Thursday 11 June 2009

"Guess what?"

You said when you rang this morning.

Me: Silence - as ten thousand thoughts rushed through my mind about what the 'what' could be. I've had many of those sorts of conversations with you that start out like that and they always leave me holding my breath for 30 seconds at least. "What?"

You: "I think I've caught something from that football player ____ _______, you know, the one who has been in the papers."

Me: Silence - as a few thoughts now rushed through my mind about what that something could be. "What?"

You: "Well, I've been feeling sick and I think I've got it. I work with his brother's girlfriend and they've both got it and now everyone else who knows them might have to go into quarantine for 72 hours."

Me: "What for?"

You: "Swine Flu".

Me: "Ohhhh, that's a relief. I thought you were going to tell me something way worse than that."

I've learnt over the years that this 'guess what' business is all relative. Swine Flu? Nah, that's no bother.

Now, on the other hand, when you rang to tell me that you,
  • had brought home a homeless boy from the Middle East to live with us,

  • had just stopped a guy from stealing your car (even though he was already in it at the time),

  • were in London, it was 2am in the morning and a man walking in front of you had slipped on ice, hit his head, there was a lot of blood, you thought he was dead, there wasn't a soul around and you didn't know the emergency number,

  • had just split up from your American boyfriend and the only thing you wanted to do was hire a car and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge (I thought you meant over it not across it and never slept all night), or

  • were in Europe, very, very sick, all alone, with no-one around you who could speak English and you didn't know the German word for Doctor, oh and I could go on.....
well, those things really were a bother.

I love you for truly living life the way you should, even if it has added a few more grey hairs to my head.

Mum xx


72 comments:

  1. Oh dear, she hasn't has she? What a livewire your daughter sounds. I so admire people who have adventurous lives. Sounds like she is out there living it anyway. Made me smile and hope she doesnt get it.

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  2. OMG, your daughter is a bit like the wind, is she not? You never know which way she'll blow, and what she'll bring in.

    Enjoyed your guesses, but I guess you'll call it experience.

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  3. I am just curious. Is she friends with this famous football type , or is he just a sort of prominent point around which the brother and brother's girlfriend (your daughter's colleague), get identified? I just thought that quarantine would be a great way of meeting a famous football type. (then if she didnt like him, and wanted to jilt him, he could always be called a swine :-)

    But I must say I am speechless after hearing your daughter's adventures in the rest of the world. By comparison, this swine flu quarantine stuff, is like England vis-a-vis Holland in the T20 world cup..:-)

    By the way, she hasnt done the cable cars in Italy, has she ?

    P. S. If you want to see yourself in august company at the Taj Mahal, see my blog...:-))

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  4. @ Ugich - there are a couple of prominent football teams here who are all quarantined at the moment because of Swine Flu. And even without the flu lets just say without putting a finer point on it many of them are pigs. You would have to see the recent media coverage about our misbehaving sports stars to know what I mean.

    Yes, mydaughter is well travelled and started when she was 15. She worked as a waitress to afford her travels. I am proud of her for that. I thought I was adventurous but she beats me hands down. And I have a younger sister who is even moreso. More about her later. No, she hasnt been to southern Italy and chairlifts would not frighten her like they do me. She is the game type who would fall out of planes at every opportunity. Will be over to see you blog as soon as I can - I did swear off blogging for the week but just popped in to post something.

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  5. I work at a government facility for youth, and we have a few group homes. 2 cases of confirmed swine flu in the kids. It's awesome.

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  6. gosh! She sure can give anyone the jitters! Guess what, indeed!!

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  7. My mom hates the "So, what are you doing later?" question. She refuses to answer it on the basis that it might mean I may ask for a babysitter and then she'll have to start listing off all the things she has to do and then after that then she has to.... You get it. lol

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  8. Ugh!!! I sooooo get it!
    I hate hearing "Hey Mom... guess what!"... makes my skin crawl with too many possibilities!!!

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  9. Hey Rhonda - funny. Its true. There are certain questions you are better off hanging up when you hear. Something tells me you are going to get a lot of Guess what? questions yourself soon enough lol!

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  10. Oh my, now the guy hitting his head on the ice was a horrible one. What was she ringing you to Google the emergency number for her? 12,000 miles away? lol!

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  11. Oh yes. I know EXACTLY where you're coming from. It's got to the stage over her years of seemingly living life from "crisis to crisis" that, when my thirty something daughter rang recently to tell me, "happy birthday", my reaction immediately following her "Hi Dad" opening gambit was, "What's gone wrong now?"
    :)

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  12. CJW666 - lol, it is funny isnt it? And you know what, I think there those that have these kid of crisis, are out there living life. They are taking risks! You mean, you had a birthday and didn't tell us? Happy 35th Birthday!

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  13. I know exactly what you mean Lilly!

    I had a daughter hospitalised in Singapore ...lost in Tibet (not for long) ..in London during bombings ...
    and in the nightclub in Bali ...but not exactly when it was bombed.

    Being a Mum ....keep breathing.

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  14. I think she takes after her mother.

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  15. Aw, Lilly. You're so sweet. Sadly, it wasn't 35 - it was 36 (yet AGAIN!) :)

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  16. Oh Cjw666 - I am not very good at math, lol

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  17. Knowing the way that our English footballers behave I can think of several worse things that she could have caught if she had been over here LMAO

    Eeek at the Swine Flu. I hope the footballer was worth it ;o)

    x

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  18. Hahahahaha....at least it's not the Wine Flu...

    Getting caught up on my blog reading finally!

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  19. We never stop worrying about our kids! She'll be 50 and you'll still be nervous every time she says, "Guess what!" You are clearly a great mom - one who loves your daughter and has given her wings to fly. Pat yourself on the back for me, Lilly.;-)

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  20. Awwww Lils! Your poor *baby girl*! I hope she is feeling better!

    {xoxo} Juls~

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  21. I know EXACTLY what that "Guess what" feels like! So when I read it was swine flu, I could understand your relief! It´s just so hard being so far away from the kids! If they only knew what that question does to our hearts and hair.... :)

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  22. True, Lilly - all of those other scenarios make maybe having the swine flu relatively tolerable !!!
    Hope that she is okay, and will get better soon :)

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  23. So, it's quarantine then for her? What an adventure! She sounds like me when I was younger - no wonder my parents went completely white at quite a young age...

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  24. Wow, that is a colorful life to be sure. Yes, Swine Flu pales by comparison to all of those escapades! I am thinking that looks like a whole month's worth of blog posts with each of those experiences!!

    I'm going to go pluck my hair now, since I can't color it for a few more days :)

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  25. Uh,... nothing like the conversations that I have with my mother! She would be like guess what? And I would be quiet,.. because it could be something like, 'I just met the father of my future grandchildren.'

    Your daughter's life is full excitement! She should start her own blog,... I would be her biggest fan.

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  26. Some things are better left out of conversation with your Mom :-) When my sibs and I are all together at Mom's house I can often see her cringe when we talk about our youth. No wonder she's completely gray!

    Your daughter is terrific but please tell her not to over do-it with the Swine Flu. They talk about it NOT being a walk in the park here in America.

    Hope you had a great vacation!

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  27. Hmmmm, sounds familiar! Seems as if at least one of my four at any given time have always managed to have me crossing my fingers, holding my breath, crossing myself, and mumbling prayers. But they've all managed to grow up, have good lives and still provide me with chuckles and smiles. Your daughter's life is full and that's how it should be -- even if it's nerve wracking for us moms!

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  28. I hope your free spirited baby girl feels better soon.

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  29. Brilliant, Lilly...loved it :)

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  30. Yep, you got my diamond icon sidebar thingie today.... :)xxx

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  31. aawh sweet post.... my mum also does the worried 'What?!!' when I say that too!

    PS I've tagged you! visit my blog for your questions! x

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  32. You had me holding my breath too, waiting for the answers! Swine flu, though. Yikes. But after reading all those other things she's done ~ wow, what a life indeed! Just wondering ~ how did she stop the guy from stealing her car when he was already in it?? She has a brave spirit!

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  33. I so get this!

    The "Guess What?" always makes my blood pressure rise.

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  34. Oh Lilly, hope it really isn't the swine flu all the same. I did hear it's made its way to Australia.

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  35. If you get an e-mail telling you it's dangerous to eat tinned pork because you may catch swine flu, please ignore it.

    It's just Spam...

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  36. OK, that's it --either my kids aren't allowed to ever grow up or if they do they have to be broke so they don't travel the globe and worry me sick! :)

    Whoa, what a list. the Golden Gate one and the chap bleeding to death from his fall would have had me more than worried.

    You know what they say--each grey hair is EARNED not simply grown! Well, in that case, can I not be rewarded any more, thank you very much? LOL.

    Seriously though, a lovely tribute. Hope your summer is going well....and no swine flu is discovered anywhere near you!

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  37. I think I am going to keep my stylist very busy and very rich....very shortly

    My daughter is fast approaching teen years and, she too, loves collecting things, especially strays and is very adventurous...

    I will keep you posted.

    Peace - Rene

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  38. Another post to make me smile and chuckle...just when I need it. Your daughter never ceases to amaze me! hee.

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  39. Ah...nice to see you have the capacity to put things in perspective! :) I'm amazed at what your daughter has gone through in life (the first two esp!!!)

    Nice post... :)

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  40. I am really hoping to avoid the swine flu. Wait...you changed something. Added a picture maybe? Deleted a State? I was awfully sleepy when I read this earlier.

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  41. Is any of this genetic predisposition? Maybe Mom was a tad like this. Some may look at parts as tragic, I prefer heroic. ~Mary

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  42. @ Vicky - oh she has had so many more which only means she has many, many left as well. She was always very independent from a young age, an extravert and people lover. So, I will sometime blog about the boy from Jordan coming to live with us though. That was interesting....

    @ White Sock Girl - yes I tried to get her to start her own blog because she is funny as well but she is too busy working these days - you know how it is.

    @ Joanna - no my daughter tells me everything - sometimes I cringe but truth is I would prefer it that way. I told my mother nothing much and still do not. I think the generations are completely different. It has its pros and cons I think.

    @ Braja - why thank you Ma'am, that is indeed an honor.

    @ Aleta - she was out late at night and came back to her car and there was a guy sitting in the driver's seat. She asked him what he was doing and he said he was taking the car. She told him to get out - she is only little my daughter but lets just say her legal training comes in handy. Even I dont mess with her lol!! Yappy dop round the ankles is how I describe her, he he.

    @ Mike - you funny man, there was a time there in my youth that I am not ashamed to say that I liked Spam, can you imagine the horror!!!

    @ Jammie - have you forgotten where I live, its winter here where I am and a tad cool....and we cant stop our kids growing up and you just have to hope that if you cross your fingers and toes that all will be well with them...

    @ Rene - I so think you ae reight and you are going to have some wonderful times, truly!! We are blessed!

    @ Psych Babbler - er now those are only a few of her escapades. She could write a book already I think! Her life has steadied down somewhat because she works long hours now so I think it must be hard for her... I am sure whe would prefer to be travelling some more.

    @ SHST - he he observant persont tha tyou are, yes I put the image in after...and I hope you stay well too!

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  43. @ FrankandMary - yes wee a bit genetic, but I am not as brave. It takes me a long itme to plan things and I am more fearful about life. However, my younger sister and my daughter are very much alike. They really just go out and live it and face whatever comes their way. In fact, we often joke that if my sister, my daughter and my father travelled together heaven help the world. Given my baby sister is coming home from London after ten years away soon, there are going to be some stories to tell.

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  44. Awwww...I loved this! You are such a great mum! Your daughter is lucky that you give her freedom, even if it gives you grey hair. I hope I can be like you as my children get older.

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  45. Why do I have the feeling that your daughter is a chip off the ol' block. I see you as just as adventurous and taking the bull by the horns, etc. I hope she'll be OK and won't get swine flu. On a higher note, it seems to be not as horrible a flu as they thought.

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  46. Wow that's a good get-grey-quick list. Was it the same way for you? - This call comes in the middle of the night.

    Looking forward to more on the kid from Jordan.

    all the best to your daughter's health

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  47. @lisleman - yes I ahve ad my adventures because I have just more than likely been in the wrong place at the wrong time but my daughter is far more adventurous and has travelled from a very young age. She was 15 when she had her first trip to the USA and hasnt stopped since. She worked part-time while studying since she was 14 so has done it herself. She makes me proud and scared all at the same time. But then every parent understands that one!lol

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  48. Delightful read today, dear Lilly! As delightful as you!

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  49. Hi Lilly,

    I had to come over get my dose of humor.

    I hope that your daughter is doing well. We have 9 confirmed swine flu positives in our state.

    Your daughter is indeed very adventurous. Reading about her American boyfriend reminded me of her planning of doing a cross-country road trip in the U.S.
    Is she still planning on doing it?

    Take care,
    Tasha

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  50. What a wonderful post dear Lilly, you have such a way with words. The London call both scared and made me laugh nervously... :)

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.♥

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  51. Reminds me of my son, who will call and start out with, "well, I need to update you about something."

    When he utters these words, I start to hyperventilate.

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  52. Yeah, those calls are NEVER GOOD.

    I loved this. Braja sent me. And since I love her and all that shit, here I am.


    Glad I came............

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  53. Lily I hate to say this, but she seems a tad bit like her mom, ha, ha. You can make up the most halirous things, I don't think anyone will ever get anything over on you, I like you because you always make me smile. Hope your weekend is a good one.

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  54. @ Tasha - oh hello I still ahve yet to email you with a long reply!! I think she still wants to do the road trip and when she does I am giving her each and everyone of my US blogging friends phone numbers that way you might be the first ones to get the, Guess what phone calls.....I am joking...truly!

    @ Gran - yes hyperventialte that is the correct term!

    @ Vodka Mom - thanks for visiting too.

    @ Margaret - ok I will agree, she is a tad bit like me but just a teensy tiny bit...thanks for dropping by.

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  55. Great post! I just found you through Braja's blog! I'll be back!
    Have a lovely weekend! Don't get that piggy flu stuff!

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  56. After all the stuff thats been in the news lately about the footballers, I'm not surprised that swine flu wasn't the first thing that popped into your head. And I'd take swine flu over the alternative any day.

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  57. I was going to say well swine flu is a bit of a concern. Then I read the others. I completely concur!

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  58. @ Pastor Sharon, thanks for dropping by, come back again soon!!

    @ Esther, he he and Aussie you must be, will come and visit you soon.

    Annette - yes, you are so right! There are worse things.

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  59. That was genius! Haha! You are indeed funny. Always a pleasure to stop by =)

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  60. Wonderful post, Lilly! I love the way you describe your relationship with your dear daughter.

    You're a great role model for those of us with young adult children.

    Take care and cheers to both of you :)

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  61. i wish my life was as colorful as hers...

    take care:)

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  62. @ Carolyn - and you are a role model to me in how to get out there and live your life in the best way! Inspirational!

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  63. Braja sent me, and I see you've changed your header AGAIN!

    Well pretty lady, now I see the state of dread I have to look forward to if and when I finally launch my children into adulthood.

    I love your sense of humor.

    xo

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  64. @ Ann - yes I change it every month! Yes you have loads to look forward depending how soon you cut the ties. I did that about 14 and its been interesting watching it from the sidelines ever since. Its a way to make your child more resilient and you older before your time!

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  65. Found you through Braja today. Great post. My 18 yr old came home yesterday and said...Guess what happened to ME today.

    Ughhhh. lol

    1st parking ticket.

    Too bad she is driving a car registered in MY name. Therefore her ticket is actually my ticket. lol. She pays but still...

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  66. Well, Swine Flu is kind of a bother. Did you know that New York City has 820 confirmed cases and 15deaths!? Statistically there should be 1 or 2 deaths per 1,000. The WHO World Health Organization has listed it as a “moderate” pandemic because half the people who have died are perfectly healthy. Please read my post on how to prepare. Sorry, I have pigs on my mind. ;)

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  67. @ Sheila - oh I can sympathise - yes I seem to recall a few car incidents too, lol...

    @ Awake in Rochester - you are correct it can and is serious for healthy people. It just didnt scare me as much as other things have. I just read online that they believe one in three people will get it now. A pandemic for sure.

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  68. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh, that was funny. Well when it is happening to someone else at least.

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  69. I needed a smile - and here I am - laughing. I am sure Des can rely to you :)
    I wish your daughter a speedy recovery!

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  70. @ Fida - its so good to see you. Does this mean you are back blogging?

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  71. There are plenty of hairdressers around to cover up those greys which I am convinced are not there. You look fabulous despite all those sleepless nights.

    All the best to you an your daughter
    xo

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Thanks for your comments.