Greetings from a new blogger at TPM
I have been a silent bystander for several months enjoying the blogs and comments. Needless to say, I have learned a great deal. I have been content being "silent" but at the urging of my better half (Sleepinjeezus--SJ) I have decided to take the plunge and be part of TPM.
I have finally gotten the courage to participate mainly because you people seem so friendly and forgiving. I need the "forgiveness" due to the fact that I feel my writing skills are not the greatest. In the past, I have been very comfortable allowing SJ to be in the drivers seat (in more ways than one). However, SJ has never been one to criticize one for anything and has always been encouraging regardless.
I grew up in Canada, twelve miles from Niagara Falls. At the age of 21, my parents decided to move to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, after visiting for vacation on a number of occasions. After living there two years, I decided to move back north and settled in Hamburg, NY near Buffalo. After 17 years of marriage and a subsequent divorce, it was there, during a blizzard that SJ almost ran me off the road in his orange "Pumpkin." I was a long way from my home in the far north side of Buffalo, and after a few apologies from SJ on the CB, we engaged in a pleasant conversation during the hour and half ride that should have taken 15 minutes. My girlfriend happened to be the Night Auditor at an Inn in my hometown where SJ always stayed. A few weeks later, she called and said, "Someone is here looking for you." That was the start of our relationship - convened over a cup of coffee - that ultimately led to my two children and myself moving to Madison WI to become a family with SJ and his three children. We are now celebrating our 25th Anniversary this summer and have eleven grandchildren.
I was never afforded the luxury of even considering going to college in Canada. In my hometown, it was available only to those who had well-to-do parents. So, that let me out. It always bothered me especially when I moved to the States and learned that almost everyone went to college. So at an advanced age, I decided to go back to school. I was scared to death but soon discovered that at our local Tech College, the evening classes consisted of half young students and the other half older students. In a couple of my classes, I became the class Mom and that was fun. I chose Liberal Arts and to my surprise, was able to make the Dean's List each semester for two years. My intention was to transfer to UW. After a conversation with a school counselor mapping out my future, I discovered the very next day that Jeff and I were about to become parents to our nine-month old grandson. So, my schooling had to be put on the back burner (with the exception of several computer classes.) Raising Jordan has been fun and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Jordan will be a senior next year and will go on to college.
So, with this information in mind, please bear with me in the future. I look forward to posting and sharing with you ideas and comments as they occur to me as being appropriate for these pages in TPM.
I am always open for suggestions and look forward to continuing my reading of the various bloggers here. I have one of the best, SJ, to critique my writing before posting but he is hardly without bias. Thank you all in advance, and let the dialogue begin!
Sincerely,
Welcome Joaneliz!
I appreciate your sharing a bit about yourself. It will provide some context for your posts and comments.
I have not been here at the Cafe for long, but I have found a sense of community here.
Don't be shy about "getting your feet wet." Wade in and pretty soon you'll be swimming.
June 6, 2009 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rowan: Thank you kind words. I am looking forward to getting involved. joaneliz
June 6, 2009 1:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome to the monkey house Joan. That's a great story of how you and SJ met. Cheers!
June 6, 2009 1:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Miguelitoh2o. I have lots of stories re SJ. Joan
June 6, 2009 1:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey if you are with Sleepin, for chrissakes (blesses himself) you are ok with me.
No questions asked.
I look forward to your posting. This is great. This makes my day.
And I got so damn mad at some other TPM article--national in nature.
THIS IS GREAT. Thank you for joining us.
June 6, 2009 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you dickday. I Appreciate it. By the way, let me join SJ in wishing you a very happy unbirthday. Joan
June 6, 2009 1:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
We shall have so much fun!!!
June 6, 2009 1:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
yes indeed. I have a few stories to share.
June 6, 2009 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome to TPM Joan, hope you have fun and enjoy yourself here.
June 6, 2009 2:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your welcome. It will be great fun.
June 6, 2009 11:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome aboard, Joan. I am a newcomer also and have just gotten my feet wet in the blogging world. Great people here and lots of amusement and education. Look forward to more of your writing.
June 6, 2009 2:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
MM, It's been weeks, that's practically forever. You're a pro now. It don't take much. :-{)>
June 6, 2009 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
MaggieMum: Actually, it was your first blogs that prompted me to look at becoming part of TPM. You have a talented daughter to follow and your willingness to step up and blog inspired me to try blogging, too.
June 6, 2009 11:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
A late night Welcome to you from a relatively new TPMer (I started my TPM blog on NYD this year, 127 blog starts later I'm still around but not posting as much the past month)!
June 6, 2009 2:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your welcome. Keep the blogs coming. j
June 6, 2009 11:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome, Joanie...SJ is one of my very favorite people here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you! I love this whacked out place! Hope you do, too!
June 6, 2009 2:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. Yes, SJ is one of my fav. people too. Looking forward to sharing some stories.
June 6, 2009 11:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great to see you, joaneliz. Look forward to hearing more, and my only advice on blogging is - don't listen to Sleepin's advice on blogging. ;-)
'Course, you already knew that.
q
June 6, 2009 4:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Or Quinn's either. Or DickDay, or the pug, or bwak, or jest aboot anybody in this rogues gallery. Maybe the peeg. Yeah, the pig's always good fer advice. Just don't get between the trough and him at feeding time.
June 6, 2009 4:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ya know the peeg is smart because he wears such snappy shoes!
June 6, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought it was the shades that made him so smart. Go figure.
June 6, 2009 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the advice Quinn---I just might listen to you:)
June 6, 2009 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome, JoanEliz! I'm very glad to see you jumping into the asylum with the rest of us here.
Just a note of caution here. Beware both Quinn and miguelito. These two are dangerous minds, masquerading as reasonably humorous, accomplished bloggers. (Remember... THEY were the ones who introduced me to Bubbles!
As for DickDay, he is the second famous storyteller to come out of Virginia, Minnesota. The first was some kid named Zimmerman (DDay has a nicer wardrobe.)
As for the rest of 'em here, they are all wonderful people - each with their own personality and quality that recommends them to these pages. I know you will have a good time getting to know 'em all just a lil bit better.
THE END
WOT?!?!
June 6, 2009 6:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Studs, I do believe you landed a keeper here. And you did very well to warn her about the Canuck and the Piggy. :-D
June 8, 2009 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome, JoanEliz. Your story is very much like mine. My "college education" consists of a few classes in Anthropology, English, and Ceramics. (LOVED getting muddy at that potter's wheel!)
The rest I came to on my own, which means there are great gaps, which means I often don't understand a word of what these good people get to discussing--but I love it!
It's a good place here, and you'll do just fine. Do not be afraid. Nobody bites--so far.
June 6, 2009 7:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Ramona. Yes, I too took Anthropology. In fact, I did a paper on The Culture of Truck drivers per my instructor's suggestion. It sure was fun as I had lots of experiences with SJ. I know what you mean with Ceramics--did that too. Also took a Lapidary class and I got so into it making Cabachons that I would be grinding my knuckles. I don't know much about politics so will leave that arena to SJ and the others. But, I will learn.
June 6, 2009 11:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hello, Joaneliz. Nice to meet you. Welcome to the arcade. :O)
June 6, 2009 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for taking the time to post a welcome.
June 7, 2009 12:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome Joaneliz -
So enjoyed your first post and look forward to the next.
June 6, 2009 11:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I have a couple more almost ready to go. This is fun.
June 7, 2009 12:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
welcome joaneliz hope you enjoy this blogging stuff as much as I do and thanks for the great story about you and SJ
June 6, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I think I can scrounge up a couple of stories about SJ. We have had a lot of fun experiences.
June 7, 2009 12:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome...
June 6, 2009 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks.
June 7, 2009 12:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jesus has a wife, oh JEEZUZ!!!!
Welcome to the funny farm. We grow great ideas here and have a lot of fun along the way.
June 6, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I am glad to be part of the funny farm. I know for sure I will enjoy it.
June 7, 2009 12:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Joanie, welcome! This is the right, er Left place to be.
June 6, 2009 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I think you are right:)
June 7, 2009 12:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome aboard, Joaneliz. I really enjoyed your first post and look forward to reading more.
Funny, I too lived in Florida for a brief time in my late teens - South Plantation, which is about a half hour from Ft. Lauderdale - and I really didn't like it. I couldn't wait to get back home to New York.
But, I digress.
Welcome to the TPM family. We're all a bit crazy, but in a good way, I promise.
June 6, 2009 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lis: Thanks for the welcome. Yes, at the time, I felt the same way about Fla.--missed my friends. However, there are times I wish I could just take a good book and go crash at the beach for the day.
I have enjoyed your blogs and I am glad you influenced MaggieMum to join in too.
June 7, 2009 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. And I do have to admit, it was cool to pass by Elbo Room every time I went to the beach at Ft. Lauderdale. But washing the oil off my feet with gasoline was not so big a thrill, LOL.
I, too, am very happy that my mother is now posting. I'm sure Jeezus is pleased as punch that you are too.
Looking forward to reading more from you. Pleasure meeting you.
June 7, 2009 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome, Welcome Joan! TPM is a great place to rave (or rant) about all things that effect the human condition. Along the way we have become friends and are happy to include you among them.
June 6, 2009 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome Joaneliz ! Glad you are here and I look forward to more of your words.I like this post,it has orange pumpkins,near misses,a CB radio meeting,a friend in the right place at the right time, a SleepinJesus, and all these pieces falling into place.Its a marvelous thing, a romance, a relationship that twenty five years later has blossomed into eleven adorable grandchildren.Plus I admire how you just keep learning and going forward,this certainly reveals a very bright mind and stout heart. My wife and I have twelve adored grandchildren and as you must know thats like having a twelve volume set of encyclopedias covering from A to Z from which you can always learn something new. Joaneliz, I think a new adventure has begun and this blog of yours is the first piece to fall into place. Sort of like, Breaker,breaker......comeback????
June 6, 2009 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome! :-)
June 6, 2009 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome!
If you're with Sleepinjeezus I've no doubt you'll have much to contribute.
Glad you've taken the leap!
June 6, 2009 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's nice to hear from you, Joan. I'd like to mention that I enrolled in the university on my 60th birthday and received my Masters degree two years later. I worked for 10 years then in a field I loved and retired almost 2 year sgo. Although I already had my BA degree when I enrolled this time, there's no reason you should shy away from going back to school if you want to, no matter what your age.
June 6, 2009 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome to the bottomless pit of progressive blogging :-) Be sure to stir the pot occasionally to avoid getting burnt...
June 6, 2009 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Talk about meeting cute! He almost ran you off the road? C'mon that sounds like a movie.
June 6, 2009 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's all a matter of perspective, Markg8. She was entering the highway on an on-ramp in the midst of one of those snowstorms that only Buffalo can put you through. There would have been one hell of a jackknife and crash had I not exercised good defensive driving to avoid hitting her. So you see it was not a matter of me "almost running her off the road" but rather more a matter of me driving my truck and her car both toward a safe outcome. And I will let my 2million+ miles of accident free driving attest to the veracity of what I'm saying.
Nevertheless, it was a momentous meeting. I'm just glad I was nice in talking to her on the radio rather than telling her what I was REALLY thinking! ;O)
June 6, 2009 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice work on all counts Sleepin, that's one great safety record. Though I gotta say it's a hell of a way to meet a woman, let alone the love of your life, it oughta be in movie.
Speaking of movies, my brother used to drive over the road, now he's a local teamster driver, makes it home very night. Years ago we all went out to see Thelma and Louise at the theatre and I was sitting next to his wife. When they showed the scene with the trucker leaning out the window of his cab shouting lewd comments I whispered to Linda, "Now you know how Steve spends his days". She knows him better than that, got a good laugh out of her.
June 6, 2009 9:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thelma and Louise is only one among many movies that perpetuate an unfortunate stereotype of the truck driver as a clueless degenerate. The incredible part of it is that there is a subset of drivers who struggle to live UP to the stereotype!
Other movies about truck drivers are equally as scary, such as
this and this. There's just somethin' 'bout them truck drivers....
June 6, 2009 11:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
For one thing,
I'd never imagined Sleepin' inside an orange
pumpkin and I'm really glad you are here now
to tell us such things. Great story!
I'm a late blog-bloomer myself.
Welcome to word-lovers heaven!
June 6, 2009 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jes saying hi!
June 6, 2009 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm wiping my tears away because your story is so wonderful -- I am a total sucker for anything romantic that goes on for 25 years! Welcome, welcome welcome!
Glad to have you aboard, and glad that you consider TPM a fun place -- it usually is. Sounds like you have your hands full with humans; just curious-- do you guys have any pets?
June 6, 2009 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. Yes, we have our hands full at times but it is rewarding. SJ and I have three English Bulldogs which we refer to as "the kids."
We have had 8 during the 25 years and all are rescues. SJ has never allowed the dogs on the furniture or upstairs, however, our 3 yr old who he calls Princess (her name is Gypsy) can do anything she wants and she does. She also sleeps with us. SJ must be getting mellow in his old age:) Princess is Miss Personality plus. We also have a fat cat and the dogs love her. It is like a zoo at times but sure is fun. Stella, whom we adopted last year--we felt so sorry for her--is 9. She is a cripple and has had a rough life and full of scars from another dog beating her up. When she stands up and starts to walk, her front legs go out like a wrestlers arms as he is about to attack his opponent. Her back legs are week and she shuffles along. She has missing teeth too. In other words, she is a mess but she sure is happy now.
June 7, 2009 1:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
When I saw the last name Pieterick, it occurred to me that you might just be Mrs. SJ. For that, please accept my heartfelt condolences. ;-)
Welcome to TPM. Judging from your initial efforts here, you'll hardly need critiquing, from Sleepin or anyone else. I look forward to your future contributions.
June 8, 2009 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink