BUSY. It's feast or famine with my jobs, and lately it has been feast--which is terrific because I was terrified of a famine not too long ago, but feast time leaves little time for other fun things.
The cat is gone, and that's all I'm going to say about that.
I got the job! I applied for a part-time HR job with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and ended up getting a consulting gig out of it. YAY. Not only is the work something I enjoy, but I'm proud to be working for such a great client!
I am also teaching a section at Robert Morris and it looks like I may be teaching two sections next quarter, starting in July.
Meanwhile, if it ever gets hot, we have our water park season tickets to use, a week of preschool camp at church (Around the World in Five Days--doesn't that sound fun?) and another week of VBS.
In more specific Ainslie news, she has her first dance recital coming up, she finished her first year of pre-school (and in case anyone is wondering, she passed to the 4-yr old class for next year,) and my little monkey is turning FOUR! In the middle of all this, she gets to go spend a week with Grammie and Grampie because Craig won an incentive trip to Cancun.
Whew and Whoopie!
Soccer is also going well--the change in all the kids is unbelievable. The first practice was an hilarious mess, the last game, they creamed the other team! (Our pediatrician's son was on the other team, hope this doesn't make shots hurt worse in the future.) Ainslie broke away with the ball twice, and once, she got knocked down and kept kicking! She even told us she likes it when parents cheer for her, but she doesn't always hear because she's concentrating!
Over the summer, she's doing swimming lessons and gymnastics. I really hope she finishes learning to swim this year--I know I'll rest easier knowing she could swim if she had to. She caught on last year, so hopefully this year she'll really take off.
School is out--and I'm a mom with a little schoolkid, sort of. Gearing up for a busy, fun summer. Even if it is 58 degrees today.
Showing posts with label musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musings. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Well, that was quick
This week has just disappeared. We've had something going on out of our ordinary each day, and it's just flown by.
A couple of early morning conference calls (gotta love it when clients live in a later time zone and it's early for them) have gotten my days started early. Worked all day yesterday, minus taking Ainslie and I to the dentist. She was a star! They asked if they could take her in a different room so they could work on both of us at the same time. I was nervous about that, but Ainslie said, "sure, that would be fine." She loved the dentist! Add that to Things I Should Learn From My Preschooler.
Lovely (not) snowstorm Tuesday did something funky to the garage door... parking outside until we try a little more to figure it out or call the garage door people.
Ainslie had a sleepover with Grandma and Grampa. Packed her own suitcase at 6am. Shirt, pants (that yes, did have a little pink in them, to match the shirt), jammies, library book, summer hat (that she likes to sleep in. I know.) I casually suggested packing some underpants so she did. Three pair.
I'm getting a manicure and eyebrow wax during preschool this morning (well, not at the preschool, you know what I mean) so I can appear well-groomed at my Pilot next week. Leaving for lovely Pittsburgh early Sunday morning, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this class stands up to what I've put on paper.
Girls' night out tonight.
Play date tomorrow afternoon.
Gymnastics and Easter Bunny breakfast on Saturday. And packing. Mine may take a smidge longer than Ainslie's did.
A couple of early morning conference calls (gotta love it when clients live in a later time zone and it's early for them) have gotten my days started early. Worked all day yesterday, minus taking Ainslie and I to the dentist. She was a star! They asked if they could take her in a different room so they could work on both of us at the same time. I was nervous about that, but Ainslie said, "sure, that would be fine." She loved the dentist! Add that to Things I Should Learn From My Preschooler.
Lovely (not) snowstorm Tuesday did something funky to the garage door... parking outside until we try a little more to figure it out or call the garage door people.
Ainslie had a sleepover with Grandma and Grampa. Packed her own suitcase at 6am. Shirt, pants (that yes, did have a little pink in them, to match the shirt), jammies, library book, summer hat (that she likes to sleep in. I know.) I casually suggested packing some underpants so she did. Three pair.
I'm getting a manicure and eyebrow wax during preschool this morning (well, not at the preschool, you know what I mean) so I can appear well-groomed at my Pilot next week. Leaving for lovely Pittsburgh early Sunday morning, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this class stands up to what I've put on paper.
Girls' night out tonight.
Play date tomorrow afternoon.
Gymnastics and Easter Bunny breakfast on Saturday. And packing. Mine may take a smidge longer than Ainslie's did.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Shaping Up To Be An Interesting Weekend
We have a houseful of family coming this weekend for Ainslie's baptism.
Yesterday, my vacuum exploded.
Today, the dishwasher stopped working.
Yesterday, my vacuum exploded.
Today, the dishwasher stopped working.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Princess Camp
Princess Camp. C'mon, doesn't the name make you smile just a little? Either genuinely or sardonically?
Today was the last day of Ainslie's week-long Princess Camp at the local dance studio. For an hour each morning this week, ten or so little girls twirled, dressed up, waved their wands, curtsied, made a craft, listened to a story and danced their little princess-loving hearts out.
This was our first drop-off-and-come-back-in-an-hour activity. This was the first time I've signed her up for something and then not been there to see what she was doing, so I only know what Ainslie told me. The first day they all got a princess name (hers was Gabriella, but they seemed to have dropped them after that first day.) They learned to curtsy "at a ball" and that was worth the price--the curtsy is priceless. She already knew the ballet/reverance curtsy, but this was a funny little bend-the-knee-and-bow number that makes me giggle each time she does it. They danced in a circle. They dressed up in costumes. There was a Hannah, a Lily, and a Rachel. That's about all I was told.
On Day 2, I peeked in as I left to make sure Ainslie was ok and not scared or lonely or anything. She was already telling the teacher something very important. She was fine.
On Day 3 when I picked her up, I was told Ainslie was cracking the staff up. That's all I know.
So today, finally, parents were allowed to watch for the last few minutes. Jasmine and Aurora had paid a special visit to dance with the princesses in training. Now, I still have mixed feelings on the whole princess thing, but tears sprang to my eyes watching these little girls absolutely suspending any disbelief over whether these teenage dance students in a prom gown and old recital costume WERE the real Aurora and Jasmine. Ainslie waved her wand, she twirled, she sang along, and when both songs (A Whole New World and Once Upon a Dream, of course)were over she rushed up with the other little girls to hug her heroines.
There was something so raw and poignant about watching her. I wish I had more moments of pure, unbridled in-the-moment-ness like that. Today, that's the lesson I've learned from my child. Let go sometimes. Don't hunt for errors. Take things at face value sometimes. And curtsy.
Today was the last day of Ainslie's week-long Princess Camp at the local dance studio. For an hour each morning this week, ten or so little girls twirled, dressed up, waved their wands, curtsied, made a craft, listened to a story and danced their little princess-loving hearts out.
This was our first drop-off-and-come-back-in-an-hour activity. This was the first time I've signed her up for something and then not been there to see what she was doing, so I only know what Ainslie told me. The first day they all got a princess name (hers was Gabriella, but they seemed to have dropped them after that first day.) They learned to curtsy "at a ball" and that was worth the price--the curtsy is priceless. She already knew the ballet/reverance curtsy, but this was a funny little bend-the-knee-and-bow number that makes me giggle each time she does it. They danced in a circle. They dressed up in costumes. There was a Hannah, a Lily, and a Rachel. That's about all I was told.
On Day 2, I peeked in as I left to make sure Ainslie was ok and not scared or lonely or anything. She was already telling the teacher something very important. She was fine.
On Day 3 when I picked her up, I was told Ainslie was cracking the staff up. That's all I know.
So today, finally, parents were allowed to watch for the last few minutes. Jasmine and Aurora had paid a special visit to dance with the princesses in training. Now, I still have mixed feelings on the whole princess thing, but tears sprang to my eyes watching these little girls absolutely suspending any disbelief over whether these teenage dance students in a prom gown and old recital costume WERE the real Aurora and Jasmine. Ainslie waved her wand, she twirled, she sang along, and when both songs (A Whole New World and Once Upon a Dream, of course)were over she rushed up with the other little girls to hug her heroines.
There was something so raw and poignant about watching her. I wish I had more moments of pure, unbridled in-the-moment-ness like that. Today, that's the lesson I've learned from my child. Let go sometimes. Don't hunt for errors. Take things at face value sometimes. And curtsy.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
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.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A very very very fine house
So, I have another tab open with all the work I need to be doing with my Ainslie-free days here (although I'd rather have her with me!), but I need a moment to catch up with myself and anyone else who happens along my rambling.
The house is empty. I didn't think I'd be sad, but closing the doors felt bittersweet. We joked all weekend about 'who would buy this house?', but really, it's a great little house. It's on a great block with wonderful neighbors. It's the house we finally got pregnant and became parents in. It's the place Ainslie took her first steps--I'll never forget the sound of her tentative clomp, clomp, clomping up behind me there in the kitchen.
I loved the screened-in back porch and the patio. I loved the countless evenings we spent hanging out back there, neighbors wandering in and out, sometimes with a bottle of wine. I loved the laundry chute.
Anyway, for a small family, we really filled that house, and with more than love. I thought I'd given away a ton of stuff, but holy cow--we have a lot of things. Or maybe the truck is just too small. ;-) Anyway, we have to make a trip back up to collect some things from a neighbor's garage.
Speaking of stuff, I can't wait to have mine back. Have I lived without it for the past 9 months? Of course, and I could live the rest of my life without it, but you know, it's mine. My favorite coffee cups. My dishes. My towels. Just to have things back and organized in closets and cabinets instead of boxes--priceless.
What did I learn this past year? What was I supposed to have learned? Well, I learned that home really is where you live with your own little family. When we first started looking at houses here, we would drive through subdivisions and declare whether they were Too Expensive, About Our Speed, or We Can Do Better Than That. Well, for what it's worth, I've learned that ANY house can be a home, and any house looks pretty darned good after you've lived without one for awhile.
I've learned that children are even more resilient than I knew. I've learned about new kinds of mommy guilt. I've learned a lot about my in-laws, and therefore, my husband. Yeah, new light was shed on many idiosynchracies, lol.
I learned that living with more than 1 or 2 pets is just not for me. I learned that I guess you can do anything when you have too. I learned (well, learned again) that God listens and has a plan. I also learned again that I'm perhaps not always a fan of the part of the plan that involves me being patient. ;-)
So--I need to send some faxes and cross everything and pray hard that our closings go without any hitches! My St. Louis trip got pushed back a bit, so I have a couple more days to unpack next week, so phew.
Now I really need to get to work!
The house is empty. I didn't think I'd be sad, but closing the doors felt bittersweet. We joked all weekend about 'who would buy this house?', but really, it's a great little house. It's on a great block with wonderful neighbors. It's the house we finally got pregnant and became parents in. It's the place Ainslie took her first steps--I'll never forget the sound of her tentative clomp, clomp, clomping up behind me there in the kitchen.
I loved the screened-in back porch and the patio. I loved the countless evenings we spent hanging out back there, neighbors wandering in and out, sometimes with a bottle of wine. I loved the laundry chute.
Anyway, for a small family, we really filled that house, and with more than love. I thought I'd given away a ton of stuff, but holy cow--we have a lot of things. Or maybe the truck is just too small. ;-) Anyway, we have to make a trip back up to collect some things from a neighbor's garage.
Speaking of stuff, I can't wait to have mine back. Have I lived without it for the past 9 months? Of course, and I could live the rest of my life without it, but you know, it's mine. My favorite coffee cups. My dishes. My towels. Just to have things back and organized in closets and cabinets instead of boxes--priceless.
What did I learn this past year? What was I supposed to have learned? Well, I learned that home really is where you live with your own little family. When we first started looking at houses here, we would drive through subdivisions and declare whether they were Too Expensive, About Our Speed, or We Can Do Better Than That. Well, for what it's worth, I've learned that ANY house can be a home, and any house looks pretty darned good after you've lived without one for awhile.
I've learned that children are even more resilient than I knew. I've learned about new kinds of mommy guilt. I've learned a lot about my in-laws, and therefore, my husband. Yeah, new light was shed on many idiosynchracies, lol.
I learned that living with more than 1 or 2 pets is just not for me. I learned that I guess you can do anything when you have too. I learned (well, learned again) that God listens and has a plan. I also learned again that I'm perhaps not always a fan of the part of the plan that involves me being patient. ;-)
So--I need to send some faxes and cross everything and pray hard that our closings go without any hitches! My St. Louis trip got pushed back a bit, so I have a couple more days to unpack next week, so phew.
Now I really need to get to work!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
When it Rains...
Last week at this time I was bored. Well, maybe a little excited about moving if we successfully made a lease agreement on our house, but definitely understimulated. The past several days have been a flurry. Now, here is my schedule:
Tomorrow--take Ainslie to meet my mom 2.5 hours away. Say goodbye to my Heart for 10 days.
Tomorrow night, 2/21--begin teaching a new class at RMC, then drive to Chicago with Craig, get in around midnight.
Thursday and Friday 2/22, 2/23--pack the house, finding time somewhere to meet with our attorney.
Saturday 2/24--move
Sunday-Wednesday 2/25-2/28 --develop learning objectives for a new project I was just assigned to that is SO wonderful but starting at such a rough time. Pack up our rooms here. Stress about closings happening. Physically go to the Village office to have the electricity switched to our names.
Thursday 3/1--buy a house
Friday 3/2--move in
Saturday-Sunday 3/3, 3/4--unpack, get my GIRL back!
Monday 3/5--unpack, get cable and internet installed.
Tuesday-Wednesday 3/6, 3/7--go to &*%%^ St Louis for 2 days, after JUST getting my baby girl back, for the project kickoff.
3/8----- work almost FT on this project, which is wonderful in terms of affording new furniture, just wish it could maybe start a little later.
3/18-3/20 -go to Maryland for rescheduled film shoot
3/22--girls' night in Galena--WHOOHOO. (Can we get massages?)
Tomorrow--take Ainslie to meet my mom 2.5 hours away. Say goodbye to my Heart for 10 days.
Tomorrow night, 2/21--begin teaching a new class at RMC, then drive to Chicago with Craig, get in around midnight.
Thursday and Friday 2/22, 2/23--pack the house, finding time somewhere to meet with our attorney.
Saturday 2/24--move
Sunday-Wednesday 2/25-2/28 --develop learning objectives for a new project I was just assigned to that is SO wonderful but starting at such a rough time. Pack up our rooms here. Stress about closings happening. Physically go to the Village office to have the electricity switched to our names.
Thursday 3/1--buy a house
Friday 3/2--move in
Saturday-Sunday 3/3, 3/4--unpack, get my GIRL back!
Monday 3/5--unpack, get cable and internet installed.
Tuesday-Wednesday 3/6, 3/7--go to &*%%^ St Louis for 2 days, after JUST getting my baby girl back, for the project kickoff.
3/8----- work almost FT on this project, which is wonderful in terms of affording new furniture, just wish it could maybe start a little later.
3/18-3/20 -go to Maryland for rescheduled film shoot
3/22--girls' night in Galena--WHOOHOO. (Can we get massages?)
Friday, February 16, 2007
Adrenaline!
No sleep and lots of coffee--is that why I'm so jittery? No silly, I"m jittery because I'm so excited and I'm loopy on relief and happiness! Even the forecast has temps in the 50's in a few days!
So much to do...
Why isn't the rest of the world up and ready to take my urgent phone calls this early?
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalaaaaaaaaa!
Lots of calls to make, playdate (with a new friend we will be living SO close to) this morning, then making the offer on the house at 2:30...hope to find out today whether we can move in before the closing...more calls to make...fun window shopping this weekend for a fridge and paint colors because we can afford to paint! We're going for sort of a "Hemingway in his Key West period" theme in the living room. What color would you paint?
Have I mentioned WHOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO?
So much to do...
Why isn't the rest of the world up and ready to take my urgent phone calls this early?
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalaaaaaaaaa!
Lots of calls to make, playdate (with a new friend we will be living SO close to) this morning, then making the offer on the house at 2:30...hope to find out today whether we can move in before the closing...more calls to make...fun window shopping this weekend for a fridge and paint colors because we can afford to paint! We're going for sort of a "Hemingway in his Key West period" theme in the living room. What color would you paint?
Have I mentioned WHOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO?
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The Audacity...
Funny, I've been writing a whole other post about Hope. Then, this morning, we went to see Barack Obama announce his candidacy for the presidency.
Wow.
I felt so...inspired. Proud. Hopeful. I'm not saying right now that Obama will or even should be our next president, there is still a long time left until the 2008 election, but so far, I like the man I've seen and heard.
He is intelligent and articulate; but so are many people. He is warm. Again, so are many others. He talks about the issues most voters care about--so do all politicians. In spite of all these similarities to most other politicians, something about him just shines. He resonates sincerity. He seems to have entered public service and politics for more of the right reasons than any other national political figure I've ever heard speak, and having worked downtown Chicago for several years, I've seen my share of live rallies.
He speaks proudly of his Christian faith without condemning or marginalizing those who do not share it. He speaks of uniting this country. He did not speak one word, not one personal allusion, against any opponent, from either party.
He did speak out about Iraq, and the mistakes he thinks the current administration has made; but instead of continuing to lay blame and take cheap shots, he talked about how we can end our involvement realistically.
I'm not doing him justice at all. Let me just say that for the first time in years, standing in the cold with Ainslie climbing all over me (you WILL witness history, young lady!), in the same place Lincoln announced his candidacy, I felt so proud to be a voter in this country. Whether Obama is nominated, much less wins, is yet to be seen, but flag-waving, hooping and hollering, uniting, gatherings like this, so full of excitement and hope, have been too few in the past few years.
Wow.
I felt so...inspired. Proud. Hopeful. I'm not saying right now that Obama will or even should be our next president, there is still a long time left until the 2008 election, but so far, I like the man I've seen and heard.
He is intelligent and articulate; but so are many people. He is warm. Again, so are many others. He talks about the issues most voters care about--so do all politicians. In spite of all these similarities to most other politicians, something about him just shines. He resonates sincerity. He seems to have entered public service and politics for more of the right reasons than any other national political figure I've ever heard speak, and having worked downtown Chicago for several years, I've seen my share of live rallies.
He speaks proudly of his Christian faith without condemning or marginalizing those who do not share it. He speaks of uniting this country. He did not speak one word, not one personal allusion, against any opponent, from either party.
He did speak out about Iraq, and the mistakes he thinks the current administration has made; but instead of continuing to lay blame and take cheap shots, he talked about how we can end our involvement realistically.
I'm not doing him justice at all. Let me just say that for the first time in years, standing in the cold with Ainslie climbing all over me (you WILL witness history, young lady!), in the same place Lincoln announced his candidacy, I felt so proud to be a voter in this country. Whether Obama is nominated, much less wins, is yet to be seen, but flag-waving, hooping and hollering, uniting, gatherings like this, so full of excitement and hope, have been too few in the past few years.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Babbling
I just need to post a catch-up entry for myself, to sort out the cobwebs that are beginning to form.
Where to begin? The easiest place is usually with Ainslie. This morning, she was asked to try the 3-4 yr-old gymnastics class tomorrow morning. She just isn't being challenged in her current class. The test will be to see if she can behave without me down there with her. I think she can, but the question is will she? She knows one of the boys from her former class, and I really enjoy talking to his mom, so I'm looking forward to it.
This brings me back to the topic of preschool. It seems to be all my mommy friends can talk about lately. Everyone seems so excited about starting in the fall (most of our Little Friends turn 3 in spring or summer this year.) I just don't know. I was all set and kind of psyched to check out a couple of the Montessori schools, but I worry about the locations because I don't know where we will be living. Frustrating. I don't know why I feel so opposed to traditional preschool--I guess I just think that 1) Ainslie will be sitting in a chair listening to teachers for 20+ years, 2) Child-led education seems like a better way to ensure a life-long love of learning, and 3) I think Ainslie would thrive in a less structured setting.
I'll stop short of bragging this time, but really, hard academics are not a concern. Listening to a teacher is getting better (although we'll see tomorrow.) Playing with other children has improved greatly in the past 6 months (of course it has, she's maturing normally.) So, I guess I'm still wondering if we need preschool in the fall. On days when I lean toward it, I wonder if it is just peer pressure. Really, wouldn't Ainslie do just as well doing gymnastics and one other activity a couple mornings a week? She's writing her letters, for Pete's sake! On the other hand, am I doing her a disservice by not letting her further explore her interests in a place that has exciting learning centers to discover?
This is hard.
In other news, I start teaching again in a couple weeks. This quarter I'll be teaching Career Development; writing resumes, interviewing, job searching, etc. I love this stuff. Now, I just need a morning where I'm dressed appropriately enough to go pick up the materials. One thing I LOVE about teaching here is the syllabus is already written. Cakewalk!
In other work news, I am supposed to go to Maryland at the end of February for the film shoot of a video we've been scripting. I'm really excited to go play Production Assistant for a few days. The downside is (Tammy...) childcare. My parents are more than happy to take Ainslie, but it seems so silly to have them meet me in St. Louis twice over such a short period of time. If we only had our own house...
And the house.
I'm hoping and praying the last people who looked put in an offer this weekend. Hey, it could happen. Meanwhile, we're interviewing replacement realtors Friday morning. We need our own space, and there is a dog living here that I am just about to kill. Seriously.A shot of Lily's insulin and it would be all over.
Two of the houses we were really interested in have sold, but there are others. All prayers welcome.
Where to begin? The easiest place is usually with Ainslie. This morning, she was asked to try the 3-4 yr-old gymnastics class tomorrow morning. She just isn't being challenged in her current class. The test will be to see if she can behave without me down there with her. I think she can, but the question is will she? She knows one of the boys from her former class, and I really enjoy talking to his mom, so I'm looking forward to it.
This brings me back to the topic of preschool. It seems to be all my mommy friends can talk about lately. Everyone seems so excited about starting in the fall (most of our Little Friends turn 3 in spring or summer this year.) I just don't know. I was all set and kind of psyched to check out a couple of the Montessori schools, but I worry about the locations because I don't know where we will be living. Frustrating. I don't know why I feel so opposed to traditional preschool--I guess I just think that 1) Ainslie will be sitting in a chair listening to teachers for 20+ years, 2) Child-led education seems like a better way to ensure a life-long love of learning, and 3) I think Ainslie would thrive in a less structured setting.
I'll stop short of bragging this time, but really, hard academics are not a concern. Listening to a teacher is getting better (although we'll see tomorrow.) Playing with other children has improved greatly in the past 6 months (of course it has, she's maturing normally.) So, I guess I'm still wondering if we need preschool in the fall. On days when I lean toward it, I wonder if it is just peer pressure. Really, wouldn't Ainslie do just as well doing gymnastics and one other activity a couple mornings a week? She's writing her letters, for Pete's sake! On the other hand, am I doing her a disservice by not letting her further explore her interests in a place that has exciting learning centers to discover?
This is hard.
In other news, I start teaching again in a couple weeks. This quarter I'll be teaching Career Development; writing resumes, interviewing, job searching, etc. I love this stuff. Now, I just need a morning where I'm dressed appropriately enough to go pick up the materials. One thing I LOVE about teaching here is the syllabus is already written. Cakewalk!
In other work news, I am supposed to go to Maryland at the end of February for the film shoot of a video we've been scripting. I'm really excited to go play Production Assistant for a few days. The downside is (Tammy...) childcare. My parents are more than happy to take Ainslie, but it seems so silly to have them meet me in St. Louis twice over such a short period of time. If we only had our own house...
And the house.
I'm hoping and praying the last people who looked put in an offer this weekend. Hey, it could happen. Meanwhile, we're interviewing replacement realtors Friday morning. We need our own space, and there is a dog living here that I am just about to kill. Seriously.A shot of Lily's insulin and it would be all over.
Two of the houses we were really interested in have sold, but there are others. All prayers welcome.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
One man's Bacon is another's Meat.
One of my favorite fiction books is called, "Lamb, the gospel of Biff, Christ's childhood friend" by Christopher Moore. This book, while some may find it irreverent at times, really touched me and in one especially poignant scene, brought the Point of my faith out in stunning relief. Basically, for those intrigued by the title, it is the (obviously fictional) account of where Jesus was and what He was doing during the years the Bible doesn't tell us about. In Moore's view, He was learning all the things he needed to know in order to take on the burden of the crucifixion and resurrection. Biff is his very, very human, affable friend who is sent to stay with Jesus (nicknamed Josh) through his travels. Being Jewish, they are not supposed to eat pork, but as they grow and learn, Jesus tells Biff that many parts of the Law are Just Bacon. They are rules that are or were there for a purpose, but are not necessarily the Meat of the Jewish faith.
Craig loves this book too, and we use the term, "Bacon" quite a bit as we discuss our own faith. We were both raised Protestent, but Craig was raised decidedly more High Church (he would be Catholic if I'd let him) and I way more Low Church, and though we have compromised over the years, we both feel more at home in the type of church we grew up in.
So here's my quandary. We have been members of a couple Lutheran ELCA churches over the past few years and I have been pretty happy with them. We have found some good congregations, we love that there is Communion every week, and we feel this denomination's stance on social issues meshes with ours. There is also a ELCA church here that we like--for all the above reasons, plus it runs one of the biggest preschools in town and the congregation is positively teeming with little kids. However, at this church, there is one piece of Bacon (to me, Meat to others) that is specifically spelled out.
My question is this--can one belong to a church and not share faith of one key tenant of that denomination? To me, the tenant is bacon, to them, it is absolutely meat. I do feel it is lying to pledge membership to a church, knowing you don't share this particular belief. On the other hand, I also believe that, well, it is Bacon...
Just some Food for thought, I guess.
Craig loves this book too, and we use the term, "Bacon" quite a bit as we discuss our own faith. We were both raised Protestent, but Craig was raised decidedly more High Church (he would be Catholic if I'd let him) and I way more Low Church, and though we have compromised over the years, we both feel more at home in the type of church we grew up in.
So here's my quandary. We have been members of a couple Lutheran ELCA churches over the past few years and I have been pretty happy with them. We have found some good congregations, we love that there is Communion every week, and we feel this denomination's stance on social issues meshes with ours. There is also a ELCA church here that we like--for all the above reasons, plus it runs one of the biggest preschools in town and the congregation is positively teeming with little kids. However, at this church, there is one piece of Bacon (to me, Meat to others) that is specifically spelled out.
My question is this--can one belong to a church and not share faith of one key tenant of that denomination? To me, the tenant is bacon, to them, it is absolutely meat. I do feel it is lying to pledge membership to a church, knowing you don't share this particular belief. On the other hand, I also believe that, well, it is Bacon...
Just some Food for thought, I guess.
Monday, November 13, 2006
On the other side of the (de)fense
My mom is patently (if subconciously) prejudiced against mothers who choose to work outside of the home. I don't need to watch Dr. Phil to surmise that this is largely because she never did (and never had a "career" because she never finished college and feels somewhat inadequate or whatever about that...but mother/daughter issues are a completely different rant.) She will say things about So-and-So having a large house or taking fancy vacations, and then qualify it with, "Of course, she *worked* (as if the work in question was prostitution) when her kids were growing up." When I mention preschool or some part-time daycare for Ainslie so that I can take on more work, I am met with, "oh, but you'll miss SO much" ...and I am talking 6 hours a week.
Anyhoo. I am not thusly prejudiced. I think we all just do the best we can for our children. Some moms are better moms for working out of the home, some are better at home. I'm thrilled to be able to work on my terms right now.
BUT.
File this under, "Why can't people who have no idea keep their big mouths shut?"
OR
"Why on earth does this bother me so much?"
Lately, I been feeling the reverse SAHM discrimination. Why on earth don't I work and how could I deprive my child of 40 hours of daycare a week? Despite the fact that I DO work about 20 hours a week in my field, I suppose the usual uniform of yoga pants and solid long-sleeved tees give me that Mommy Chic (or NOT) look, so people assume I am a FT SAHM, which is a FINE job description by itself. Why then, if I am FT SAHM would I be dropping off some assignments for students at the college I teach at?
URGH. So here comes today's real story. I had to drop off some tests for two students to make up. I don't teach on Mondays. I run errands and work out on Mondays (because I have no home to clean, etc). I am with Ainslie all day on Mondays. So, I arrived at the building wearing black yoga pants, a shirt, and a zipped-up fleece jacket, hair and face looking ok (not Totally Done but not Just Rolled out of Bed), holding Ainslie's hand and carrying the papers. Ainslie, by the way, had chosen a dress with matching tights and her hair was Done. (She always looks better than I do.) ANYWAY, the women working in the resource center today was probably a full-time faculty member (big whoop, btw, this isn't exactly Ivy League) and after I explained what I was dropping off, she turned to Ainslie and asked her where she went to school. Ainslie said, "I don't go to school yet." very clearly--Ainslie knows about school and that she will go to preschool and then Big School someday.
This woman says, in a very condescending voice, "You don't? How do you learn?" I said, "well, she is not even 2 and a half yet. She learns from me." So then the woman drones on about, "do you go to daycare to play with friends?" "it's so important at this age to play with other kids." "Do you have friends, honey?" Ainslie responds with, "I have my friend Cawowine, and Anna, and..." But I was already completely annoyed. Pardon my French, but WTF?
WHEN did going to daycare become the preferred activity? WHO decided daycare is better than parents? Who did this woman think she was, passive-agressively questioning my choices to my 2-yr old, when she knows nothing about me or Ainslie?
Ainslie will probably go to preschool. For now, she knows a heck of a lot more academically than most other kids her age I've met. She rides a trike and a scooter like a pro, she holds a crayon *almost* the right way, and she can sit cross-legged, that benchmark of preschool skills. She sight-reads quite a few words, she knows how to share (not that she does it), she pretends a lot, she gallops, she...well, not being in daycare doesn't appear to have hindered her.
So, Moms who work outside of the home, BACK OFF. I was once one of you--I support you and your choice, but until you know MY child and her gifts, abilities and schedule, SHUT UP. Apparently, way back when, SOME preschools didn't put enough emphasis on polite conversation.
Anyhoo. I am not thusly prejudiced. I think we all just do the best we can for our children. Some moms are better moms for working out of the home, some are better at home. I'm thrilled to be able to work on my terms right now.
BUT.
File this under, "Why can't people who have no idea keep their big mouths shut?"
OR
"Why on earth does this bother me so much?"
Lately, I been feeling the reverse SAHM discrimination. Why on earth don't I work and how could I deprive my child of 40 hours of daycare a week? Despite the fact that I DO work about 20 hours a week in my field, I suppose the usual uniform of yoga pants and solid long-sleeved tees give me that Mommy Chic (or NOT) look, so people assume I am a FT SAHM, which is a FINE job description by itself. Why then, if I am FT SAHM would I be dropping off some assignments for students at the college I teach at?
URGH. So here comes today's real story. I had to drop off some tests for two students to make up. I don't teach on Mondays. I run errands and work out on Mondays (because I have no home to clean, etc). I am with Ainslie all day on Mondays. So, I arrived at the building wearing black yoga pants, a shirt, and a zipped-up fleece jacket, hair and face looking ok (not Totally Done but not Just Rolled out of Bed), holding Ainslie's hand and carrying the papers. Ainslie, by the way, had chosen a dress with matching tights and her hair was Done. (She always looks better than I do.) ANYWAY, the women working in the resource center today was probably a full-time faculty member (big whoop, btw, this isn't exactly Ivy League) and after I explained what I was dropping off, she turned to Ainslie and asked her where she went to school. Ainslie said, "I don't go to school yet." very clearly--Ainslie knows about school and that she will go to preschool and then Big School someday.
This woman says, in a very condescending voice, "You don't? How do you learn?" I said, "well, she is not even 2 and a half yet. She learns from me." So then the woman drones on about, "do you go to daycare to play with friends?" "it's so important at this age to play with other kids." "Do you have friends, honey?" Ainslie responds with, "I have my friend Cawowine, and Anna, and..." But I was already completely annoyed. Pardon my French, but WTF?
WHEN did going to daycare become the preferred activity? WHO decided daycare is better than parents? Who did this woman think she was, passive-agressively questioning my choices to my 2-yr old, when she knows nothing about me or Ainslie?
Ainslie will probably go to preschool. For now, she knows a heck of a lot more academically than most other kids her age I've met. She rides a trike and a scooter like a pro, she holds a crayon *almost* the right way, and she can sit cross-legged, that benchmark of preschool skills. She sight-reads quite a few words, she knows how to share (not that she does it), she pretends a lot, she gallops, she...well, not being in daycare doesn't appear to have hindered her.
So, Moms who work outside of the home, BACK OFF. I was once one of you--I support you and your choice, but until you know MY child and her gifts, abilities and schedule, SHUT UP. Apparently, way back when, SOME preschools didn't put enough emphasis on polite conversation.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Preschool or Not to School? Lots of Questions.
I've been thinking a lot about preschool lately, mostly because a sleep-deprived toddler whining at you (when you, as a result, are also sleep-deprived) will send your thoughts in the direction of outsourcing.
I don't really know how I feel about preschool at this point. I think that Ainslie should, at some time, attend one, but with the news that there is in fact a reputable preschool nearby that takes 2.5 yr-olds, a decision seems imminent, mostly because if I continue to teach 2 mornings a week, I need to decide whether to continue to mooch off the grandparents, or find a different situation, and either way, there are pros and cons.
Academically, Ainslie is way ahead of the curve. There. I said it. She knows all the letters and the sounds they make, she sight-reads a few words and she memorizes Everything. (Even the obscure Mother Goose rhymes that nobody really knows so we tend to skip over in the book...? Bat, Bat, Come Under My Hat? She knows it better than I do.) Anyway, if you ask her what sound a word starts with, she can correctly identify the letter, even if she can't pronounce it correctly, which is quite amusing.
Me: What sound does Wiggle start with?
A: Wuh. Dubble-woo.
Me: What about Race?
A: Ewww, Awe. (for those that don't speak fluent toddler, she is saying Errrr, R.)
She can count to 20 (although 18 sometimes immediately follows 11), she knows her shapes and colors, including deliniations of darker and lighter. If you ask her favorite color these days, she will tell you it is Light Blue. In short, what is a preschool program designed for 2.5 yr olds going to offer her academically?
Then there is the social aspect. If I hear one more person (and mostly a particular person) tell me that Ainslie needs to socialize because I stay at home with her and therefore runs the risk of being a creepy loner, I may go all Homeskooled in Ruby Ridge on them (her). First of all, she is TWO, and she plays with or alongside other children in the way they all do at that age. Of course I want her to learn to play well with others. I also want her to learn to follow directions, even when she doesn't want to. I'd like her to actually be quiet when I tell her to be quiet. I guess my 'thing' here is that Ainslie is 30 months old and has been going to various Mommy and Me programs since she was 15 months, so yes, I think she is getting adequate social time with her peers without spending 40 hours a week in day care. Since when did day care become the preferable option for tiny kids?
So...I don't know. Six hours a week of preschool certainly will not kill her. I just worry that that on top of gymnastics (which she loves and excels at) is a lot for a not-even-three year old, plus there is a music class here that I think she would enjoy. She plays in the kids' room at the Y a few times a week and we just started hanging out with a group of other moms and 2-yr olds on an informal basis...but then what about the days when I need to work? Then there is the fact that she has 17+ years of formal education in front of her, do we really have to start them earlier and earlier?
I'm rambling. I don't know what the answer is. I don't have to figure it out today. Maybe I won't even be assigned a daytime class next quarter. Maybe she and I will start reading Shakespeare and acting it out in the driveway.
I don't really know how I feel about preschool at this point. I think that Ainslie should, at some time, attend one, but with the news that there is in fact a reputable preschool nearby that takes 2.5 yr-olds, a decision seems imminent, mostly because if I continue to teach 2 mornings a week, I need to decide whether to continue to mooch off the grandparents, or find a different situation, and either way, there are pros and cons.
Academically, Ainslie is way ahead of the curve. There. I said it. She knows all the letters and the sounds they make, she sight-reads a few words and she memorizes Everything. (Even the obscure Mother Goose rhymes that nobody really knows so we tend to skip over in the book...? Bat, Bat, Come Under My Hat? She knows it better than I do.) Anyway, if you ask her what sound a word starts with, she can correctly identify the letter, even if she can't pronounce it correctly, which is quite amusing.
Me: What sound does Wiggle start with?
A: Wuh. Dubble-woo.
Me: What about Race?
A: Ewww, Awe. (for those that don't speak fluent toddler, she is saying Errrr, R.)
She can count to 20 (although 18 sometimes immediately follows 11), she knows her shapes and colors, including deliniations of darker and lighter. If you ask her favorite color these days, she will tell you it is Light Blue. In short, what is a preschool program designed for 2.5 yr olds going to offer her academically?
Then there is the social aspect. If I hear one more person (and mostly a particular person) tell me that Ainslie needs to socialize because I stay at home with her and therefore runs the risk of being a creepy loner, I may go all Homeskooled in Ruby Ridge on them (her). First of all, she is TWO, and she plays with or alongside other children in the way they all do at that age. Of course I want her to learn to play well with others. I also want her to learn to follow directions, even when she doesn't want to. I'd like her to actually be quiet when I tell her to be quiet. I guess my 'thing' here is that Ainslie is 30 months old and has been going to various Mommy and Me programs since she was 15 months, so yes, I think she is getting adequate social time with her peers without spending 40 hours a week in day care. Since when did day care become the preferable option for tiny kids?
So...I don't know. Six hours a week of preschool certainly will not kill her. I just worry that that on top of gymnastics (which she loves and excels at) is a lot for a not-even-three year old, plus there is a music class here that I think she would enjoy. She plays in the kids' room at the Y a few times a week and we just started hanging out with a group of other moms and 2-yr olds on an informal basis...but then what about the days when I need to work? Then there is the fact that she has 17+ years of formal education in front of her, do we really have to start them earlier and earlier?
I'm rambling. I don't know what the answer is. I don't have to figure it out today. Maybe I won't even be assigned a daytime class next quarter. Maybe she and I will start reading Shakespeare and acting it out in the driveway.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Just Babbling
Teaching this morning was so FUN! A real school with real students, not like the college-in-a-box that hired me last fall. I was afraid I would run out of material and I barely got through everything I wanted to say about the chapter we were discussing. It was so fun to put on real grown-up clothes and lipstick(!) for a couple hours too (although I jumped right back in to the shorts/t-shirt ensemble when I got home.) I think this is going to be a great experience and I hope they hire me again next quarter. Doesn't hurt that this will pay for our medical insurance either!
I'm finally getting around to scheduling check-ups for Ainslie and I. I am overdue for my annual and Ainslie needs a shot sometime before she's 2 and a half. Yikes. She is almost 2 and a half. It's hard to pick a pediatrician here because we have the 'other' network, so even though we o know a handful of kids, nobody has a good recommendation. I will ask at our new gymnastics class tomorrow and see if anyone knows. Luckily, we don't have any special needs. Knocking on wood, since Ainslie has always been healthy and hearty.
Speaking of sick kids, my heart just aches for C and Z and all they are going through right now. I never want to be in the position of seeing my child suffer like that. It broke my parents. 10 years later, and they are still not who they used to be. That has been a major turning point in my life; the moment I realized something was so broken that mom and dad couldn't fix it. Of course they have happy times, and Ainslie is a brilliant bright spot--they have friends, they take trips, but I know that there is just this constant weight on their hearts that nothing will lighten.
Continuing on my stream of babble, mom and dad are coming through town tomorrow. Yay. I keep hoping that next time, they can stay at Our House! In the meantime, Ainslie likes going to see them in the hotels with indoor pools.
Enough babbling. Ainslie will be up from her nap soon. She had a big morning with Grandpa. I came home and she was eating a happy meal (with a really cool Ariel crown), had a new stuffed animal, and had ridden the merry-go-round. Twice.
Oh, speaking of Ariel, one more thing. I'm pretty sick of those princesses. They don't do anything. Blech. That said, I will probably purchase the Little Mermaid dvd in the next couple weeks because I do think Ainslie would enjoy it, and watching dvds is an effective bribe at the moment.
I'm finally getting around to scheduling check-ups for Ainslie and I. I am overdue for my annual and Ainslie needs a shot sometime before she's 2 and a half. Yikes. She is almost 2 and a half. It's hard to pick a pediatrician here because we have the 'other' network, so even though we o know a handful of kids, nobody has a good recommendation. I will ask at our new gymnastics class tomorrow and see if anyone knows. Luckily, we don't have any special needs. Knocking on wood, since Ainslie has always been healthy and hearty.
Speaking of sick kids, my heart just aches for C and Z and all they are going through right now. I never want to be in the position of seeing my child suffer like that. It broke my parents. 10 years later, and they are still not who they used to be. That has been a major turning point in my life; the moment I realized something was so broken that mom and dad couldn't fix it. Of course they have happy times, and Ainslie is a brilliant bright spot--they have friends, they take trips, but I know that there is just this constant weight on their hearts that nothing will lighten.
Continuing on my stream of babble, mom and dad are coming through town tomorrow. Yay. I keep hoping that next time, they can stay at Our House! In the meantime, Ainslie likes going to see them in the hotels with indoor pools.
Enough babbling. Ainslie will be up from her nap soon. She had a big morning with Grandpa. I came home and she was eating a happy meal (with a really cool Ariel crown), had a new stuffed animal, and had ridden the merry-go-round. Twice.
Oh, speaking of Ariel, one more thing. I'm pretty sick of those princesses. They don't do anything. Blech. That said, I will probably purchase the Little Mermaid dvd in the next couple weeks because I do think Ainslie would enjoy it, and watching dvds is an effective bribe at the moment.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Greener grass?
Sorry to shock anyone, but being a part-time-contract-work-from-home-stay-at-home-mom is MUCH more physically demanding than going to an office job all day. When I worked out of the home all day I got to sit on my derriere most of the day, eat and drink whenever it was convenient for me, and rarely had to bathe someone in the middle of the day because that person had eaten too many mandarin oranges the day before.
Yesterday, for example, my schedule may have sounded simple: do normal Ainslie things, stop by Robert Morris to pick up books and syllabi, be on a conference call at 9:30, work while Ainslie naps. OK...
Get up at 6. Take care of hyperactive blind diabetic Labrador. Put contacts in, along with workout clothes that I did not get to put to use. Get Ainslie out of bed, juiced, fed. Bring laptop downstairs. Create a play-doh station, coloring station, and put in a dvd to facilitate me being on the phone. Participate in conference call, explaining that the noise in the background is Disney's Cinderella.
Wait for client to send documents. Download them, while wrestling Ainslie into clothes. Change my clothes, realizing the dream of working out today is just that.
Go to Robert Morris. Become secretly mortified that my new boss-to-be (who is thankfully a grandmother) is pushing Ainslie around in an office chair to occupy her. Run to packing place to fax back a contract. Get home, feed Ainslie lunch, put her down for a nap, sit down to work. Wish I could take a nap.
I'm not complaining; I feel very, very lucky that I am able to earn some decent money doing things I am actually educated to do and still get to spend so much time with Ainslie. I'm just setting the record straight. Physically, working outside of the home is less demanding.
Yesterday, for example, my schedule may have sounded simple: do normal Ainslie things, stop by Robert Morris to pick up books and syllabi, be on a conference call at 9:30, work while Ainslie naps. OK...
Get up at 6. Take care of hyperactive blind diabetic Labrador. Put contacts in, along with workout clothes that I did not get to put to use. Get Ainslie out of bed, juiced, fed. Bring laptop downstairs. Create a play-doh station, coloring station, and put in a dvd to facilitate me being on the phone. Participate in conference call, explaining that the noise in the background is Disney's Cinderella.
Wait for client to send documents. Download them, while wrestling Ainslie into clothes. Change my clothes, realizing the dream of working out today is just that.
Go to Robert Morris. Become secretly mortified that my new boss-to-be (who is thankfully a grandmother) is pushing Ainslie around in an office chair to occupy her. Run to packing place to fax back a contract. Get home, feed Ainslie lunch, put her down for a nap, sit down to work. Wish I could take a nap.
I'm not complaining; I feel very, very lucky that I am able to earn some decent money doing things I am actually educated to do and still get to spend so much time with Ainslie. I'm just setting the record straight. Physically, working outside of the home is less demanding.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Any Day Now
I am reeeaaallllyyyyy trying to be optimistic here. We are beyond ready to move into our own house. I won't go into detail, but really, it is so beyond time. You know, for awhile this spring, everything seemed to just be falling into place for us, making us sure this move was the right decision. Well, after a horrid last couple of weeks, I decided the other day to really try to *listen* again and to be optimistic.
So...first I had an awesome second interview to teach at Robert Morris College. This was a pretty unexpected thing to fall into my lap and it looks like I will start there at the end of September. Ok...then I get an email saying that a large project I was supposed to get through Intulogy fell through. Well, crap, I was counting on that in our budget, but trying to stay optimistic, I noted that at least travel for that project would not interfere with teaching, and hopefully, moving.
Yesterday, I noticed that a house that has been for sale Forever had a SOLD sign on it. Good sign.
Barb called to say that the state has instituted some funky process for obtaining a loan in several test areas in Chicago. The areas border our block ever so closely but do not include our house. Good news if someone is deciding whether to live on 102nd place or 103rd place. Ours is now easier.
Got a call this morning for a super-quick, easy design project that will net me personally the same $ the lost project would have, with no travel and frankly, less intense work.
Can an offer be far behind?
I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle.
So...first I had an awesome second interview to teach at Robert Morris College. This was a pretty unexpected thing to fall into my lap and it looks like I will start there at the end of September. Ok...then I get an email saying that a large project I was supposed to get through Intulogy fell through. Well, crap, I was counting on that in our budget, but trying to stay optimistic, I noted that at least travel for that project would not interfere with teaching, and hopefully, moving.
Yesterday, I noticed that a house that has been for sale Forever had a SOLD sign on it. Good sign.
Barb called to say that the state has instituted some funky process for obtaining a loan in several test areas in Chicago. The areas border our block ever so closely but do not include our house. Good news if someone is deciding whether to live on 102nd place or 103rd place. Ours is now easier.
Got a call this morning for a super-quick, easy design project that will net me personally the same $ the lost project would have, with no travel and frankly, less intense work.
Can an offer be far behind?
I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle.
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