The (I-would-imagine) expensive gift I got for my birthday from family is a monstrosity. When I was given it I actually said, “This is a monstrosity. Can’t you give me something decent for a change?” The grandkids (these days what grandkids are ever brought up right?) looked quite disappointed. Apparently they had made it themselves and the purchased stuff that went into making it would have cost a packet.
I said to my daughter, “Why the hell did you let your kids loose on such expensive stuff when you could’ve bought a professionally made one for half the price?” She said she thought I would like it more if the grandkids made it themselves. Fat lot she knows. She didn’t get that from me. That’s the trouble with modern kids; they go online and learn how to be rude. That’s about it.
I said to the grandkids, “You’ve got to have standards”. These days people judge the value of things not by whether it works but whether people they know have a better one. It’s so superficial. This monstrosity I’ve been saddled with is not half as good as what Ted down the road has. Mind you, Ted didn’t have his grandkids make it for him. But I don’t overly mind. I never wanted one in the first place, and I’ll chuck it away the minute my daughter takes her kids and leaves. Some people throw gifts away the minute they’re given them, but these people have no manners. I said as much to my grandkids. I said “I’m not chucking this monstrosity away until you go. You have to at least pretend to have some gratitude.” Someone has to teach these modern kids some standards.
So all in all it’s been a pretty lousy birthday for me. It always turns out disappointing and negative. Which is why I never celebrate my daughter’s or grandkids’ birthdays. One birthday a year is enough. And, you know, despite all my probing about the present, I still don’t know exactly what it is.
Did they make him a homemade self-explosive device?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a device would have been exceedingly useful.
LikeLike
Yes, I imagine Ted down the road was blown away by his.
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a loving grandpa. I’ll bet those kids are busy making a surprise gift for him right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much we both could learn from him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the gift is ticking.
You are teaching me so much with these stories. When I am a grandpa I’ll be ready…dang kids…get off my lawn.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Parsley stakes are a good caning implement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are like a spout of knowledge that doesn’t turn off!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The word “spout” is indeed a compliment. I shall frame it and hang it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
uh oh…does it mean something else in NZ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No – no extra meaning – but it’s such a funny sounding word – we don’t have too many different words in NZ – you fructifying Rs-whole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL…we have a so called preacher over here…Joel Osteen…he is really a motivational speaker…he likes to say… I’ll paraphrase this… “stand under the spout to let the blessings pour out”…
The guy is so super positive…he gives me the willies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
His constant hand movements alone drive me bananas. No doubt he’s good but not my cup of tea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No I don’t like him either… he acts as if nothing ever bad happened in the Bible or in real life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last lines of the famous “By the rivers of Babylon” psalm: “Bless the man who seizes your children, Babylon, and smashes their heads on the rocks”. It doesn’t always pay to be positive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Bible doesn’t play… no it doesn’t Bruce. But his spout never runs out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suppose “I’m a little teapot” is a bit early of a song for your blog! “I’m a little teapot short and stout. Here is my handle, here is my spout. When I get all steamed up then I shout, Just tip me over, pour me out.” Did you sing that as a kid?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that one….YES! We sang that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And further to this – I’ve been giggling about your comment for several hours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I did good then! Even if I made a fool of myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always good to stay positive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There can be no negative without a positive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
#science
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is something called the power of positive thinking many authors have churned out books upon, which I am sure would have worked very positively for their bank accounts. I am sure the protagonist of the story can easily produce a bestseller on the subject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I once read “How to win friends and influence people”. I tried it out when going house to house collecting for the Red Cross – and came home with a whole bag full of apples (for myself).
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a crabby, ingrate for a grandparent – teaching the kids some good stuff, right. Hope that trhingamajig explodes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We (royal “We” in honour of Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee) shall explode the thingamajig as soon as we can locate a suitable alien from outer space to put down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful idea! All hail the Queen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect the end is nigh! (for the Queen)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I feel the same way. And then we get Charles, in whom I have little confidence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This grandfather is sure to get many more visits from family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Children are attracted to him like flies in summer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your behavior springs the word “asinine” to mind as well as some others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do all the donkey work.
LikeLike
I think it’s important to teach kids that no matter what they do, it is never good enough. It motivates them. I bet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your insight SMACKS of wisdom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: 2448. I like to stay positive | Enjoy and share the Inspiration and Truth of the Windows From Heaven