At Sam's Club, you have to have your receipt checked as you walk out the door--so it's Ainslie's job to hold onto it as we leave. Some nice clerks turn the receipt over and draw a happy face. Ainslie loves that. The first time it happened, I must've said, "It's your lucky day!" because now, every time it happens, she gushes, "Must be my lucky day!"
Anyway. Today something great happened. Well, nothing actually happened. Well, some things happened that weren't so great--but I digress. I went in to request a sub for a class next week (reference the not-so-great thing, i.e. a husband who can't be relied on to fill in with child care even though he is MORE than happy for the income, but again, I digress.) While I was talking to my boss, she mentioned more classes for next quarter.
That is a great thing. The thing that has me kind of flabbergasted is that I think I am going to refuse one of them. I am already stretched pretty thin right now. I have had too many days lately where Ainslie watches too much TV. One class meets at night, once a week. That one, I definitely want. The other one is twice a week starting at noon. Yuck. That cuts into waterpark time with friends, plus it means I have to either get a babysitter or ask my in-laws (who would probably say yes) to watch Ainslie. I don't want to. I want to have fun with my monkey this summer before she starts preschool and grows up a little too much. For right now, I don't have to take the class.
I never thought, when I started staying at home, I'd have so much work (I mean the kind that pays money--then there's the other!) I feel like this is some sort of milestone. I have enough contract work (that I do mostly when Ainslie is asleep) that I don't have to teach both sections. Lucky me!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
No Idea Where She Gets It
"Grammie, I was talking and talking at gymnastics yesterday and do you know what Ms Kathy did tell me? She said I am a...a...a...Motormouse!"
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Dedicated to Tammy: Chiropractic Nirvana
Ahhhhhhh.
I've seen a chiropractor 3 times now and ahhhhhh. Slept like a rock last night. The pinched nerve in my neck that has been making my hands go numb for months is slowly getting unpinched. Traction rocks.
Anyway, Tammy, my friend, have YOU called a chiropractor yet? Your post several weeks ago about taking care of yourself has really been inspiring me lately--I'm also getting a haircut in 50 minutes, by the way.
I've seen a chiropractor 3 times now and ahhhhhh. Slept like a rock last night. The pinched nerve in my neck that has been making my hands go numb for months is slowly getting unpinched. Traction rocks.
Anyway, Tammy, my friend, have YOU called a chiropractor yet? Your post several weeks ago about taking care of yourself has really been inspiring me lately--I'm also getting a haircut in 50 minutes, by the way.
You Lost Me At "Babysitter."
I don't know whether anyone remembers my story about the student (who is in his 30's) who I hadn't met all quarter, who then e-mailed me the next-to-last week of class telling me how important his job is and how although he had never been to my class, he knew everything and would like to take the final and pass the class...? Maybe I posted it on PALP---anyway, he strikes again!
Last night, he actually showed up in a different class on Week 2 of the quarter! After class, he approached me and gave me the "my -job- is- so- important -I- work- at -the -mercy -of- the -legislative- session- because- I- am- a -lobbyist" spiel. My attitude is, if you don't have time to take a class, don't sign up for it.
Anyway, I very sweetly explained to him that I completely understand where he is coming from. I also have other commitments--I do consulting work at all hours of the clock and stay home full time with a child--yet since I committed to teach this class, I get to class.
"Yeah, but...is it really that important that I actually be present in class? I mean, this is my second career and all and I already know the information..."
(Silently) "Oh, really, you little pipsqueak?" (Aloud) "Look, B, everyone in here has other commitments. Yet, we make it to class. You will be graded by the same syllabus requirements as everyone else. If my husband can't get home in time, or I can't get a babysitter, I still have to find a way to get here, because I said I would."
"Oh, wow, if only I could get a babysitter to do MY JOB."
Alrighty then. We're on.
Last night, he actually showed up in a different class on Week 2 of the quarter! After class, he approached me and gave me the "my -job- is- so- important -I- work- at -the -mercy -of- the -legislative- session- because- I- am- a -lobbyist" spiel. My attitude is, if you don't have time to take a class, don't sign up for it.
Anyway, I very sweetly explained to him that I completely understand where he is coming from. I also have other commitments--I do consulting work at all hours of the clock and stay home full time with a child--yet since I committed to teach this class, I get to class.
"Yeah, but...is it really that important that I actually be present in class? I mean, this is my second career and all and I already know the information..."
(Silently) "Oh, really, you little pipsqueak?" (Aloud) "Look, B, everyone in here has other commitments. Yet, we make it to class. You will be graded by the same syllabus requirements as everyone else. If my husband can't get home in time, or I can't get a babysitter, I still have to find a way to get here, because I said I would."
"Oh, wow, if only I could get a babysitter to do MY JOB."
Alrighty then. We're on.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Words of Wisdom
Ainslie: Mom, chicken nuggets are just like candy.
Me: Really? Why do you think so?
Ainslie: Because if you eat too many you get sick and throw up.
Me: Really? Why do you think so?
Ainslie: Because if you eat too many you get sick and throw up.
The Power of Generosity
The project I am working on right now is based on Keith Ferrazzi's book, Never Eat Alone, and it talks about how relationships are the key to success in life. One of the cornerstones of this philosophy is Be Generous and Give--and Don't Keep Score. Without getting into the boring details (unless you are an ID geek) of the course, let me just say that I have been really focusing lately on how other peoples' generosity toward me has put me where I am--which is usually a pretty good place.
Today, I'd just like to give a few shout-outs of thanks.
To Wade, without your 'in' at the CPD (and you sharing that with me) I may not have gotten that job, which means I may never have been Training Manager anywhere yet. Also, because of your generosity of bringing me into that first project, I am living my dream of working AND being a SAHM. Thank You!
To my parents and in-laws--thank you for taking care of Ainslie as often as you do so I can Have It All, without worrying.
To Holly--Thank you for being so generous to Ainslie and I that first week at ballet--and ever since! Thank you for sharing such a fun group of moms and kiddos with us. You don't know how much that has helped us feel at home!
To Tracy--Thank you for being The One Who Knows Everything About Moving to Chatham. Without your generous sharing of information I would know much less about preschools, swimming lessons, the library, furniture stores, and Knight's!
To Jena and Heather--Thanks for, well, Everything! Mostly for listening. I know best friends are supposed to be generous with support, but you guys are superstars. Oh, and Jena, thanks for making me read Harry Potter. What would I be without Harry in my life?
To Suzi, Candy and Heather--thanks for being generous with friendship and sarcasm. :-)
To PALP and everyone there--Thank You for saving my sanity (for real) over the past 6 years. I'm not sure Ainslie would be here if it weren't for the support and friendship you've shared.
I'm probably missing people. My point is that I really feel so blessed and humbled, and also inspired to be generous myself, with friendship, information, job leads, and even things as simple as smiles.
Today, I'd just like to give a few shout-outs of thanks.
To Wade, without your 'in' at the CPD (and you sharing that with me) I may not have gotten that job, which means I may never have been Training Manager anywhere yet. Also, because of your generosity of bringing me into that first project, I am living my dream of working AND being a SAHM. Thank You!
To my parents and in-laws--thank you for taking care of Ainslie as often as you do so I can Have It All, without worrying.
To Holly--Thank you for being so generous to Ainslie and I that first week at ballet--and ever since! Thank you for sharing such a fun group of moms and kiddos with us. You don't know how much that has helped us feel at home!
To Tracy--Thank you for being The One Who Knows Everything About Moving to Chatham. Without your generous sharing of information I would know much less about preschools, swimming lessons, the library, furniture stores, and Knight's!
To Jena and Heather--Thanks for, well, Everything! Mostly for listening. I know best friends are supposed to be generous with support, but you guys are superstars. Oh, and Jena, thanks for making me read Harry Potter. What would I be without Harry in my life?
To Suzi, Candy and Heather--thanks for being generous with friendship and sarcasm. :-)
To PALP and everyone there--Thank You for saving my sanity (for real) over the past 6 years. I'm not sure Ainslie would be here if it weren't for the support and friendship you've shared.
I'm probably missing people. My point is that I really feel so blessed and humbled, and also inspired to be generous myself, with friendship, information, job leads, and even things as simple as smiles.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Mother of the Bride
During a big family love-in/snugglefest last week, Craig says, "Oh, Ainslie, you are going to live with Mommy and Daddy forever, aren't you?"
Ainslie: Yes. No. I'm going to get married.
Me: You are? To whom?
Ainslie: To a boy. When I'm bigger.
Craig: When you're at least 30.
Ainslie: Yeah. And I'm going to wear a long, beautiful Marry dress.
Me: You are?
Ainslie: Yes. Or wait. Mommy, may I just wear my Easter dress?
Me: Sure.
Ainslie: Yes. No. I'm going to get married.
Me: You are? To whom?
Ainslie: To a boy. When I'm bigger.
Craig: When you're at least 30.
Ainslie: Yeah. And I'm going to wear a long, beautiful Marry dress.
Me: You are?
Ainslie: Yes. Or wait. Mommy, may I just wear my Easter dress?
Me: Sure.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Real Mothers...
I was tagged for this by one of my favorite bloggers (and favorite people I've never met in real life).
The rules state that you post something that goes sort of like this:
Real Mothers blah blah blah. And then add a photo. (or maybe not).
The blah blah blah length is at your discretion.
You know, Real Mothers (ok, most mothers) do a lot of crap.
I'm going to go with this one--
Real Mothers carry on conversations as fictional characters and then analyze the lives of fairy-tale princesses, post-fairy tale. With people not old enough to have developed strong logic skills.
Exhibit A
Date: April 27
Time: Evening
All around the neighborhood on the new bike, as Wendy and Mrs. Darling, speaking in really horrible British accents.
"Motha, do you think I can fly with pixie dust on my new bike? Do you think I can fly all the way back to Neverland?"
"Of course, Wendy, dear, if you think enough happy thoughts, you can fly anywhere." (I may have gotten this flying method confused with Mary Poppins, but she bought it. Same accent, anyway.)
Etc.
Exhibit C
Date: April 24
Time: All. Flipping. Morning. In. The. Car. Driving. To. Chicago.
Ainslie was Ariel. Everything she talked about had to do with Ariel, and her worldview. I had to have some fun, so I asked her if she ever sees her father or sisters anymore. Of course she does! She meets them-- in a boat!
What about Flounder? Did she just write him off?
Of course not! He lives in the sea, right beside her castle!
Does she ever dream about being a mermaid again? Does she have recurring dreams about not being able to breathe the air above the surface.
No.
And, she told Scuttle that it's not a dinglehopper, it's a fork.
Exhibit C, D, E...Z
Date: Almost Daily
Time: Any time we are in public
"What's your name? My name is (fill in the Princess.)"
Cinderella takes the mice to live with her, Snow White occasionally visits the dwarves, and Aurora does not like being called Briar Rose, in case you were wondering.
I just have to add, as sort of an Honorable Mention list, that Real Mothers also wear small ponytail holders around their fingers, carry toddler sized underpants through airport security, sing The Potty Song in the grocery store, and fall into bed, exhausted most nights. Often, on top of some small, sharp, plastic toy.
Tag:
Holly
Suzi
Annie
The rules state that you post something that goes sort of like this:
Real Mothers blah blah blah. And then add a photo. (or maybe not).
The blah blah blah length is at your discretion.
You know, Real Mothers (ok, most mothers) do a lot of crap.
I'm going to go with this one--
Real Mothers carry on conversations as fictional characters and then analyze the lives of fairy-tale princesses, post-fairy tale. With people not old enough to have developed strong logic skills.
Exhibit A
Date: April 27
Time: Evening
All around the neighborhood on the new bike, as Wendy and Mrs. Darling, speaking in really horrible British accents.
"Motha, do you think I can fly with pixie dust on my new bike? Do you think I can fly all the way back to Neverland?"
"Of course, Wendy, dear, if you think enough happy thoughts, you can fly anywhere." (I may have gotten this flying method confused with Mary Poppins, but she bought it. Same accent, anyway.)
Etc.
Exhibit C
Date: April 24
Time: All. Flipping. Morning. In. The. Car. Driving. To. Chicago.
Ainslie was Ariel. Everything she talked about had to do with Ariel, and her worldview. I had to have some fun, so I asked her if she ever sees her father or sisters anymore. Of course she does! She meets them-- in a boat!
What about Flounder? Did she just write him off?
Of course not! He lives in the sea, right beside her castle!
Does she ever dream about being a mermaid again? Does she have recurring dreams about not being able to breathe the air above the surface.
No.
And, she told Scuttle that it's not a dinglehopper, it's a fork.
Exhibit C, D, E...Z
Date: Almost Daily
Time: Any time we are in public
"What's your name? My name is (fill in the Princess.)"
Cinderella takes the mice to live with her, Snow White occasionally visits the dwarves, and Aurora does not like being called Briar Rose, in case you were wondering.
I just have to add, as sort of an Honorable Mention list, that Real Mothers also wear small ponytail holders around their fingers, carry toddler sized underpants through airport security, sing The Potty Song in the grocery store, and fall into bed, exhausted most nights. Often, on top of some small, sharp, plastic toy.
Tag:
Holly
Suzi
Annie
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Ahhhhhhhhh.
Both cars are parked in the garage! The garage door no longer plays the theme to Sanford and Son as it goes up and down! (It was so full of half put-together deck furniture and boxes that it was embarassing to open it during daylight.) The weather is back to Spring, the deck furniture is on the deck, the grill has been fired up and, ahhhhhhh.
Last night we had Craig's family over to grill and ahhhhhh. I always like having people over, but really, after *that* 9 months, I relish having people over in (or outside of) our Own Home.
Seemed like a perfect opportunity to open that bottle of $$$$ wine we've been saving for a special occasion. Wine. Steak. Ainslie and Ben running around. Warm Weather. Cheesecake. Ahhhhhhhh.
Last night we had Craig's family over to grill and ahhhhhh. I always like having people over, but really, after *that* 9 months, I relish having people over in (or outside of) our Own Home.
Seemed like a perfect opportunity to open that bottle of $$$$ wine we've been saving for a special occasion. Wine. Steak. Ainslie and Ben running around. Warm Weather. Cheesecake. Ahhhhhhhh.
Right Place, Right Time
So, this past week I was in Northern Virginia piloting a class we are developing. It was designed for a group of trainers and instructional designers, so we were preaching to the choir, and it was wonderful. Although I missed my little family, of course, it was a somewhat nice change to do what I do and be with adults...
So, twice over the four days I was there I heard people vehemently complain about thir jobs and professions (nobody at our class though, hmmm) and I was struck by how blessed and lucky I am right now. I love my jobs. Being Ainslie's mommy is the best job I could hope for, and yet, I have this other great job where I get to keep my resume up-to-date, travel a bit (and see best friends for free!) and make some pretty great money.
I was there to "mirror" our project manager and take notes on the feedback we were getting from the pilot, and then I will be certified to facilitate it on my own in the future, but for all practical purposes, I was there as Second Banana. I had twinges of Competitiveness, because I think that is just how I am--I want the responsibility, the work, and yes, ultimately, the recognition. Or do I? Right now?
It hit me again--how lucky I am. I have this great part-time job where I don't have to be in charge, 'handle' touchy clients, or stay up all night working (too often.) I have the freedom to say that I can only handle working 20 hours a week (and that stretches my emotional resources) right now. AND, I know there is more work available if and when I am ready to tackle a larger role.
How wonderful is that? Kids are only little once. For Right Now, this is the Right amount of responsibility for me.
So, twice over the four days I was there I heard people vehemently complain about thir jobs and professions (nobody at our class though, hmmm) and I was struck by how blessed and lucky I am right now. I love my jobs. Being Ainslie's mommy is the best job I could hope for, and yet, I have this other great job where I get to keep my resume up-to-date, travel a bit (and see best friends for free!) and make some pretty great money.
I was there to "mirror" our project manager and take notes on the feedback we were getting from the pilot, and then I will be certified to facilitate it on my own in the future, but for all practical purposes, I was there as Second Banana. I had twinges of Competitiveness, because I think that is just how I am--I want the responsibility, the work, and yes, ultimately, the recognition. Or do I? Right now?
It hit me again--how lucky I am. I have this great part-time job where I don't have to be in charge, 'handle' touchy clients, or stay up all night working (too often.) I have the freedom to say that I can only handle working 20 hours a week (and that stretches my emotional resources) right now. AND, I know there is more work available if and when I am ready to tackle a larger role.
How wonderful is that? Kids are only little once. For Right Now, this is the Right amount of responsibility for me.
Friday, April 13, 2007
French Minor at Work
As hard as it may be to believe, I seldom get to use all the French I acquired once upon a time in undergrad here on the Prairie--other than being able to read wine bottles.
Well, today I am glad to be somewhat francophonic. I saved one of Ainslie's little boutiquey dresses from the dryer, thanks to my deft international reading skills.
Well, today I am glad to be somewhat francophonic. I saved one of Ainslie's little boutiquey dresses from the dryer, thanks to my deft international reading skills.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Six Years
As of today, April 12, I have been a member of an exclusive club (that I wouldn't wish on anyone) of mothers who have lost babies. April 12, 2001, I had my first miscarriage.
Now, after six years, Of course I remember how heartbroken I was and I will never, ever forget the horror of the next 2.5 years, trying so desperately to get pregnant again...but this post isn't a pity party. Really.
What I was wondering this morning is this: Am I really a different kind of mother because of what we went through to have Ainslie?
I've definitely been impacted forever by those years, but really, do I parent differently?
Yes and No.
I think I am more paranoid about safety. I think I tear up more easily when she says and does certain things. I think I see everyday miracles shining through her on a more frequent basis.
On the other hand...
I think I would still have her in all kinds of activities--that is just the way I am. I think I would still be a fiend about early reading skills. I think I would still hold the same basic philosophies about potty training, spanking, foods, etc.
But.
There is that certain, thing, that je ne sais quoi, that PAL sistas know. It's a fierceness with which I love her that is different. I believe that most mothers love their children more fiercely than anyone else ever will, but this is different. In a way, she is my prize, my wonder, my hard-won little bundle of stars that I had to fight tooth and nail for, and that creates its own category of motherly love.
I still think about the what-if. What if I had a five-year old now? Would I still have my monkey? There is no answer to that question, of course. I do know this--if I didn't have this young person in my life; this thinking, reasoning, climbing, jumping person who comes up with things that astound me, frustrate me, crack me up and make me cry with joy, I would not be who I am--not even close.
Then, of course, there are the wonderful friends I have made through the journey of grief, hope, frustration and joy who again, have helped mold me in so many facets of my life. Thank you, ladies.
So, six years later, I miss that first child, but I am profoundly grateful.
Now, after six years, Of course I remember how heartbroken I was and I will never, ever forget the horror of the next 2.5 years, trying so desperately to get pregnant again...but this post isn't a pity party. Really.
What I was wondering this morning is this: Am I really a different kind of mother because of what we went through to have Ainslie?
I've definitely been impacted forever by those years, but really, do I parent differently?
Yes and No.
I think I am more paranoid about safety. I think I tear up more easily when she says and does certain things. I think I see everyday miracles shining through her on a more frequent basis.
On the other hand...
I think I would still have her in all kinds of activities--that is just the way I am. I think I would still be a fiend about early reading skills. I think I would still hold the same basic philosophies about potty training, spanking, foods, etc.
But.
There is that certain, thing, that je ne sais quoi, that PAL sistas know. It's a fierceness with which I love her that is different. I believe that most mothers love their children more fiercely than anyone else ever will, but this is different. In a way, she is my prize, my wonder, my hard-won little bundle of stars that I had to fight tooth and nail for, and that creates its own category of motherly love.
I still think about the what-if. What if I had a five-year old now? Would I still have my monkey? There is no answer to that question, of course. I do know this--if I didn't have this young person in my life; this thinking, reasoning, climbing, jumping person who comes up with things that astound me, frustrate me, crack me up and make me cry with joy, I would not be who I am--not even close.
Then, of course, there are the wonderful friends I have made through the journey of grief, hope, frustration and joy who again, have helped mold me in so many facets of my life. Thank you, ladies.
So, six years later, I miss that first child, but I am profoundly grateful.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Riding home from Peoria
You know what's funny? An almost-3-yr-old's rendition of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid.
"No, mommy, don't sing this part. I'm Ursula. You can be Ariel... Do I help them? yes INDEED!"
"No, mommy, don't sing this part. I'm Ursula. You can be Ariel... Do I help them? yes INDEED!"
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Little update
Whew.
Work is either feast or famine, and lately it's been feast--which is great, but so has every other aspect of life. An embrassment of riches, lol.
I really feel blessed to have this work (and the income), but you know, the timing was really, well, interesting.
The House. It's coming along. We still can't park in the garage, but we're getting there. We are starting a pool over which furniture finally arrives first. Of the plethora of items we ordered, we've received 2 chairs and the kitchen table set. No couch, no bed, no dresser. These companies deliver on Thursdays and Fridays so every week it's the Couch Lottery. Some day we'll win. So, we watch tv on a beanbag and the glider from Ainslie's old room.
Ainslie. Getting adjusted to everything. Growing like a weed. (Ok, a flower, she's far too pretty to be a weed.) Yesterday, we enrolled for preschool. It turned out to be quite easy, after all my hemming and hawing over it. Catholic preschool 5 minutes away, we know another family that goes there, the head teacher lives directly behind us. The other family that goes there that we know isn't Catholic either. We visited yesterday and Ainslie walked in like she owned the place, said Good Morning to Mrs. O'Brien and started playing. Ok. I wasn't worried about academics anyway, and I'm sure by the time kindergarten rolls around we'll have mastered Not Taking Things Away From Others and Not Grabbing Other People as well as some reading.
All in all, things are frantic, but good. I never thought I'd be so *happy* to live in a newer construction subdivision. New construction rocks! ;-)
Work is either feast or famine, and lately it's been feast--which is great, but so has every other aspect of life. An embrassment of riches, lol.
I really feel blessed to have this work (and the income), but you know, the timing was really, well, interesting.
The House. It's coming along. We still can't park in the garage, but we're getting there. We are starting a pool over which furniture finally arrives first. Of the plethora of items we ordered, we've received 2 chairs and the kitchen table set. No couch, no bed, no dresser. These companies deliver on Thursdays and Fridays so every week it's the Couch Lottery. Some day we'll win. So, we watch tv on a beanbag and the glider from Ainslie's old room.
Ainslie. Getting adjusted to everything. Growing like a weed. (Ok, a flower, she's far too pretty to be a weed.) Yesterday, we enrolled for preschool. It turned out to be quite easy, after all my hemming and hawing over it. Catholic preschool 5 minutes away, we know another family that goes there, the head teacher lives directly behind us. The other family that goes there that we know isn't Catholic either. We visited yesterday and Ainslie walked in like she owned the place, said Good Morning to Mrs. O'Brien and started playing. Ok. I wasn't worried about academics anyway, and I'm sure by the time kindergarten rolls around we'll have mastered Not Taking Things Away From Others and Not Grabbing Other People as well as some reading.
All in all, things are frantic, but good. I never thought I'd be so *happy* to live in a newer construction subdivision. New construction rocks! ;-)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Accidents, and excellent reasoning skills
Ainslie: Why do we need a new lightswitch? (cover)
Me: Daddy cracked the old one when he was putting it back on. He didn't mean to. It was an accident.
Ainslie: Oh. Remember when I pooped at the Y? That was an accident.
Me: Daddy cracked the old one when he was putting it back on. He didn't mean to. It was an accident.
Ainslie: Oh. Remember when I pooped at the Y? That was an accident.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Interview with the Atheist
I have this draft saved of an entry I wrote about Hope a few weeks ago. I haven't gotten around to cleaning it up to say exactly what I want to express, what with so many of my hopes being realized lately...
Shifting gears completely, at least for a moment, I want to talk about the people I work with. Working as an independent contractor, I don't always work with other people, except for clients. Usually, this is a perfect arrangement, because I can set my hours for when Ainslie is sleeping. For the foreseeable future however, I am working as part of a team of people from all over the US.
Last year about this time, I was working on a huge, fast-paced national delivery project, and I had the opportunity to get together with my teammates twice, and I was so impressed by the people working for this company. Not only are they smart and talented, they are Good People. As an example, two of the founders/partners are grandparents who, a couple years ago felt called to adopt a child from a very poor part of the world, and ended up adopting FOUR older children, from a vastly different culture--at a time when most people their age are enjoying the freedom of an empty nest.
Last week, I went to a team meeting for the Big Client I am working with now, and again, I was struck by how Good these people are. Smart, Creative, Talented, and Warm, Caring, and Sensitive.
One person, in particular, (whom I also met last year) strikes me as particularly caring, open, and warm. Over lunch one day, he was also called out as the only atheist in the group. Now, most of the rest of us are people of faith (and Christian faith at that)and are pretty open about it with each other. (Did I mention that another of the founders/partners is also an ordained minister?)
So, over lunch, we tried to get W to admit to some inkling of spirituality. He insists he has none. No Higher Power, No souls, No...anything. I asked if I could ask him a question, insisting I wasn't trying to be rude or put him on the spot--actually 2 questions.
1. In his view, are events somehow connected? Does he believe in Fate, or the pull of The Universe?
and
2. What does Hope mean to him?
His answer to the first question is that he thinks that actions impact other actions, like a ripple effect (which I don't think anyone would argue with,) but no, he doesn't believe in any sort of Plan.
My second question left him quiet for a few moments.
You see, to me, Hope is so inextricably tied to Faith. Hopes are almost always prayers. Without my faith, it is difficult to imagine Hope, and as sometimes it feels Hope is all we have, really, it is Faith that gets us through the dark times. So--if you don't have faith, can you have Hope?
He finally answered that to him, Hope is just a wish. A goal to work toward. A bid for good luck. But it stumped him for a moment.
Interesting. At least to me. I still believe he has a soul. A sweet, caring, warm, sensitive soul.
Shifting gears completely, at least for a moment, I want to talk about the people I work with. Working as an independent contractor, I don't always work with other people, except for clients. Usually, this is a perfect arrangement, because I can set my hours for when Ainslie is sleeping. For the foreseeable future however, I am working as part of a team of people from all over the US.
Last year about this time, I was working on a huge, fast-paced national delivery project, and I had the opportunity to get together with my teammates twice, and I was so impressed by the people working for this company. Not only are they smart and talented, they are Good People. As an example, two of the founders/partners are grandparents who, a couple years ago felt called to adopt a child from a very poor part of the world, and ended up adopting FOUR older children, from a vastly different culture--at a time when most people their age are enjoying the freedom of an empty nest.
Last week, I went to a team meeting for the Big Client I am working with now, and again, I was struck by how Good these people are. Smart, Creative, Talented, and Warm, Caring, and Sensitive.
One person, in particular, (whom I also met last year) strikes me as particularly caring, open, and warm. Over lunch one day, he was also called out as the only atheist in the group. Now, most of the rest of us are people of faith (and Christian faith at that)and are pretty open about it with each other. (Did I mention that another of the founders/partners is also an ordained minister?)
So, over lunch, we tried to get W to admit to some inkling of spirituality. He insists he has none. No Higher Power, No souls, No...anything. I asked if I could ask him a question, insisting I wasn't trying to be rude or put him on the spot--actually 2 questions.
1. In his view, are events somehow connected? Does he believe in Fate, or the pull of The Universe?
and
2. What does Hope mean to him?
His answer to the first question is that he thinks that actions impact other actions, like a ripple effect (which I don't think anyone would argue with,) but no, he doesn't believe in any sort of Plan.
My second question left him quiet for a few moments.
You see, to me, Hope is so inextricably tied to Faith. Hopes are almost always prayers. Without my faith, it is difficult to imagine Hope, and as sometimes it feels Hope is all we have, really, it is Faith that gets us through the dark times. So--if you don't have faith, can you have Hope?
He finally answered that to him, Hope is just a wish. A goal to work toward. A bid for good luck. But it stumped him for a moment.
Interesting. At least to me. I still believe he has a soul. A sweet, caring, warm, sensitive soul.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Today we chased a ball across a corn field
far, far, across the corn field. We weren't paying attention as we took a little bike ride down the sidewalk and when we came back, the new Big Pink Ball was gone. Because it is so bright, I saw it winking at us in one of the cornfields that borders us (well, almost borders us, it is behind the neighbors across the street.) So, a hiking and a-mucking we went. Ainslie went piggy-back style as we trudged over the plowed field, seriously, a long way, and then back. A far cry from the city limits of Chicago!
Really, though, we are thrilled with the neighborhood. The neighbors are so friendly and everyone is out playing with their kids after school on nice days. Ainslie is the youngest, but the older kids are so great with her--that's why we lost the ball, we were chatting with a hilarious kindergartner from 3 houses up ("I saw you guys got a new refrigerator. How do you like it so far?") G across the street is 10 and the only other girl and has taken to Ainslie like a big sister, and Ainslie has already invited her to her birthday party. Not bad for less than 2 weeks.
Soon, the furniture will be here, work will calm down a little bit and we can just enjoy. Meanwhile, I am incredibly grateful every morning when I get up and walk into my kitchen, where my coffeepot has already brewed my coffee, which I pour into my mugs.
Really, though, we are thrilled with the neighborhood. The neighbors are so friendly and everyone is out playing with their kids after school on nice days. Ainslie is the youngest, but the older kids are so great with her--that's why we lost the ball, we were chatting with a hilarious kindergartner from 3 houses up ("I saw you guys got a new refrigerator. How do you like it so far?") G across the street is 10 and the only other girl and has taken to Ainslie like a big sister, and Ainslie has already invited her to her birthday party. Not bad for less than 2 weeks.
Soon, the furniture will be here, work will calm down a little bit and we can just enjoy. Meanwhile, I am incredibly grateful every morning when I get up and walk into my kitchen, where my coffeepot has already brewed my coffee, which I pour into my mugs.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
So happy and relieved!
We are officially homeless for a few more hours. Never thought I'd be happy about that!
Just spoke with one of the WONDERFUL people at WaMu and she has everything just about ready for our 4pm closing. YAY! 13 days ago, the mad rush began.
In a few short hours we will own a nice, modern, spacious house in a good school district, close to family, and with a smaller mortgage! YAY! God IS Good. ;-)
I can't wait for Ainslie to get here and see her new room. I've put off ordering a headboard (I'm considering making her one...) but I got her a bedframe, quilt, blanket, and of course she has her princess sheets (plus I found a nice match-the- blanket set at Kohls for--get this--$4.50! Thank you, clearance!) I'm hoping she'll love her new purple room.
Things will continue to be crazy at least until the 21st, but then they should calm down a wee bit, at least I won't have to travel after that (fingers crossed), and really, that's only three weeks.
Which reminds me, it's March! Happy Birthday Luke, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Lauren...hope I'm not forgetting anyone! You know what's great about March? Ah, the first day of Spring! I am a dyed-in-the-wool Midwesterner, but oh how I abhor winter.
Another great thing about March is that in 2 weeks we are going to see the Princesses on Ice. Oh, I just can't wait to see Ainslie's face! Who would ever have thought Craig and I would be so excited to go to one of these?
All in all, things are looking UP. Hopefully there will be no more whining from me for awhile.
Just spoke with one of the WONDERFUL people at WaMu and she has everything just about ready for our 4pm closing. YAY! 13 days ago, the mad rush began.
In a few short hours we will own a nice, modern, spacious house in a good school district, close to family, and with a smaller mortgage! YAY! God IS Good. ;-)
I can't wait for Ainslie to get here and see her new room. I've put off ordering a headboard (I'm considering making her one...) but I got her a bedframe, quilt, blanket, and of course she has her princess sheets (plus I found a nice match-the- blanket set at Kohls for--get this--$4.50! Thank you, clearance!) I'm hoping she'll love her new purple room.
Things will continue to be crazy at least until the 21st, but then they should calm down a wee bit, at least I won't have to travel after that (fingers crossed), and really, that's only three weeks.
Which reminds me, it's March! Happy Birthday Luke, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Lauren...hope I'm not forgetting anyone! You know what's great about March? Ah, the first day of Spring! I am a dyed-in-the-wool Midwesterner, but oh how I abhor winter.
Another great thing about March is that in 2 weeks we are going to see the Princesses on Ice. Oh, I just can't wait to see Ainslie's face! Who would ever have thought Craig and I would be so excited to go to one of these?
All in all, things are looking UP. Hopefully there will be no more whining from me for awhile.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
and another Peanut Gallery comment from me today
I find it annoying that I have to change into "professional attire" to go teach at night. Somehow, it would be easier to do first thing in the morning, but after spending the whole day in jeans or yoga pants, it's so haaaaard to change into real clothes. Poor me. ;-)
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