Journal entry 206--Fathers

Describe your father or a memory about your father.


I really can't do this entry because I grew up without my father in my life. The few times he came around, the memories are not so good. Hopefully you will have better memories to write about. I feel blessed that I married a man who is an amazing father to our children and can give them the love I never felt from a dad.

Journal entry 205--Regret

Is there anything you regret in your life? Describe it.

I was 20 years old when my mom died. There was a moment when she was in the hospital that I had a strong impression to talk to her about a will or getting her to put something in writing. I ignored the urging because I didn't want to think about her dying or give up hope. The following day she went into a coma which eventually ended her life. Consequently my mom did not have a will and her entire estate went into probate. Thank goodness my uncle was there to help my brother, sister and I. After many months of court hassles, we were finally able to settle her estate. At that time and for many years after, I regretted not listening to that prompting to talk to my mom about a will. Things worked out and I have no more regrets about it. I've learned, however, to listen better.

Journal entry 204--Dislike

Have you ever disliked someone at first sight? Write about your experience and what if anything became of it.


There have been a handful of people in my life who for reasons I can't explain, just bothered me. I don't know why I disliked those people. I've certainly tried to like them but it's just a feeling I get around them. There is a person I know right now that I try to like but they really bugged me! The problem of it all is this person is quite nice but for some reason I don't like them. So what do I do with this dilemma? I'm civil and friendly to the person. I don't hang out with them because I don't have to and I'm trying to find something I can enjoy about the person. It's hard but I'm trying.

Journal entry 203--Play/work

Can you play in your work? If yes, write about an element of play in your work. If no, why not?


I'm a stay home mom so play is always a part of my work. I play house, tea parties and games with my daughter and I play the Wii with my boys. When our family is doing their chores, we try to make a game out of it so it is not drudgery. It's important to play and let loose. I love having fun with my husband and children. Those are the memories I want and not mopping my kitchen floor.

Journal entry 202--The past

What are some behaviors that used to be the custom when your parents were younger that you wish we still did?

With all the technology we have today, communication has really taken a backseat. No one writes letters anymore. I have some old letters that my great uncle wrote to my grandfather from 1920 and they are some much fun to read. It's even interesting to see their handwriting and their way with words. I have letters my mother wrote to me when I was a child and I love to look back at them and remember her from her handwriting. What will my children have to look back on from me? I've thought about going a year with only writing letters to communicate! That would be challenging and interesting!

Journal entry 201--Motivation

What motivates you to finish something you didn't really want to do in the first place?

I hate housework but I know it has to get done because I also hate my house messy. My motivation to getting the house clean is enlisting the help of my husband and children and setting a timer for 15 minutes. During that time we clean as fast as we can and try to get the most done before the timer goes off. It motivates me because then I have to focus on one thing at a time rather than get distracted and work on something unrelated like cleaning out a drawer I haven't looked in for months!

Journal entry 200--Grandmother

Describe one of your grandmothers. Do you have a special memory of her?

My grandmother on my mom's side was hilarious. She let us call her "granny good witch!" Every Saturday, she had her hair and nails colored red and had a back so straight that when my husband first met her, he thought she had a rod implanted into her back. She played the organ her entire life, (that's why her back was so straight) and I can still hear her nails clicking across the keyboard as she played. My grandmother and I shared a musical bond; we both played the piano. Although, she mainly concentrated on the organ. After grandma died I couldn't touch the piano for 6 months. Everytime I tried to play a song, I'd start bawling. My granny good witch was a talented, classy woman whom I admire still.