you care about and relate to. loved it!
Presently reading George Saunders, Pastoralia. ( I tried to buy Tenth of December but Barnes and Noble didn't have it after The New York Times did a piece on it two weekends ago). So far, I have no clue what is happening in the first story. I feel like I am reading Vonnegut-will I actually ever understand what Saunders is writing about? Hope so.
Dr. Ian Smith has written a new Diet book, Shred: 6 weeks, 4 inches, 2 sizes. This is a low GI diet, which stresses meal spacing, meal replacement, and low calorie snacks. No different than any other diet book. We all know what to do-there is no magic bullet. Eat less. Exercise differently (keep switching up the routine), Exercise harder each day, Exercise Everyday (at least 6 days), and keep your portions very small. Do all that and in 6 weeks, you will lose 2 sizes. If you follow it, it does work. The trick is to stick with it!
One Final note on the food scene; The Regency Hotel is closing for a year renovation. This leaves all the high powered breakfast patrons at a loss, not to mention all the Michael Feinstein fans. Where will all the power brokers eat their eggs in the meantime? Will it be the new Sirio's? The Four Seasons? or Michael's? My bet is Sirio's....
So, I went with the globes (see previous blog) and then watched all the other episodes on demand.
For those fans of Californication, we are lucky enough to have the first two episodes already on demand.
Let's start with Californication. I totally love this series. Every character is a hoot. Hank Moody
played by David Duchovny is a train wreck you can't avert your eyes away from. I adore his baby momma, Natasha McElhorne and his daughter, played by Madeleine Martin. This season there is an intervention to get Hank to cease his drinking binges. He goes to rehab and we will see how long that lasts. Also, enjoyable to watch are his agent Evan Handler (Charlie Runkel) and Charlie's ex, Pam Adlon (Marcy). This ensemble cast is sensational-I am always sad when the episode is over! Watch-you will not be disappointed.
I can't say the same for House of Lies which stars Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. This series is about a management consulting firm. The writing and story lines are redundant and boring. I love Don Cheadle, but this isn't a great vehicle for him. I predict this series won't last.
On the other hand, Shameless which stars William Macy as Frank, an alcoholic and father of 6; Emmy Rossum, as his daughter, Fiona, and Joan Cusack, as the agoraphobic neighbor, are accomplished actors in a great series. Every actor is multi-layered and engaging. I think Emmy Rossum steals the show as the only functioning adult who is forced to take on the responsibility of raising her other 5 siblings, since Frank is usually in a gutter somewhere sleeping off his drinking binge. Tune in. FYI-Rossum has a new album out and her voice is really amazing-who knew?
Downton Abbey-I am brand new to this series. I haven't watched the first two seasons. I just picked it up this season and have watched the first two episodes. I totally understand what is going on, and I don't feel the need to watch the previous seasons. The acting seems amazing, the stories of the rich family upstairs and the servants downstairs seem interesting. I am not as over the moon about this series as the rest of you seem to be. I will continue to watch before I give you my final answer.
Jimmy Kimmel in the new 11:35 time slot: I like Kimmel a lot and think he has a great show. I watched the premier with Jennifer Aniston. First, she destroyed his set with a sledgehammer and then she cut his hair. I thought it was a little gimmicky, but he got the viewers. He beat out Letterman and came close to beating Leno. My prediction: He will be the next Carson. Oh-one more thing, I think Jennifer Aniston is very pregnant! The peplum look didn't succeed in hiding her butt or baby bump. just sayin'.....
Just Finished the book, The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg. Attenberg is a great writer. She creates complex, tragic characters that you care about and relate to. loved it!
Presently reading George Saunders, Pastoralia. ( I tried to buy Tenth of December but Barnes and Noble didn't have it after The New York Times did a piece on it two weekends ago). So far, I have no clue what is happening in the first story. I feel like I am reading Vonnegut-will I actually ever understand what Saunders is writing about? Hope so.
Dr. Ian Smith has written a new Diet book, Shred: 6 weeks, 4 inches, 2 sizes. This is a low GI diet, which stresses meal spacing, meal replacement, and low calorie snacks. No different than any other diet book. We all know what to do-there is no magic bullet. Eat less. Exercise differently (keep switching up the routine), Exercise harder each day, Exercise Everyday (at least 6 days), and keep your portions very small. Do all that and in 6 weeks, you will lose 2 sizes. If you follow it, it does work. The trick is to stick with it!
One Final note on the food scene; The Regency Hotel is closing for a year renovation. This leaves all the high powered breakfast patrons at a loss, not to mention all the Michael Feinstein fans. Where will all the power brokers eat their eggs in the meantime? Will it be the new Sirio's? The Four Seasons? or Michael's? My bet is Sirio's....
Golden Globes-2013
For those of you who didn't watch The Golden Globes, you didn't miss much. It was a total snooze.
That is not to say that there weren't some interesting spots. My favorite "barb" came from Amy Poehler addressing Katheryn Bigelow: "I haven't really been following the controversy over Zero Dark Thirty but when it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron!"
The appearance of President Bill Clinton introducing the film Lincoln was pretty cool, too. But that was about as interesting as it got. So now for my comments on fashion.
ALL AROUND BEST DRESSED WOMAN
Julienne Moore-Dressed in a custom made Tom Ford, the front of the dress was exquisite. Loved her beehive hair style. See, I told you bumpets come in handy. Wasn't loving the view of the dress from the back though. Earrings by Bulgari were Amazing!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Claire Danes-beautiful Red dress, incredible body just one month after giving birth.
Jessica Chastain-magnificent seafoam Calvin Klein dress looked fabulous against her skin and hair
color. The top of the dress needed to be fitted more to her body. Harry Winston
bracelet was to die for. (FYI-Harry Winston was just purchased by SWATCH)
Olivia Munn-Beautiful turquoise beaded Armani gown and Chopard necklace were off the charts.
She rocked it.
Carey Lowell- Richard Gere's wife wearing a simple red Valentino. Personally, the best looking
woman at the globes.
WORST DRESSED WOMEN
Naomi Watts- even the terrible rust Zac Posen with train could not ruin her luminous skin, face, and
hair.
Nicole Kidman-for someone I used to often consider as one of the best dressed, she now looks horrid
all the time. The botoxed forehead and the netted/studded Alexander McQueen just
did nothing for her. She needs a new stylist. Her hubby is really cute though!
Taylor Swift-eggplant color dress and dull haircolor didn't flatter her.
Lena Dunham-another eggplant Zac Posen. The dress itself was nice. However, she seemed to be
wobbling in her shoes and struggling with the length while going up and down steps.
She couldn't carry it off.
BEST LOOKING/DRESSED MEN
I can't really comment on their fashion, but overall the best "easy on the eyes" guys are:
Bradley Cooper-hands down, this man is beyond good looking!
Richard Gere-as he ages, he gets even better.
George Clooney-always looks great.
Ryan Seacrest-dressed impeccably in Burberry Tux.
QUESTIONABLE LOOKS-COULD GO EITHER WAY
Anne Hathaway-2 piece white beaded Chanel. Looked too much like Liza Minelli. She needed a
great necklace or a fabulous pair of earrings. Is she pregnant?
Lucy Liu-you either loved the Caroline Herrera gown or you didn't. You either loved her braided hair
or you didn't. Didn't.
Kate Hudson-there was a lot of discussion about this dress. I thought she looked like a 70's drag
queen. Others loved the dress-you decide.
Kerry Washington-another much discussed dress. Looked great on her, but her pin straight hair didn't
seem to clinch the look. Also, didn't love matchy- matchy shoes and purse.
Katherine McPhee-drop dead body donned in black Theysken's Theory. Perfection.
That is not to say that there weren't some interesting spots. My favorite "barb" came from Amy Poehler addressing Katheryn Bigelow: "I haven't really been following the controversy over Zero Dark Thirty but when it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron!"
The appearance of President Bill Clinton introducing the film Lincoln was pretty cool, too. But that was about as interesting as it got. So now for my comments on fashion.
ALL AROUND BEST DRESSED WOMAN
Julienne Moore-Dressed in a custom made Tom Ford, the front of the dress was exquisite. Loved her beehive hair style. See, I told you bumpets come in handy. Wasn't loving the view of the dress from the back though. Earrings by Bulgari were Amazing!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Claire Danes-beautiful Red dress, incredible body just one month after giving birth.
Jessica Chastain-magnificent seafoam Calvin Klein dress looked fabulous against her skin and hair
color. The top of the dress needed to be fitted more to her body. Harry Winston
bracelet was to die for. (FYI-Harry Winston was just purchased by SWATCH)
Olivia Munn-Beautiful turquoise beaded Armani gown and Chopard necklace were off the charts.
She rocked it.
Carey Lowell- Richard Gere's wife wearing a simple red Valentino. Personally, the best looking
woman at the globes.
WORST DRESSED WOMEN
Naomi Watts- even the terrible rust Zac Posen with train could not ruin her luminous skin, face, and
hair.
Nicole Kidman-for someone I used to often consider as one of the best dressed, she now looks horrid
all the time. The botoxed forehead and the netted/studded Alexander McQueen just
did nothing for her. She needs a new stylist. Her hubby is really cute though!
Taylor Swift-eggplant color dress and dull haircolor didn't flatter her.
Lena Dunham-another eggplant Zac Posen. The dress itself was nice. However, she seemed to be
wobbling in her shoes and struggling with the length while going up and down steps.
She couldn't carry it off.
BEST LOOKING/DRESSED MEN
I can't really comment on their fashion, but overall the best "easy on the eyes" guys are:
Bradley Cooper-hands down, this man is beyond good looking!
Richard Gere-as he ages, he gets even better.
George Clooney-always looks great.
Ryan Seacrest-dressed impeccably in Burberry Tux.
QUESTIONABLE LOOKS-COULD GO EITHER WAY
Anne Hathaway-2 piece white beaded Chanel. Looked too much like Liza Minelli. She needed a
great necklace or a fabulous pair of earrings. Is she pregnant?
Lucy Liu-you either loved the Caroline Herrera gown or you didn't. You either loved her braided hair
or you didn't. Didn't.
Kate Hudson-there was a lot of discussion about this dress. I thought she looked like a 70's drag
queen. Others loved the dress-you decide.
Kerry Washington-another much discussed dress. Looked great on her, but her pin straight hair didn't
seem to clinch the look. Also, didn't love matchy- matchy shoes and purse.
Katherine McPhee-drop dead body donned in black Theysken's Theory. Perfection.
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