My "Retirement"

I have so many wonderful friends of my generation counting the days to their retirement. In fact, I am often asked "How many days do you have left?" I have an answer; but not the one they mean.

I have one.

One more day has been given to me. Thank you.

I hope and pray I use it wisely.

This week I'll be turning 62. Big deal. People say they don't feel their age. What does that mean? I just feel like me; no matter what my age. I don't feel any age. I know I am wiser and more comfortable with myself than twenty years ago. I'm starting a new business and every day is full of new challenges and opportunities; it doesn't get better than that. I have a husband whose company I enjoy better than any one else I know; a family I couldn't love more and two dogs who keep our house lively and entertaining (besides the grandkids, of course).

So......I guess I'll enjoy my "retirement"----as long as there is mayhem.

The evolution of a "Grandma"

I was born in 1946; the first year of the "baby boomers". All of you "boomers" out there know what a visit to the grandparents was like - sit on the sofa and stare at the African Violets.

We didn't visit our grandparents very often. My father was the black sheep on both sides. I was terrified of my maternal grandmother. I found out, years later from my cousins, she was terrifying to all. My paternal grandmother was a doll. We didn't see her much; but I remember she was the only one who ever touched me. She would pat my check and say how good it was to see me. It was obvious, of course, she couldn't remember my name; but I still cherish her loving, warm hands on my face and the glow surrounding her. I think we would have been great friends.
Mom wasn't the most loving mother when I was growing up. She had 4 kids in 5 1/2 years - no running water - no help - a demanding husband. Of course now, I understand how difficult motherhood must have been for her, so she has since been excused. That being said; I couldn't love her more as a grandmother. I had to take my daughter to daycare when I worked because Mom also worked. But if I ever needed her in a pinch (sickness, overnighter), she was there. She adored my little Stefanie. It brings tears to my eyes when I think back to the memories of Mom and Stef together. Grandma Ruby played and played with Stef; something unheard of a generation before.

Fast forward to Stef's daughter, Alex, and Grandma Sandy. Today, Alex and I go in the dressing room together to try on clothes; "oohing & ahing" over our selections. We hug each other (Grandson, Cole, too) all the time; say "Love you" and laugh over the same silly jokes. (She even asked me to accompany her to the Jonas Brothers' concert, sensing her Dad might not enjoy it as much.)

Do the different generations love their grandchildren any more or any less? I don't think so. We just have more freedom to express it.

O Baby, I love babies!!!

Stef and I have been working on website development and today was dedicated to delivering all our information and pictures to our website designer. It's been tiring and fulfilling work. Fulfilling because we love what we are doing; and double fulfilling because of our baby models. How can anyone look at a baby picture and NOT smile?

We screen printed for our models' onesies their names and meanings to promote our customizing. The surprise bonus was the joy they gave us with their innocent and totally natural expressions.

It's true children are our future, but it's our responsibility to protect and provide for them, to be good role models and teach them to become good citizens. We forget they are always watching and learning from us.

The Onesies Have Arrived!!!

We're in it now. Our first shipment of onesies have arrived and they are everything I hoped they would be. At times, I thought we may have set our standards too high and wouldn't find the product we wanted to offer our customers.

I'll have to admit when my daughter, Stef, and I opened the first box, I was apprehensive about our endeavor. We had not gone to any shows. Everything has been by research, research and more research. We finally had all the certification we wanted. The only thing left was "Would we like it?".

The answer: YES!!!!

A SIDENOTE: I love working with my daughter. To share the same excitement and dreams with her has been a gift from above. I know many of my friends who couldn't, under any circumstances, work with their offspring, parents or siblings; no matter how deep the love. We have been blessed with our compatibility, mutual respect and same off beat humor. Add in the factor she has given her father and me an outstanding son-in-law and two beautiful grandchilden. (Grandchildren, by the way, open a separate part of your heart.)

Why read????

As I stated before, Rubi J will offer a line of onesies that will contribute to one of our greatest passions -- reading. Our "Read Collection" will encourage reading in many ways, including donating to a wonderful charity called First Book (http://www.firstbook.org) which gives books to disadvantaged children. I personally know how important books can be to a young life. Through books, I found that I was not so different because of my social status; there were other young girls who felt like me, who had the same dreams as me--I wasn't alone.

Some of my non-reading friends (who I love) have told me "I'll just wait until the movie comes out." That's well and good - if you want to limit yourself. I have no objections to movies; I love them. Truly some movies provide interesting perspectives to storylines (i.e., The Devil Wears Prada). And there are times when I can't wait for a book to be made into a movie. (I'm counting down the days until The Secret Life of Bees open.) Then there are the books too meaningful for me to diffuse with any other medium. For example, I never want anything to disrupt my connection with The Kite Runner.

The difference between "reading" and "watching" is the imagination. When watching a story, all the characters are there for your viewing. Much is interpreted for you. However, reading a story forces your brain to create images of the characters. You travel from "watching" the story to "feeling" the story.

Reading is the most accessible way for children to stretch their imagination and provide a stepping stone for hope. All children deserve this privilege. Rubi J is proud to take part in this important cause.

For more information on how you can help this cause, go to http://www.firstbook.org

Thankful

After some very dark hours and almost lost of hope, we have been blessed. Frank is recovering from his emergency surgery and the hospital staff is very encouraging. He is still very ill, but we have good reports that he should make a full recovery.
I'm a firm believer something good always appears from crisis. I met three of Frank's family who traveled to see their brother. Through the many hours sitting in the hospital, we got to know each other and discovered how much we all liked each other. Though from totally different back grounds and traditions, we connected with each other immediately.
I don't know about you, but one of the life's joys is new friends. I love all my old ones, but a person can never have enough new friends. Your world is broaden and your heart grows bigger with each one.
Sandy

Family Crisis

Things are on put on hold. We have a family medical crisis. My Stepfather-in-law is very ill and awaiting surgery. All of our energy is concertized on his recovery. You never know how much a person means to you until you are faced with the prospect of not having that person in your life. His name is Frank and we love him.
Sandy