How I came up with my kid's names

Linking up at Mama Kat's today, go here

PROMPT: 
#5. Share how you came up with your kids names!

I have two sons. Schafer and Grant. I always thought I would be a mom to at least one girl. So of course I had girl names in mind, but obviously I don't have a choice about whether my child will possess a banana and berries or just a peach.

So after the ultrasound, I was a bit stunned. Okay, a little disappointed for like a minute. Honestly, I was excited just to have a healthy child so really it didn't matter-EXCEPT for the name. For the next three months, hubby and I did the What about...? NO!...that reminds me of so and so name dance. And I wish I could tell you that I was the genius who gloriously presented the name to my hubby. Nope. Hubby beat me to it! Schafer's name is a common last name and yes, you guessed it my dear spouse liked the way it sounded and asked me about it. I truly did love it. Unique, but not to the point of being made fun of.

 And we were cruel enough to keep the name from everyone until the day our sweet boy was born. Hey, at least everyone knew he was a he.

As far as Grant, well we did the same name dance and I stole his name from my cousin whose middle name is Grant. I was the brilliant one this time. His name is strong, simple and again not one that can lead to torturous roll calls in school. 

So there ya have it...and the lesson is that we are both super adept at picking names. 

The likes and dislikes of Ground Hog Day...

Okay, Feb. 2nd. It is just a day, right? Not for me. Let me explain with a list (smile).

What I like about GHD:

1. It is one step closer to spring and warmer temperatures.
2. It is my late mother's birthday
3. A cute rodent is famous because of tradition.
4. Sometimes the said rodent predicts correctly and spring comes early.

5. You can eat too much chocolate and no one thinks that is wrong or weird unless of course a person is uber strict about calories and thinks sugar is evil. Okay, yes, I have proved that one can have a slight addiction to the white stuff, but I will never apologize for having my fair share of chocolate.

6. It is pretty much a neutral month with most people getting President's Day off (bonus)...except for Valentine's Day...which is nice because it is about chocolate and loving someone, but see below for what I don't like about this month. I am torn.


What I dislike about GHD:

1. It is my late mother's birthday. Read, a reminder that she is no longer here to celebrate another year of life.
2. It is one day closer to my birthday (May) which reminds me that although spring is coming, I am no spring chicken. However, I am growing old gracefully, thank you.

3. Valentine's Day-Blah. A day for others to show you they love you...shouldn't we always show others love? It is also a day to waste money on ultra-CHEAPLY made chocolate, silly stuffed animals that know adult really wants, and flowers that die. How depressing. Alright already, I will confess that I am a chocolate snob.
Honestly, my hubby or others should spontaneously win me over with chocolate at least once a month. Okay, I know that sounded selfish. Sorry, just being honest about my chocolate addiction fascination.

4. In most of the U.S. it is still winter (enough said). Sometimes the Ground Hog predicts more winter. Boo!

5. The failure of too lofty goals (some people call them resolutions) has shown up by now.
This is why I don't make them. Instead I take small steps to change me or I plan a reachable goal. For example, I might try exercising an extra day or for 15 minutes more or send one piece of writing to a publisher.
One year, I slowly introduced hubby and I to whole grains and whole wheat. We now eat mostly non-white carbs. Think whole wheat bread, tortillas, multi-grain or wheat noodles, and my personal favorite: whole wheat Jasmine or Basmati rice for my authentic Indian and Thai recipes, Yummy!

6. The lack of sun causes depression, my nails don't grow well and I am getting spring fever BAD!
Did I mention I love spring, summer and fall? Winter is pretty and needed, but it is not my favorite.

SO there ya have it. Your turn. Tell me what you like/dislike about Ground Hog's Day?

She taught me fear (FMF: Afraid)

She used to hide in the closet and wait for moments to scare me. It worked every time. My heart would palpate differently and for a minute the flight response was activated. I loathed these humorous moments for her as much as haunted houses. I didn't want to be afraid of either one, but how could I not? Someone or some thing lurking in shadows to entertain self or supposedly me.

She taught me to be afraid. Sometimes that saved my life, but I am not grateful. That fear tied to my worth and keeping my low self-esteem company. Manifesting into a me that didn't take risks or believe that I could do it. All lies. A generation passed on a lie in my heart.

Now, the self-confidence is stronger and my risks are ever widening, but I face a new kind of fear. Fear of success. What if all my risk-taking and striving actually works?

They still won't celebrate me. They are toxic and I am afraid to truly let them go. But I am wondering why I hang on.

And the devious side (although I am still afraid) wants to tell them what I really think...to say, "It's not me, it's you...

Linking up for 5 minutes of real, not perfect writing at Tales from a Gypsy Mama