k is for krista

If it hurts too bad smack it with a hammer.

I have my grandmother's hands.  That was the first thing Steve noticed when he met her.  My Mom-mom Elizabeth was cantankerous at best, and most people had a really hard time getting along with her.  She and I got along like peas and carrots.  I think it bothered people that she didn't bother with niceties.  If she didn't like you she didn't tell you or anyone else about it.  You simply ceased to exist in her world.  End of story.  I love that.  I live that.  That mentality has saved me so much heartache and unnecessary drama in my life.  I have plenty of friends, and I have learned what type of people I want around me, so I actually don't have to cut people off that much.  Besides, I don't set the bar quite as high as she did.  Steve was always amazed at her strength and the size of her hands. 

Today I felt a pain in my left index knuckle, probably the cause of too much typing at work and too much knitting at home, and I thought of my grandmother's hands.  Her knuckles were riddled with arthritis, something I will always have to be on the lookout for.  Her joints were swollen and the skin was always red and flaky.  Even with her pain she could roll out a bowl of dumplings or bread chicken for the frying pan every night.  Even after dialysis and polycystic kidneys, it was a car accident that did her in.  She was on her way home from visiting one of her younger sisters whom she hadn't talked to in years, even though they only lived 10 miles apart.  My mother said she looked so peaceful, as if that was the way she wanted to go, not wasted away by some disease.

My friend Barb's grandmother also had arthritis in her hands, and when a joint would dare to get red or puffy she'd smack herself in the hand with a hammer as hard as she could.  Can you believe the woman's knuckles never twisted or swelled her entire life?  True story.  I wonder what else in life that philosophy could be applied to.

Where I've Been

I know it's been awhile, but I have good excuses, I swear!

1.) Housing.  You know we have been looking for a new place with more room, right?  Oh, you didn't know that?  Well, we have.  We got a line on a great house that is only 3 streets down from our current place, the rent is right, and I get to stay in this neighborhood, which is really family friendly and just so cute!  Except that our downstairs neighbor's husband moved back to Ireland 2 weeks ago, meaning the big apartment downstairs would probably open up.  Even better!  Except the woman downstairs is convinced she can keep up with everything on her 4 hour-a-day work schedule.  So we just found out she's not giving it up.  So back to the house.  We talked to the landlord 2 nights ago and told him we were going to take it.  He is happy, we are happy, I am finally at peace with it.  I didn't realize how much it was bothering me until it was all settled.  You know what's going to happen, don't you?  As soon as we have moved out and committed to a year in this house she will decide she's lonely and it's too expensive and she will move out.  Whatever.  I am so beyond that drama-mama.

2.) Preganancy.  It really just explains itself, doesn't it?  I am waterworks all the time.  I cannot have even basic, polite conversation without getting a tremble in my lip.  AND I've got breastfeeding to look forward to as well, so please don't tell me it'll all be over soon.  I'm dealing with it in my own special way, mainly watching a ton of tv and ignoring the world outside.

3.) Vacation.  My parents went out of town last weekend, so I stayed at their farm.  Alone.  In solitude.  It was wonderful.  I took extra days off for MDS&W but didn't get to go because Mom couldn't come with me, so I just chilled on the farm.  The crops have been planted, and I could smell turned earth and fertilizer all over town.  I also got a chance to drive down to the Rehoboth boardwalk and visit with my old boss.  It was a great weekend, and an excellent chance to "recharge my battery," as Steve's dad says.

4.) Knitting.  I have been working on my Leaf Lace Shawl and the baby Tomten jacket.  The jacket just needs sleeves and it will be all done.  Leaf Lace is a little tedious but it's pretty cool that I can watch tv or talk to Steve while knitting lace!  That's a new experience.  Usually I have to place myself in solitary confinement to avoid making an error.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

P.S.  We all know about the tragedy in Kansas.  A whole town destroyed.  I cannot even imagine the destruction, or what would happen in my parents' small town were to be hit by something of that magnitude.  Laura is working on a project to offer comfort to a family she has volunteered to help; check out her blog if you can assist.  I have also asked if she has any additional addresses for outside donations as I feel called to donate some Bibles.  If you would also like that info just leave me a comment with your email address and I'll let you know as soon as I get it.