Sunday, August 25, 2013
maren and her point
It just cracks her up. "My point! My point!" When it flops over to the side she says "go this way!"
Thursday, August 22, 2013
the lived experience
We read Slim's Table in my masters program and we talked a lot about qualitative research in my nursing program; i.e. the lived experience. And, here, I present the lived experience of parenting young children:
Maren carries big bottle of apple cider vinegar out to the car, where I am bringing in the groceries. "Drink. Drink. Blue cup." Interestingly, this is the second time she has asked to drink vinegar this week; the first time she wanted to drink it out of a little packet that you can squirt on sandwiches. So, I said, "yes, sure, Maren. I don't think you will like it but you can try it." So I find the blue cup and pour a tiny bit in there. Maren is so excited she can't even stand it. Annie comes in and says, "is Maren having a special drink?" She starts crying because she wants a special drink too. So I explain that she probably won't like it but she can have some too. So I pour some for her. They sit in their special double Jaguar chair in the garage with their special drinks. Annie takes one sip and pours it on the floor. I explain that you shouldn't pour your
drinks on the floor, even if it is in the garage. Annie gets a towel to wipe it up and leaves the towel on the ground. I explain that she should
Playing game in the tubby.
Maren carries big bottle of apple cider vinegar out to the car, where I am bringing in the groceries. "Drink. Drink. Blue cup." Interestingly, this is the second time she has asked to drink vinegar this week; the first time she wanted to drink it out of a little packet that you can squirt on sandwiches. So, I said, "yes, sure, Maren. I don't think you will like it but you can try it." So I find the blue cup and pour a tiny bit in there. Maren is so excited she can't even stand it. Annie comes in and says, "is Maren having a special drink?" She starts crying because she wants a special drink too. So I explain that she probably won't like it but she can have some too. So I pour some for her. They sit in their special double Jaguar chair in the garage with their special drinks. Annie takes one sip and pours it on the floor. I explain that you shouldn't pour your
drinks on the floor, even if it is in the garage. Annie gets a towel to wipe it up and leaves the towel on the ground. I explain that she should
Playing game in the tubby.
WHY: so, I'm a nurse (isn't your sister a nurse? your little sister?)
Happiness is...
when what you
THINK
what you
SAY
and what you
DO
are in harmony.
So, if I think exercise is important, and I tell you that exercise is valuable, then I should GO FOR A RUN. This is what will make me happy. Just a totally random example, obviously... :)
But sometimes what I think is not even in harmony with itself, causing some problems. For example, I think that babies should be at home with their moms, but I also think that women should be able to have successful and fulfilling careers. When I was a new mom, a few people told me that they were not surprised that I went back to work because I was a "career person." This was interesting to me because I did not feel like a "career person;" I felt like an "I want to stay home with my baby person." To be clear, I went back to work when Annie was a baby because we needed the money.
At the same time, as Annie and Maren got older, I learned that working has non-monetary value as well. I think working keeps me interesting and engaged in the world. I never feel like I need a break from the girls because I always appreciate the time with them. I also seem to do better (health, money, organization, etc.) when I am busy - even in college, my best semesters were the ones when I took 18 credits.
So, in conclusion, I need to work and make some money; but I also want to work. In my dream world week, I would love to work 20-25 hours at a job that is personally fulfilling and pays me fairly, volunteer a few hours, play with my kids after school, and have flexibility.
Enter A New Career. I have been extraordinarily lucky in my career because I have had jobs that felt more like true callings and I have been exposed to a ton of different, satisfying experiences. My concern has been My Next Job, which would look something like this: $60K, a rigid ~50 hours a week including nights and Events, lots ofass-kissing fundraising, and lots of personnel management, which I hate (oh and I am bad at it as well).
So, nursing. Lots of options that do not involve management. Flexible, part-time options. Decent starting salary. When I leave, I am finished - someone else takes over and I get to just go home. And I get to help people (I had to feel like I was "helping")! Coming to nursing started as a "head" decision as opposed to a "heart" one, but somewhere along the way, it started to feel a lot like another calling. And, yes, isn't it adorable how I am following in my little sister's footsteps?!
when what you
THINK
what you
SAY
and what you
DO
are in harmony.
So, if I think exercise is important, and I tell you that exercise is valuable, then I should GO FOR A RUN. This is what will make me happy. Just a totally random example, obviously... :)
But sometimes what I think is not even in harmony with itself, causing some problems. For example, I think that babies should be at home with their moms, but I also think that women should be able to have successful and fulfilling careers. When I was a new mom, a few people told me that they were not surprised that I went back to work because I was a "career person." This was interesting to me because I did not feel like a "career person;" I felt like an "I want to stay home with my baby person." To be clear, I went back to work when Annie was a baby because we needed the money.
At the same time, as Annie and Maren got older, I learned that working has non-monetary value as well. I think working keeps me interesting and engaged in the world. I never feel like I need a break from the girls because I always appreciate the time with them. I also seem to do better (health, money, organization, etc.) when I am busy - even in college, my best semesters were the ones when I took 18 credits.
So, in conclusion, I need to work and make some money; but I also want to work. In my dream world week, I would love to work 20-25 hours at a job that is personally fulfilling and pays me fairly, volunteer a few hours, play with my kids after school, and have flexibility.
Enter A New Career. I have been extraordinarily lucky in my career because I have had jobs that felt more like true callings and I have been exposed to a ton of different, satisfying experiences. My concern has been My Next Job, which would look something like this: $60K, a rigid ~50 hours a week including nights and Events, lots of
So, nursing. Lots of options that do not involve management. Flexible, part-time options. Decent starting salary. When I leave, I am finished - someone else takes over and I get to just go home. And I get to help people (I had to feel like I was "helping")! Coming to nursing started as a "head" decision as opposed to a "heart" one, but somewhere along the way, it started to feel a lot like another calling. And, yes, isn't it adorable how I am following in my little sister's footsteps?!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
your first day of kindergarten and I owe you a birthday letter
A rather long post dedicated to my fabulous five year old.
Dear Annie,
You are of an age that often makes me think, "I wish I could freeze time." I would freeze you exactly how you are right now, but I guess I really wouldn't, because then I would miss all the awesomeness that you are going to become.
Today was your first day of kindergarten! You did so fabulous because you are so brave. I often look at you and think, "oh, yes, I know that girl," because you look like me and you act like me in so many ways. You are careful and thoughtful and you love activities like puzzles and books. Then you surprise me because you are so much braver and yet gentler than me. You are friendly and kind and will try pretty much anything. No, you aren't going to blindly leap from the monkey bars in a death-defying jump the first time, but you are going to quietly try until you can do it too. You are open to adventure.
You like jokes. You have an exceptional memory and your favorite memories usually involve funny times. You also like to hear my "real stories," and I tell you about what I used to be like before I met you.
You are a sensitive little soul and that makes Dad and I extra careful not to hurt your feelings. Speaking of Dad, you love him. L-O-V-E him. You are the two buddies.Of course, he is a cheat. I made you a lovely lunch today for the first day of school and he stuck a note in there: I love you. Love, Dad.
You love Maren too. You are almost always patient and loving with her because it is just so great to have a friend around. And the thing about Maren that we both know is that she is a little crazy but she is very fun.
You are still an almost full-time resident of imagination land. You paint, draw, and dance. We do daily shows that you orchestrate with Maren. You are extremely clever and creative. You absolutely love dance and will be taking jazz/acro this year because one of your top goals of the moment is to learn how to cartwheel.
One of your preschool teachers called you "the Carrie Bradshaw of Christ Methodist." It is true that fashion is one of your passions. You have a very definite style (and you love to talk about "style," as in "Maren has a really good style for being only two"): one that is bright, sparkly, and a wild mix of patterns. You love to shop and lay our your clothes, and you really care about picking out something good. Your new thing is doing your hair. You recently cut bangs. NO!!!! And yes, you and I have spoken on and on about how girls with curly hair cannot have bangs and you have promised you will not cut your hair again. You like your hair down with a center part, and sometimes you (already) hate your curls.
You are growing up so quickly, but you are not all the way there. Today, when you came home from kindergarten, you took off all your clothes, made a big mud puddle in the backyard, jumped in it, played with the hose, played dress up with Maren, gardened (more dirt), picked some flowers and put them in a vase on the kitchen table, had a very sudsy outdoor shower, and read Amelia Bedelia before bed, which had you laughing like crazy. Do you see why I want to freeze you right where you are?!
I did a brief birthday interview with you:
Your family birthday party, which you planned down to the very last detail:
First day of kindergarten:
Your birthday video:
It is a joy and an honor being your mom. I love you so much.
Happy birthday big girl!
Mom
Dear Annie,
You are of an age that often makes me think, "I wish I could freeze time." I would freeze you exactly how you are right now, but I guess I really wouldn't, because then I would miss all the awesomeness that you are going to become.
Today was your first day of kindergarten! You did so fabulous because you are so brave. I often look at you and think, "oh, yes, I know that girl," because you look like me and you act like me in so many ways. You are careful and thoughtful and you love activities like puzzles and books. Then you surprise me because you are so much braver and yet gentler than me. You are friendly and kind and will try pretty much anything. No, you aren't going to blindly leap from the monkey bars in a death-defying jump the first time, but you are going to quietly try until you can do it too. You are open to adventure.
You like jokes. You have an exceptional memory and your favorite memories usually involve funny times. You also like to hear my "real stories," and I tell you about what I used to be like before I met you.
You are a sensitive little soul and that makes Dad and I extra careful not to hurt your feelings. Speaking of Dad, you love him. L-O-V-E him. You are the two buddies.
You love Maren too. You are almost always patient and loving with her because it is just so great to have a friend around. And the thing about Maren that we both know is that she is a little crazy but she is very fun.
You are still an almost full-time resident of imagination land. You paint, draw, and dance. We do daily shows that you orchestrate with Maren. You are extremely clever and creative. You absolutely love dance and will be taking jazz/acro this year because one of your top goals of the moment is to learn how to cartwheel.
One of your preschool teachers called you "the Carrie Bradshaw of Christ Methodist." It is true that fashion is one of your passions. You have a very definite style (and you love to talk about "style," as in "Maren has a really good style for being only two"): one that is bright, sparkly, and a wild mix of patterns. You love to shop and lay our your clothes, and you really care about picking out something good. Your new thing is doing your hair. You recently cut bangs. NO!!!! And yes, you and I have spoken on and on about how girls with curly hair cannot have bangs and you have promised you will not cut your hair again. You like your hair down with a center part, and sometimes you (already) hate your curls.
You are growing up so quickly, but you are not all the way there. Today, when you came home from kindergarten, you took off all your clothes, made a big mud puddle in the backyard, jumped in it, played with the hose, played dress up with Maren, gardened (more dirt), picked some flowers and put them in a vase on the kitchen table, had a very sudsy outdoor shower, and read Amelia Bedelia before bed, which had you laughing like crazy. Do you see why I want to freeze you right where you are?!
I did a brief birthday interview with you:
How old are you turning? Five.
How does it feel to be five? Good.
How does it feel to be five? Good.
What is your favorite color?
Bright sparkly pink.
What is your favorite animal?
Baby kitty cats.
What is your favorite thing to do outside?
Play water.
Inside? Play.
Who is your best friend? Hannah.
What do you like learning about?
I am interested in snakes.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Artist.
What is something you like to do with Mom? Play with the art box.
What is something you like to do with Dad? Body slams.
What is your favorite toy? Girlsey.
What is something you like to do with Mom? Play with the art box.
What is something you like to do with Dad? Body slams.
What is your favorite toy? Girlsey.
Where is your favorite place to go? The park.
What do you love to do? Suck [my
thumb] with blanky in bed.
Do you think you will get married some
day? Yes. Of
course. Laughs.
How old do you think you will be when you get married? I don’t know. You never know how old you will be when you get married.
How old do you think you will be when you get married? I don’t know. You never know how old you will be when you get married.
Are you going to have children? Yes!
Of course.
What is one of your kids going to
be named? Sabrina.
What is your favorite food? Blackberries.Your family birthday party, which you planned down to the very last detail:
First day of kindergarten:
Your birthday video:
It is a joy and an honor being your mom. I love you so much.
Happy birthday big girl!
Mom
dad's birthday video
He turned 60, reminding me of how grateful I am to still have both my parents and that they are young and healthy. Pictures here. Thanks Meg.
Here, you probably like sound too. Takes a while to load: click here
And the video, a true labor of love (I hope you can hear the sound. For some stupid reason I often can't hear sound on youtube. What the heck?):
Here, you probably like sound too. Takes a while to load: click here
And the video, a true labor of love (I hope you can hear the sound. For some stupid reason I often can't hear sound on youtube. What the heck?):
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