Friday, November 30, 2012

The everyday family of it all

I have a new job which has had me at the office before the sun and leaving after the sun is down.  To say it isn't taking a toll on me and my family would be a lie, so I won't say it.  I will say that many of us do what we have to - it is called life and it is always worth living.

Yesterday was another very long day of a very long week, and not just because of the hours.  As I left the office in the dark of night through a very empty garage, I had every intention of going home, drawing a very hot and bubbly bath, opening a bottle of wine and tuning out the world care of my music.  I was worn out by the events of the day, those in my control and not; the fact that I missed another workout; the long list of things still left to do; it goes on and on - I was just worn out.

I never made it to the tub and I am very glad.

As I was heading to the car, the family called (minus the kiddo who was at a basketball tourney doing what he does) and said they were heading to Whataburger if I hadn't eaten.  I knew they were closer than I was so I said I would just grab something on the way home and started on my way.  I had no desire for Whataburger nor the desire to make them wait.  Then I got a text.  The tall one had decided that he wanted Chinese so they were heading to the buffet in town.  They didn't have to tell me that, but they did, so I decided I would go meet them and at least sit with them if they weren't done.

I walked in 25 minutes later as they were finishing up to smiles.  They told me to grab food, they could wait while I ate.  The tall one and I talked about what exciting things had happened that day at school.  The man  told us about his week (he travels most weeks so Thursday night we catch up). I told them about my day.  We laughed, ate, laughed some more and joked around, we even had a discussion about the Periodic Table.  Random.  Anyway, once that all ended, we went home.  The tall one did homework, us parents took a moment, after laundry, to watch some TV before the man went and picked up kiddo from school. The I got to see what exciting things happened in his day and watch him go off to do homework.

I thought I wanted my bubbles, wine and music.  I thought I drove to the buffet because I didn't want to go into an empty house.  I thought I just needed to let the day wash over me and maybe have a good hard cry (something I don't like as I have this thing about me crying being a weakness - silly, I know) to the sound of Christina Perri.  I thought wrong.

Turns out, I needed the routine of my family.  The nightly discussion of what exciting things happened during the day (instead of asking about the day, I ask What Exciting Things Happened at school? and it has worked this year, every time), the knowledge that the man is back within hugging distance.  The homework that will only last an hour and yet always drags to 2 or 3.  The rush of this kid being here and that kid being there.  The dogs begging, the laundry going, the everyday family of it all.

Next time you think you want to escape from your rough day and hide, find your family (friends are family too) at a diner and see what a difference it makes.

The everyday family of it all

Thursday, November 29, 2012

She's famous!

You know how you are walking along and see some of your childhood in a window and you smile?  Well, my mom saw some of mine in a window in Amsterdam.  In chocolate.  We both smiled.

Don't forget about your childhood, coat it in chocolate and smile.




Or, you could find a friend made of feathers just hanging out on the street.  Take the side roads, live like a kid that can't read (translation, has no desire to read) a map!




Wednesday, November 28, 2012

But, there are no pads

Football is done, does that mean we have a break?  Nope.  The kiddo is managing/analyzing basketball and the tall one?  He decide on rugby.  RUGBY.  For those of you who aren't familiar with rugby, let me simplify it for you down the the simplest level (which is about as much as I know) - it is football, BUT THERE ARE NO PADS.  I support my boys and their desire to go out and try new things, sometimes it opens doors that you never dreamed of, but this one?  Yup, the mom in me is freaking out a little bit.

For the past three days I have watched them leave for school at dawn wishing them a good day, reminding them that I love them (even though they might not love me right at that moment) and I ask the tall one to not get hurt.  I used to do that for football, I used to actually ask him to smush someone as my thought was, if he is the smusher maybe he wouldn't be smushed as much.  Leave me to my fantasy please.  Now?  Now I just ask him not to get smushed.  Yesterday was his first real pushy practice (my words) and his buddy got a cut below his eye.  On the first day.  Because the helmet?  Well, let's just say you are safer in a bike helmet.  I can't wait to see him on the field, but, at the same time, I am dreading the first time I see him on the field.

This all got me thinking.  Here I am worried about a sport with no pads yet, each day I send my boys out to the world and there are no pads for that.  Let me rephrase, there are no literal pads for that.  We prepare them with education, manners, love, discipline...all pads in their own way.  So while they will get banged up in life, bruised, cut, and maybe broken every once in a while, the pads we have equip them with will, hopefully, help them to get back up and go back at it.  Join the scrum again so to speak.  Here's to confronting life with no pads...and succeeding at life with the pads we have.  And to the tall one coming home intact from practice.


#25 all padded up)...
somehow, this no longer seems as dangerous


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Without a Doubt

I am a superstitious person, there is no question about that. I remember when my son was little, his teacher told him it was a sin to be superstitious so he told me that I needed to go to confession.  I laughed and assured him that I was good to go.  It was one of those funny adorable memories that I need to share with my superstitious kiddo!

Regardless, that is not the point. The point is I am having some stuff (totally mature word, take it from me - the writer) that has me doubting myself right now and my skills. We all have that one thing we know we are good at, well, I am doubting my one thing. You know you have been there too, we all have even if we won't admit it.

As I sat in a conference room waiting for the attendees of the latest meeting I picked up a Magic 8 Ball (we have toys in all rooms - it helps with our creative thinking and problem solving).  I asked the wise (and always 100% accurate) Magic 8 Ball my question and you know what he said?  Without a Doubt.  

Yes, Magic 8 Balls are 'hes' - without a doubt.

Moral?  Stopping doubting yourselves people, it gives you wrinkles which means botox, and I have heard that hurts.  Charge on - Without A Doubt.

Friday, November 16, 2012

For hearts

It is an odd feeling, to be so joyous and thankful at this moment when I know it means someone else is having the worst day of their lives as they are losing a loved one.

They found a heart.  

This heart will bring years of life to a wonderful person, to their family, their kids, their friends, the world.  And while we are celebrating and praying that all goes well today as this heart finds a new home, I offer a prayer to the family who is losing the heart and hope they can someday find solace in the fact that the person is giving life to another through this heart.  I offer another to the family who has a new lease on life with this wonderful heart.  I offer so many more about everything this wonderful heart means.

I have not been posting on FB what I am thankful for each day as I decided this year, I am thankful all the time - even on those worst days.  I have a family who loves me, friends who are there when I need them, a roof, food, clothing, a job - I have love and a great life.  But today?  Today I am thankful for this heart and for the generosity of the person who decided if they could not longer use it, they would donate it to someone who could.  That is what heart is all about, not just the organ, but having heart.

They found a heart.

Later that day we found out that heart was not viable.  God has other plans for my wonderful friend, and I know they will find another heart.  That thought did not make it an easier day, or weekend, for the family but we know there is a plan...they found a heart.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The football player

Last night was the football banquet for the freshmen teams.  The head coach (who doesn't necessarily know the names and faces of other 83 players but knows him) talked about a member of the team as having the most heart and dedication.   A kid who knew every play be it offense or defense, ran with all he had down the field and showed what is meant to have the Ranger Spirit. He was at every practice and game; he knew every player by name and face and wanted them all to succeed.  

Last night, the kiddo (younger one) was awarded a football signed by all the players and coaches of the freshman football program as the spirit and dedication of the team.  Last night, the non-player of the football team got a standing ovation from some of the coaches and players.  Last night, the kiddo showed what it meant to be a men for others and tonight he starts all over with the basketball team.

Yeah, I am proud and I hope he is too.