Have/have got

From an American English point of view, here are some examples of correct use of 'have' and 'have got'.

Example 1:
What have you got there, John?
I've got a new watch.

OR

What do you have there, John?
I have a new watch.

Example 2:
I have got to get a new job.

OR

I have to get a new job.

Example 3:
I haven't got a clue.

OR

I don't have a clue.
(Here the Brits might say, "I haven't a clue.")

Have you got any suggestions or questions?
Do you have any suggestions or questions?

Future perfect

I have 10 states left to visit, and then I will have visited all 50 states in the US.
By the time my grandson is 2 years old, I will have flown to Poland a dozen times (I hope!).
If I remain with the same company until I retire, I will have worked there for more than 40 years.
When my wife retires, she will have worked at the library for more than 20 years.
By the end of the week I will have walked down every street in my neighborhood this year.

By the time you read this I will have gone to work.

Had been talking

I had been talking on-line with my friend for 3 hours when I realized I had to run an errand. We agreed that it seemed we had been talking only a few minutes. Time flies when you're having fun.

We had been thinking about trying to connect again later that day, but the internet connection was unbelievably bad. I had been telling her a funny story earlier that day, and I wanted to have a chance to finish it. We could have talked for another 3 hours!

If we hadn't been planning this long chat all week, it wouldn't have been so disappointing. After all, we had worked and studied hard every day. We thought we deserved a break from the routine. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be, but we were grateful for the time we had.

Would have been

I would have been posting new entries more often, but I've been busy. I should have known that being a grandfather would take a bit of my time. I would never have guessed it could be so much fun! Unfortunately, it has been hard to manage my time and fulfill other responsibilities.

If I had thought about it, I could have planned ahead to get some things finished around the house before my grandson arrived. As it is, I'll probably spend the winter wishing I had finished them!

My daughter had told me sometime ago that she would bring the baby to visit me at work. Yesterday was that day. I have seldom felt such pride, holding him, listening to co-workers (especially the ladies) say how cute he is, and that I looked like a good grampa.

Would you have ever guessed that the past perfect tense could be so interesting? :-)

Date

I have a date tonight with my wife. We're going to 'eat out'. Why is this event any different? Why do I call it a 'date'? The important thing is that we planned it ahead of time. I asked her on Monday if she'd like to try a new restaurant in our town. So we 'made a date' to go out on Friday (today).

Are you dating anyone? Maybe you say that you're 'in a relationship'. As far as I know, it means the same thing. I know I'm dating myself (admitting that I'm old), but we used to call it 'going steady'. We also said, 'I have a boyfriend/girlfriend' to let people know we were 'taken' or not available to go out with others.

My wife and I dated for a couple of years before we got married. If you saw the clothes I wore for our wedding, you might say they were dated (lots of plaid!).

Is today an important date in history or a memorable date in your life? I hope your life is full of memories that make you smile, no matter what day it is.

New name: Grandfather, Grampa, Grandad

My daughter had a baby boy on Tuesday, so now I have a new name. "Grandad" will be the most common choice, although I'm also going to teach him to call me 'Dziadek/Dziadku" as well. It's hard to believe that my 'baby' had a baby! 

Now I'm at work, trying to focus on testing my computer code. It's a challenge, because being Grandad is much more interesting. 

I wonder how long it will be until he learns to laugh and learns to call me "Grandad". I wonder if he'll enjoy sitting in my lap while I read to him, or taking a walk in the park with me. I wonder if he'll like music, or maybe play a musical instrument. So many questions and possibilities. Only time will tell. 

What's that? Must have been my imagination. I thought I heard someone call my name!

Have you ever . . . ?

Have you ever felt lonely in a crowd? Shallow relationships aren't satisfying. 

Have you ever felt rejected? It makes you appreciate friends who accept you as you are. 

Have you ever had a friend who accepts you as you are? There's nothing like it, and nothing better because you are free to be yourself. 

Have you ever felt like crying but you didn't know why? I felt that way this week. I'm glad I have a friend who understood and encouraged me to hold on till the feeling passed. 

Have you ever felt like you've known someone for years even though you met only a few months ago? It's possible if you allow your relationship to grow deep enough. 

Have you ever been happy but couldn't share it with anyone? It's so great so share your happiness with a friend.

Have you ever told your friend how much he or she means to you? It may be awkward at first, but it's worth the risk. 

Have you ever been forgiven? Isn't it great to know you don't have to be perfect to be accepted?