Last week was dance camp for the girls. They were the from Monday through Friday 9-4. They learned different disciplines, and at the end of the week, they are evaluated to see what dance teams they will be accepted into.
Parents are invited at the end of the week to see the performances of what the kids learned. Unfortunately, I was not able to be there as I had a work meeting. I did, however pop in earlier in the day to drop off a picture, and it happened to be at the time Aspen was doing her lyrical performance.
I had never seen her do lyrical. I believe this was her first time ever doing it. When I walked in the room, they were half way through the routine. I stopped and watched her dance.
Lyrical is a whimsical sort of dance. (all my opinion. I don't know technical terms.). It follows the rhythm of the music and it is (again my opinion) romantic.
As I watched Aspen do this for the first time, I was stopped in my tracks. She was beautiful.
As a mom, you get to watch your child grow. But there are moments that you actually witness it happening, and this was one of those moments.
As she was performing in front of "judges", her movements were careful and graceful. Her expression matched the mood of the song. This meant a lot to her and I could see that in her face.
I actually got choked up.
The funny thing about all this, is both of my kids were certain what team they wanted to be on. However, after this week, they both changed their minds. Their horizons were broadened and their minds were open to new ideas.
I think we become creatures of comfort too quickly.
I was talking to a friend of mind recently, who just moved to Arizona. I asked her how she was faring. Like me, she's been in California most of her life.
She said she loves it there. She never imagined she would leave OC but she absolutely loves it there.
It is a reminder to me to not get stuck in our ways. There is more than one way to live. We just get hooked into what we have.
Now that the girls dance is done, we wait for the results. Aspen has asked me a number of times already to check my email and see if we have message that will determine her upcoming year. She is so excited she can't stand it.
I am so proud of her for opening her mind and looking at other possibilities. Both girls have had an amazing week and will be happy no matter how they are chosen.
As they grow, I see their world is limitless. They can have anything they want. ANYTHING. The world is their oyster. But as I sit here, I realize, that wishing doesn't have an age. We, too, can have anything we want. IF we allow ourselves the possibility to dream and work towards it.
Happy Sunday.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Modern Day Conveniences
I was struck by the multiple comments I heard this week from people following me on facebook and how busy I am. It is true, as of late, my husband has had to make appointments to see me.
I was thinking this morning about a couple of those ladies, and I realized that much of the stuff I do, is made easier with modern day conveniences.
This morning I made 18 muffins over two batches, and it was done in a matter of minutes (minus baking time) thanks to my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. That thing is like GOLD to me. I wouldn't likely bake as much without it.
As I was cleaning up some messes, I had handy wipes available. Now, I don't have to go search for the bottle of cleaner, it's all in a wipe.
Everything we have today is packaged and ready to go. I do believe that is actually a problem with our society. We are so bogged with conveniences that when hard work hits us (like how they used to do it in the "old days") we are crippled by inability, or just downright laziness.
When Aspen was born, mom was telling me how she used to have cloth diapers and told me stories about how they dealt with poopie diapers. If my husband had to deal with the old days, he would have turned in our daughter right then and there!!!
I do believe I am one of the few people among my friends who doesn't have a cleaning lady come. I honestly didn't have the time to clean my house before they came to clean my house. So it is what it is. If you think I am busy and the shoe has to drop somewhere, well - ya got me!
Our society has changed so much and I believe in some ways that it is the conveniences that have crippled many of our youth. Because people have cleaners come, they don't have to learn how to deal with things like dust and baseboards, and fan blades. It's all done for them.
When I went to clean that house, there was no electricity and running water. You want a challenge? Put yourself in that situation! We had to bring in gallon jugs of water to clean, and we swept the carpet floor with a broom. I got a good workout in that day!
So, though my schedule appears to be busy, I have to agree, it is made easier by modern day conveniences. That said, as I write, my kids are scrubbing their bathroom before we leave on our jaunt. They are complaining less, because I am asking them to do more on a regular basis. This is new for all of us, but it's becoming a good habit. I am finding (as my mother says) many hands make light work.
And if my kids complain about the task they are given, I will give them a nastier task to deal with. But thankfully, so far so good!
One of the ladies I work with told me a story about her husbands family. She raised a lot of kids and her motto was "Everone works".
I witnessed it with my sisters kids. Every time she comes here, my kids are raised to a new level of standards. She (and her hubby) are doing an amazing job with their kids! They are self sufficient, confident and do things without being asked. They have a sense of pride about themselves that many kids nowadays are lacking. There truly is a price of privelege that needs to be looked at in our society.
That said, I'm realizing the balance of everything I am doing. Though I appreciate the modern day conveniences, I will do my best to realize where I came from and teach my kids about hard work and the benefits of a job well done! I feel very positive about the direction my family is going. We are working together and that makes my life a bit easier. But not only that, it makes me proud!
Don't forget to look where you came from to see where you are going!!
Happy Saturday!
I was thinking this morning about a couple of those ladies, and I realized that much of the stuff I do, is made easier with modern day conveniences.
This morning I made 18 muffins over two batches, and it was done in a matter of minutes (minus baking time) thanks to my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. That thing is like GOLD to me. I wouldn't likely bake as much without it.
As I was cleaning up some messes, I had handy wipes available. Now, I don't have to go search for the bottle of cleaner, it's all in a wipe.
Everything we have today is packaged and ready to go. I do believe that is actually a problem with our society. We are so bogged with conveniences that when hard work hits us (like how they used to do it in the "old days") we are crippled by inability, or just downright laziness.
When Aspen was born, mom was telling me how she used to have cloth diapers and told me stories about how they dealt with poopie diapers. If my husband had to deal with the old days, he would have turned in our daughter right then and there!!!
I do believe I am one of the few people among my friends who doesn't have a cleaning lady come. I honestly didn't have the time to clean my house before they came to clean my house. So it is what it is. If you think I am busy and the shoe has to drop somewhere, well - ya got me!
Our society has changed so much and I believe in some ways that it is the conveniences that have crippled many of our youth. Because people have cleaners come, they don't have to learn how to deal with things like dust and baseboards, and fan blades. It's all done for them.
When I went to clean that house, there was no electricity and running water. You want a challenge? Put yourself in that situation! We had to bring in gallon jugs of water to clean, and we swept the carpet floor with a broom. I got a good workout in that day!
So, though my schedule appears to be busy, I have to agree, it is made easier by modern day conveniences. That said, as I write, my kids are scrubbing their bathroom before we leave on our jaunt. They are complaining less, because I am asking them to do more on a regular basis. This is new for all of us, but it's becoming a good habit. I am finding (as my mother says) many hands make light work.
And if my kids complain about the task they are given, I will give them a nastier task to deal with. But thankfully, so far so good!
One of the ladies I work with told me a story about her husbands family. She raised a lot of kids and her motto was "Everone works".
I witnessed it with my sisters kids. Every time she comes here, my kids are raised to a new level of standards. She (and her hubby) are doing an amazing job with their kids! They are self sufficient, confident and do things without being asked. They have a sense of pride about themselves that many kids nowadays are lacking. There truly is a price of privelege that needs to be looked at in our society.
That said, I'm realizing the balance of everything I am doing. Though I appreciate the modern day conveniences, I will do my best to realize where I came from and teach my kids about hard work and the benefits of a job well done! I feel very positive about the direction my family is going. We are working together and that makes my life a bit easier. But not only that, it makes me proud!
Don't forget to look where you came from to see where you are going!!
Happy Saturday!
Friday, August 5, 2011
One more ball...
It's so funny how things get squeezed in at the last minute.
Though I have been busy, I was made busier by little things added that I wasn't expecting, or didn't allot for. The problem is, one thing affects the next.
I'm not the best time manager, but somehow I manage. I rarely miss appointments (though it does happen) and I seem to get things done, so that is a good thing.
Take yesterday for example; I worked 3 meetings, walked the dogs 3 miles, went to the Apple store and completed a wedding contract with clients, after my work day.
Things that were not on my schedule for yesterday until yesterday morning...?? Walk the dogs 3 miles, go to the Apple Store and Meeting with clients.
How did those things get added? Let's dissect:
Everyone likes food; lets start with Apple. My phone has been acting hokey. I'll be on the phone with someone and it will call someone else, mid conversation. Last I checked, this isn't normal. So, I went in on Wednesday (my day off) to take care of it. Unfortunately, one needs an "appointment" to be looked at! Whatever. So, I make the appointment for Thursday (my busiest day).
Dogs: The stupid dogs have been driving the neighbors crazy, so I'm making it as much my goal as possible to walk the snot out of them so they won't bark. Happy neighbors are way more important than my desire to actually "rest" between meetings. So, with full makeup and hair mid afternoon in 85 degree weather, I took the little yappers and dragged them until they practically had to be carried home.
Wedding clients: This was requested for Monday or Wednesday, but somehow, late Wednesday night, the email came to schedule the appointment for the following day (Thursday) after 7:30. Which actually works perfect for me because my work day ends about 8:30. So I popped on over after work. I was tired, but we got the job done so all is well with the world!
When shooting any event, it's so important to connect with your clients, be they friends or just clients you have never worked with before. Knowing who they are and how they tick makes a big difference in how successful the shoot will go. I am glad I got to squeeze them in to chat. I'm very excited for their big day!!
Yesterday I went into one of my meetings and not one, but two of my members who follow me said that I am so busy, they don't know how I keep up the schedule. But as moms, I'm sure they are just reflecting back to that wild time when they went through it.
I think it is a phase of our lives. As I get to meet so many fascinating people with what I do, I'm blessed to witness all these phases. Some are relaxed and retired, some can barely get in and get out fast enough to move on to the next thing. As a witness to life, I enjoy meeting and watching people, and even inquiring about their lives. People are fascinating. We all have a story. It may be boring to us, but to someone else, it could be a fairytale life, or just a plain old tailspin. But, we all are someone special.
I have another busy day planned. I work and in the last few days had a staff meeting and a photo shoot thrown into the mix for the day. As well as finishing up a wedding DVD, laundry, cleaning and packing. If I work super fast, I'll get it all done. But I better move at the speed of light so nothing else can get added in.
Happy Friday!
Though I have been busy, I was made busier by little things added that I wasn't expecting, or didn't allot for. The problem is, one thing affects the next.
I'm not the best time manager, but somehow I manage. I rarely miss appointments (though it does happen) and I seem to get things done, so that is a good thing.
Take yesterday for example; I worked 3 meetings, walked the dogs 3 miles, went to the Apple store and completed a wedding contract with clients, after my work day.
Things that were not on my schedule for yesterday until yesterday morning...?? Walk the dogs 3 miles, go to the Apple Store and Meeting with clients.
How did those things get added? Let's dissect:
Everyone likes food; lets start with Apple. My phone has been acting hokey. I'll be on the phone with someone and it will call someone else, mid conversation. Last I checked, this isn't normal. So, I went in on Wednesday (my day off) to take care of it. Unfortunately, one needs an "appointment" to be looked at! Whatever. So, I make the appointment for Thursday (my busiest day).
Dogs: The stupid dogs have been driving the neighbors crazy, so I'm making it as much my goal as possible to walk the snot out of them so they won't bark. Happy neighbors are way more important than my desire to actually "rest" between meetings. So, with full makeup and hair mid afternoon in 85 degree weather, I took the little yappers and dragged them until they practically had to be carried home.
Wedding clients: This was requested for Monday or Wednesday, but somehow, late Wednesday night, the email came to schedule the appointment for the following day (Thursday) after 7:30. Which actually works perfect for me because my work day ends about 8:30. So I popped on over after work. I was tired, but we got the job done so all is well with the world!
When shooting any event, it's so important to connect with your clients, be they friends or just clients you have never worked with before. Knowing who they are and how they tick makes a big difference in how successful the shoot will go. I am glad I got to squeeze them in to chat. I'm very excited for their big day!!
Yesterday I went into one of my meetings and not one, but two of my members who follow me said that I am so busy, they don't know how I keep up the schedule. But as moms, I'm sure they are just reflecting back to that wild time when they went through it.
I think it is a phase of our lives. As I get to meet so many fascinating people with what I do, I'm blessed to witness all these phases. Some are relaxed and retired, some can barely get in and get out fast enough to move on to the next thing. As a witness to life, I enjoy meeting and watching people, and even inquiring about their lives. People are fascinating. We all have a story. It may be boring to us, but to someone else, it could be a fairytale life, or just a plain old tailspin. But, we all are someone special.
I have another busy day planned. I work and in the last few days had a staff meeting and a photo shoot thrown into the mix for the day. As well as finishing up a wedding DVD, laundry, cleaning and packing. If I work super fast, I'll get it all done. But I better move at the speed of light so nothing else can get added in.
Happy Friday!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sub-Motivation
I do not know how deep the subconscious runs, but I do know it's pretty complex in there. Hardly do we ever say anything and there isn't some hidden meaning to it. So if you ever say something to someone and you were "just kidding"....well, actually you weren't! You more than likely just don't know what exactly drove you to say what you said....but you did mean it!
I took my dogs for a walk yesterday. We are having problems with one of them barking, and so I figured I would walk the "bark" right out of them. I did this begrudgingly, of course! Walking with my dogs is a total pain.
One is a princess and doesn't care for the long walks. She's rather dainty, if you will, so a short walk will do her fine. She just wants the attention.
The other is a feisty little firecracker. She's cute, stout, chock full of personality and you either love her, or she's under your skin. You can't have both at the same time.
As I'm walking them, their coloring sinks in, as do their personalities. I'm stopped for a moment and start examining a bit closer.
I have a blond and a red. One is pretty mellow, and the other we talk to constantly. The blond is sweet, independent, pretty low key (except for the occasional mishaps) and the Red is quick, loud, funny and sometimes a bit too much.
Wow....so are my kids!
Aspen is blond, Avery is red. Did I do this on purpose, or was it self conscious? Did I choose our dogs to match our kids?
When I went to pick out Jinx, there was a blond brother that was super cute. But I had my heart set on the redder dog. Maybe to complete my set at home?
Who knows???
But the bottom line is, it got me thinking about how we get through in life. There really is a motivation behind every choice we make. Whether we are aware of it or not.
My husband doesn't get when we have "discussions" why I won't let go of what he says at times. And the truth is, I'm trying to get to the bottom of what he really meant!!
Have you ever argued about a toilet seat being up? Do you think it's really only about the toilet seat? Sometimes, maybe. But often, no!!!
I hear women talking about their husbands, and they complain about the little stuff. But more often than not, there is something deeper like, they aren't getting enough attention or respect. But that is harder to identify than the stuff that irritates us, so we argue about "the little shit".
I don't know what my motivation was to get those dogs. Kara came first (the blond) just like Aspen. Then Jinx (the red dog). I'm sure there was something very deliberate about my choice. But, something tells me, I'll never know.
So I'll just take my dogs for a walk and let it be at that!
Happy Thursday!
I took my dogs for a walk yesterday. We are having problems with one of them barking, and so I figured I would walk the "bark" right out of them. I did this begrudgingly, of course! Walking with my dogs is a total pain.
One is a princess and doesn't care for the long walks. She's rather dainty, if you will, so a short walk will do her fine. She just wants the attention.
The other is a feisty little firecracker. She's cute, stout, chock full of personality and you either love her, or she's under your skin. You can't have both at the same time.
As I'm walking them, their coloring sinks in, as do their personalities. I'm stopped for a moment and start examining a bit closer.
I have a blond and a red. One is pretty mellow, and the other we talk to constantly. The blond is sweet, independent, pretty low key (except for the occasional mishaps) and the Red is quick, loud, funny and sometimes a bit too much.
Wow....so are my kids!
Aspen is blond, Avery is red. Did I do this on purpose, or was it self conscious? Did I choose our dogs to match our kids?
When I went to pick out Jinx, there was a blond brother that was super cute. But I had my heart set on the redder dog. Maybe to complete my set at home?
Who knows???
But the bottom line is, it got me thinking about how we get through in life. There really is a motivation behind every choice we make. Whether we are aware of it or not.
My husband doesn't get when we have "discussions" why I won't let go of what he says at times. And the truth is, I'm trying to get to the bottom of what he really meant!!
Have you ever argued about a toilet seat being up? Do you think it's really only about the toilet seat? Sometimes, maybe. But often, no!!!
I hear women talking about their husbands, and they complain about the little stuff. But more often than not, there is something deeper like, they aren't getting enough attention or respect. But that is harder to identify than the stuff that irritates us, so we argue about "the little shit".
I don't know what my motivation was to get those dogs. Kara came first (the blond) just like Aspen. Then Jinx (the red dog). I'm sure there was something very deliberate about my choice. But, something tells me, I'll never know.
So I'll just take my dogs for a walk and let it be at that!
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Dead or Alive?
A headache is never a headache - and you never appreciate your health until you don't have it!
Yesterday I came home from work and noticed the beginning of an ocular migraine. What is that you ask? Well I had no idea until a few years ago when I had my mother (whom I never ask to drive me anywhere) drive me to my eye doctor for impaired vision.
An ocular migraine is a freaky and random thing that happens to your vision. It lasts (for me) anywhere from 10 -30 minutes. It's been called an "aura", but I like to call it the 'scratchy screen on the old channel 3 that crosses my vision from one eye to the other'. It will start peripherally, and move across the front of my vision so I can't read, type, or basically see anything in full form - until it gets to the other peripheral location. Yesterday it moved from right to left.
First time this happened to me was right after I ate leftover Jack Shrimp Jambalaya. I was certain I had food poisoning. I freaked out, and took a nap to see if it would pass, and it did. Thank GOD!
Next time it happened, I called the doctor. He told me to come in right away and make sure it wasn't Retinal Detachment. Thankfully, I was fine. Then he explained to me this phenomena. Somehow I didn't feel much better! But at least I knew what it was!
Though it is called an Ocular MIGRAINE, it is not usually accompanied (in my case) with a headache (again, Thank God). However, yesterday was awful!
After the visual episode passed, I had this pressure on my head, like I was wearing a squeezing device. It was super hot outside and I was sure my brain was swelling, looking for more room to breathe. I am not sure I had felt pain like that before. I was sure I was gonna stroke out!
Unfortunately, as a mom, I don't have time for a stroke; I had to pick up my kids and go meet hubby and his boss for dinner. A stroke is not an option at this point. So I walked gingerly and drank tons of water in case I was dehydrated.
Unfortunately, well into dinner, I felt the pressure bearing down on my head. I was a little nervous.
I don't know about you, but for me, a headache is never a headache. It's a brain tumor or a stroke.
I had a rash on my arm a few months back and was certain is was skin cancer.
And when I had a vertigo episode last year (let's talk about scared), I called 911 to see if they could tell I was having a stroke. (no, I'm not joking). I couldn't walk straight, and I think that threw me into a total panic attack.
They said they were gonna send someone out and I told them no - my husband was with me, so if I needed help I would have him call back, but they discharged the police and the fire department anyway (apparently they have to). This was 11pm at night on Aspen's birthday and we had 10 girls sleeping in the front room. DEFINITELY NO TIME FOR STROKE NOW!!!!
The cops came first and luckily, I was walking around outside trying to see if fresh air helped. (Thank God again! Could you imagine the looks on the girlies faces when the cops come to the door in the middle of a birthday party?)
Luckily, the policeman was able to call off the rest of the posse. I would have been devastated to mar my childs birthday party, with what turned out to be an inner ear imbalance!
Now, I'm not saying I'm a hypochondriac. Because, usually, I don't air my wares......however, as I have talked to many people, I find we are all the same.
I have a friend who was on Weight Watchers and because she was losing at least a pound a week, she was certain it was cancer and not the program!
I think we all have a deep seeded fear that we will lose control of our lives at some point. But most of us won't speak of it! (Unless you are me and you put it out to the whole freakin' world!!!)
It comes down to control.
My headache finally subsided (as of this morning). I actually feel human again, and I am thankful for this beautiful day. After all, I was convinced yesterday was my last.
Usually, I talk myself down before it all gets to the surface. But in the face of my whacked out and over compensating fears, I decided to share today. If for no other reason than to make you feel better that you don't have my brain!
Happy Wednesday!
Yesterday I came home from work and noticed the beginning of an ocular migraine. What is that you ask? Well I had no idea until a few years ago when I had my mother (whom I never ask to drive me anywhere) drive me to my eye doctor for impaired vision.
An ocular migraine is a freaky and random thing that happens to your vision. It lasts (for me) anywhere from 10 -30 minutes. It's been called an "aura", but I like to call it the 'scratchy screen on the old channel 3 that crosses my vision from one eye to the other'. It will start peripherally, and move across the front of my vision so I can't read, type, or basically see anything in full form - until it gets to the other peripheral location. Yesterday it moved from right to left.
First time this happened to me was right after I ate leftover Jack Shrimp Jambalaya. I was certain I had food poisoning. I freaked out, and took a nap to see if it would pass, and it did. Thank GOD!
Next time it happened, I called the doctor. He told me to come in right away and make sure it wasn't Retinal Detachment. Thankfully, I was fine. Then he explained to me this phenomena. Somehow I didn't feel much better! But at least I knew what it was!
Though it is called an Ocular MIGRAINE, it is not usually accompanied (in my case) with a headache (again, Thank God). However, yesterday was awful!
After the visual episode passed, I had this pressure on my head, like I was wearing a squeezing device. It was super hot outside and I was sure my brain was swelling, looking for more room to breathe. I am not sure I had felt pain like that before. I was sure I was gonna stroke out!
Unfortunately, as a mom, I don't have time for a stroke; I had to pick up my kids and go meet hubby and his boss for dinner. A stroke is not an option at this point. So I walked gingerly and drank tons of water in case I was dehydrated.
Unfortunately, well into dinner, I felt the pressure bearing down on my head. I was a little nervous.
I don't know about you, but for me, a headache is never a headache. It's a brain tumor or a stroke.
I had a rash on my arm a few months back and was certain is was skin cancer.
And when I had a vertigo episode last year (let's talk about scared), I called 911 to see if they could tell I was having a stroke. (no, I'm not joking). I couldn't walk straight, and I think that threw me into a total panic attack.
They said they were gonna send someone out and I told them no - my husband was with me, so if I needed help I would have him call back, but they discharged the police and the fire department anyway (apparently they have to). This was 11pm at night on Aspen's birthday and we had 10 girls sleeping in the front room. DEFINITELY NO TIME FOR STROKE NOW!!!!
The cops came first and luckily, I was walking around outside trying to see if fresh air helped. (Thank God again! Could you imagine the looks on the girlies faces when the cops come to the door in the middle of a birthday party?)
Luckily, the policeman was able to call off the rest of the posse. I would have been devastated to mar my childs birthday party, with what turned out to be an inner ear imbalance!
Now, I'm not saying I'm a hypochondriac. Because, usually, I don't air my wares......however, as I have talked to many people, I find we are all the same.
I have a friend who was on Weight Watchers and because she was losing at least a pound a week, she was certain it was cancer and not the program!
I think we all have a deep seeded fear that we will lose control of our lives at some point. But most of us won't speak of it! (Unless you are me and you put it out to the whole freakin' world!!!)
It comes down to control.
My headache finally subsided (as of this morning). I actually feel human again, and I am thankful for this beautiful day. After all, I was convinced yesterday was my last.
Usually, I talk myself down before it all gets to the surface. But in the face of my whacked out and over compensating fears, I decided to share today. If for no other reason than to make you feel better that you don't have my brain!
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Do or Die....
Have you ever had to do something you didn’t really want to do, but didn’t have a choice? How did you get through it?
There are times I really have to “pull it out” of me when I’m not in the mood to do something. Of course, I usually pull through, but with what amount of effort? And how well, is the question!
My husband has a passion for music. He hits it with a vengeance and never looks back. I don’t think I have once heard him say, “I’m not in the mood to play” (guitar).
Not only does he play guitar, he know every possible thing about guitarists and bands and musical equipment and things I could really care less about. He's truly amazing with it all!
He has passion for music.
His biggest hurdle is finding someone else, to be in a band with, who loves it and is as dedicated to it as he is!
I admire his passion.
Passion.
There is a lot to be said for it, and if you haven’t found yours, you need to keep looking.
I have a friend who has followed in the trade-footsteps of her parents. She is excellent at what she does, but I do not see a passion there. Though she executes her job perfectly, I and she is loved by all, I don’t think the burning fire is there for her trade. It’s just something she does.
There is a huge difference between being good at something and doing it well, and being truly passionate about what you are doing.
All my life I have been drawn to masks. I have no idea why. Maybe it’s the fantasy, the drama, the fun….but it’s always been there. When I saw the “Masquerade” seen in Phantom of the Opera, with all the costumes and masks, I studied all the different costumes over and over. There is something that is so intriguing about that seen. And the costumes and stage lighting in Burlesque threw me over the edge. I finally realized how I can put my passions together. All the pieces have been there all my life; my love for makeup, photography, fantasy, lighting…..it’s all coming together now. Though it will take some time to actually come together, I feel like I found my direction.
I believe all the pieces of our lives are out there. If you are lucky enough, you have found your passion. But if you haven’t found it yet, don’t stop looking. Start listening. Listen to the skips in your heartbeat when you see something you love.
Write it down.
It doesn’t come with age, it comes with listening…..there’s a big difference.
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Kids and such
Today celebrates the eleventh birthday of my eldest daughter. I couldn't be more proud to be her mother! How I got picked for this kid is beyond me. (I know how I got picked for the other).
Kids are amazing.
I was talking this weekend with friends and one of the moms was talking about a girl who wanted to get pregnant - and she was really young. I got very scared for that girl and hoped she would come to her senses. I remember feeling that way when I was a kid (not that I wanted to get pregnant, but I wanted a baby to love me unconditionally). What a fool I was.
Having kids is not for sissies. It takes over your whole life and most of your pocketbook! If you are done being selfish in life, then you are ready to have a kid. If you are done with all the money you earn, then have a kid. If you are done feeling like you are smart, have a kid! If you are done having a clean house, definitely have a kid! If you are done with your fun relationship with your significant other and need to be challenged in new ways, having a kid is for you!!!!
Kids take over every aspect of your life.
When I had Aspen, I remember crying to Chris at 1am, "I didn't sign up for THIS!" She was disrupting my sleep. That was NOT okay! And I won't even going into pooping up the front of herself. I'm still not sure how that was physically possible, but she was there to show me it WAS!!!! (ughhhhh)
However.....the upside to having a kid.....
I remember being out somewhere with Aspen (when she was under 1 year), and I was getting stressed, because it was taking a long time and I had planned to be back home at that time "for her". I was even getting a bit frazzled. Then I looked down at Aspen (who was in a sling, attached to me), and as I saw her face, she was completely content. And I said to her, "you aren't worried, because you are exactly where you want to be right now". With me! I instantly calmed and realized that much of my stress was self-imposed.
It was the beginning of many lessons my kids would teach me.
Each of my children has a special gift. Aspen has a penchant for knowing when people are stressed and she is ready for a hug. Avery has the ability to attract and care for small children as well as make people laugh.
I have learned that you can't trust what you see with kids. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper. Aspen showed me that because she wasn't crying in front of me, doesn't mean she wasn't deeply affected by whatever happened to her. Avery has taught me that patience can pay off.....and sometimes you need more patience than others!!!
The other day we were at the store, and this elderly lady asked where the cocoa was. I sent my kids scrambling to find it for her. They were younger and willing to expend their energy. The woman was grateful. After she found her cocoa, we all stood in the aisle at the store chatting. She told me how her husband had passed and how she'd had cancer and how the neuropathy was affecting her fingers and legs. She talked about how her daughter came to visit her and about the grand kids and life after her husband. I watched my kids listen intently, respectfully, and even interject their stories. This woman was delighted by their presence. I was a very proud mother, indeed. She literally gave me directions to her house and invited us over any time.
As a parent, you get to have some pretty amazing moments. They aren't all good. And if I told you they were, and you are a parent, you would see through the smoke and mirrors.
But sometimes, when you see a glimpse of who your children are, it's a great feeling and a sense of accomplishment. This is what I am putting forth in the world. When I go, they will be here to carry on for who we were as a family. They will represent. So far, I like what I am seeing. But as life dictates, I'm not going to do the happy dance just yet.
But for today....I will do a little hop!
Happy Birthday Aspen!
Love Mommy
Kids are amazing.
I was talking this weekend with friends and one of the moms was talking about a girl who wanted to get pregnant - and she was really young. I got very scared for that girl and hoped she would come to her senses. I remember feeling that way when I was a kid (not that I wanted to get pregnant, but I wanted a baby to love me unconditionally). What a fool I was.
Having kids is not for sissies. It takes over your whole life and most of your pocketbook! If you are done being selfish in life, then you are ready to have a kid. If you are done with all the money you earn, then have a kid. If you are done feeling like you are smart, have a kid! If you are done having a clean house, definitely have a kid! If you are done with your fun relationship with your significant other and need to be challenged in new ways, having a kid is for you!!!!
Kids take over every aspect of your life.
When I had Aspen, I remember crying to Chris at 1am, "I didn't sign up for THIS!" She was disrupting my sleep. That was NOT okay! And I won't even going into pooping up the front of herself. I'm still not sure how that was physically possible, but she was there to show me it WAS!!!! (ughhhhh)
However.....the upside to having a kid.....
I remember being out somewhere with Aspen (when she was under 1 year), and I was getting stressed, because it was taking a long time and I had planned to be back home at that time "for her". I was even getting a bit frazzled. Then I looked down at Aspen (who was in a sling, attached to me), and as I saw her face, she was completely content. And I said to her, "you aren't worried, because you are exactly where you want to be right now". With me! I instantly calmed and realized that much of my stress was self-imposed.
It was the beginning of many lessons my kids would teach me.
Each of my children has a special gift. Aspen has a penchant for knowing when people are stressed and she is ready for a hug. Avery has the ability to attract and care for small children as well as make people laugh.
I have learned that you can't trust what you see with kids. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper. Aspen showed me that because she wasn't crying in front of me, doesn't mean she wasn't deeply affected by whatever happened to her. Avery has taught me that patience can pay off.....and sometimes you need more patience than others!!!
The other day we were at the store, and this elderly lady asked where the cocoa was. I sent my kids scrambling to find it for her. They were younger and willing to expend their energy. The woman was grateful. After she found her cocoa, we all stood in the aisle at the store chatting. She told me how her husband had passed and how she'd had cancer and how the neuropathy was affecting her fingers and legs. She talked about how her daughter came to visit her and about the grand kids and life after her husband. I watched my kids listen intently, respectfully, and even interject their stories. This woman was delighted by their presence. I was a very proud mother, indeed. She literally gave me directions to her house and invited us over any time.
As a parent, you get to have some pretty amazing moments. They aren't all good. And if I told you they were, and you are a parent, you would see through the smoke and mirrors.
But sometimes, when you see a glimpse of who your children are, it's a great feeling and a sense of accomplishment. This is what I am putting forth in the world. When I go, they will be here to carry on for who we were as a family. They will represent. So far, I like what I am seeing. But as life dictates, I'm not going to do the happy dance just yet.
But for today....I will do a little hop!
Happy Birthday Aspen!
Love Mommy
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