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I am blogging on this one for the first time in years! I know. It's crazy!
My old company called this week and asked if I would be interested in working part-time from home.
This is pretty cool! I have been working with just the kids the past 1.5 years. The thought of working with grown ups makes me really excited. But the thought of getting out or working with grown ups a couple days a week.
Not really sure where I am going with this... but more to come.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Home is a special place, but what is it really?
So, clearly there has been too much going on to write. But, really that is no excuse. Well, actually it is. It has to be.
Let's see, last I wrote it was right before Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with my family. We had some new friends over to our home for Thanksgiving dinner and it was such a joy to host them all. Then began the mad dash to leave 3 weeks later on Dec. 12. We headed back east for Christmas, New Year... a month of being HOME or so we thought.
I think I can say that we felt like the east is more home than our desert apartment. Or, is it? When we left on the 12 we were thrilled to be heading back there to see family, friends, comfortable-known places and things. And we did! We jam-packed so much into almost every minute (when one of us wasn't sick with some bug or another) that the whole 4 weeks really flew by. So, if we were "home" then why did we miss home so much?
I have been thinking a lot about this as we gear up for the spring. Home. One of my best friends has been thinking about the same idea for awhile and has all but decided to move back to her home in PA. I have other friends from my "home town" that want to move back and others that consider their new homes, home. And, for me, my idea of it has changed with our time back east.
So what is it? What makes home, home?
Looking back over the past 5 weeks, I think a lot of it has to do with routine. I mean it sounds boring and 10 years ago I would have said NO way do I want a life so predictable and familiar. But, now with hubs in school and juggling working and mommying the LG (who is now a very fast and funny 19 mos) there is something so wonderful in routine. There is something quite special in knowing that every afternoon the weather will be nice enough to walk to the park with our great neighbors. Or, if it's raining we can go to the nearby mall and play in their play area because you know it won't be raining for days. And, things like knowing that it will only take you 20 minutes to get to the office (instead of 1.15 hr one way commute back east).
So, tell me... what do you think? What makes home a home?
Let's see, last I wrote it was right before Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with my family. We had some new friends over to our home for Thanksgiving dinner and it was such a joy to host them all. Then began the mad dash to leave 3 weeks later on Dec. 12. We headed back east for Christmas, New Year... a month of being HOME or so we thought.
I think I can say that we felt like the east is more home than our desert apartment. Or, is it? When we left on the 12 we were thrilled to be heading back there to see family, friends, comfortable-known places and things. And we did! We jam-packed so much into almost every minute (when one of us wasn't sick with some bug or another) that the whole 4 weeks really flew by. So, if we were "home" then why did we miss home so much?
I have been thinking a lot about this as we gear up for the spring. Home. One of my best friends has been thinking about the same idea for awhile and has all but decided to move back to her home in PA. I have other friends from my "home town" that want to move back and others that consider their new homes, home. And, for me, my idea of it has changed with our time back east.
So what is it? What makes home, home?
Looking back over the past 5 weeks, I think a lot of it has to do with routine. I mean it sounds boring and 10 years ago I would have said NO way do I want a life so predictable and familiar. But, now with hubs in school and juggling working and mommying the LG (who is now a very fast and funny 19 mos) there is something so wonderful in routine. There is something quite special in knowing that every afternoon the weather will be nice enough to walk to the park with our great neighbors. Or, if it's raining we can go to the nearby mall and play in their play area because you know it won't be raining for days. And, things like knowing that it will only take you 20 minutes to get to the office (instead of 1.15 hr one way commute back east).
So, tell me... what do you think? What makes home a home?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Lost and Found and Busy busy busy...
Today I realized something... I have too much happening. I had a total and complete freak out session at work because I lost some of my travel receipts from last week's trip back east. Now, at any other time of my life this would not be a big deal. But, for some reason the past month feels like it has been happening too fast and furious for me to keep up... and with me that's when I start to get absent-minded and I totally and completely lose things. You can ask my hubby... I usually know where something is and if I have forgotten it only takes a little bit for me to remember.
Lately, though, that little bit of forgetting has been adding up. At the end of October I was making little guy's Halloween costume and I KNEW we had craft glue (and a HUGE tube of it too). Searching everywhere I could not find it and with the deadline of Halloween looming, I had to resort to buying a small bottle of the glue. Of course, the first week in November I found the HUGE bottle of craft glue.
That's not really an important lost and found... the work receipts are much more important. Last week I had to travel back east for a conference. Although it was great fun to meet my SE clients and hang out in Savannah it was a whirlwind trip AND crazy all over the place.
Saturday morning I noticed I could not find my power cord or my nail file - obviously one of these has more monetary value but I did really like that nail file. After a couple calls to the hotel I have given up and resigned myself to the fact that it is in the LOST and UNFOUND category.
LOST and freaking out about it until found would be the receipts. So, I took some people to lunches and dinners and had to keep my Amex receipts. No dice! Cannot find them. Freaked out at work today... you know the feeling... the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises... where are they? I know I left them right here? In this pocket in my purse? Right? Didn't I? Didn't you, MG? Right? You didn't accidentally throw them out with your car rental brochure? Did you?
Well, folks, yep... I think I did! I think I threw them out... at least some of them. And they are in some heap of trash back east somewhere.
Other things feeling lost right now... missing ministry a TON right now. Missing my little guy during the day. Missing friends back east... you know the kind you can just hang out with and not have any plans... there doesn't have to be any organizing to the hanging out -- You just do it? Really lost that right now... and just this special season of advent with liturgy and friends and Christmas teas and Thanksgiving in Philly.
FOUND: My parents are here as of tonight, though, and this is HUGE comfort and FOUND. So, I will end on the things that are FOUND. Jesus has FOUND me rather should say I FOUND grace in Jesus. Little Guy is growing so well and is finding his way around this big world. FOUND a new preschool for Little Guy to start in Jan when we get back to the desert. FOUND an incredibly hubby who is ROCKING his classes! C'mon all As! C'mon grants! FOUND a brother who turned 30 yesterday... eeps maybe I want to lose that one it makes me feel OLD. FOUND, letting your toddler play in the sprinklers is such fun!
Lately, though, that little bit of forgetting has been adding up. At the end of October I was making little guy's Halloween costume and I KNEW we had craft glue (and a HUGE tube of it too). Searching everywhere I could not find it and with the deadline of Halloween looming, I had to resort to buying a small bottle of the glue. Of course, the first week in November I found the HUGE bottle of craft glue.
That's not really an important lost and found... the work receipts are much more important. Last week I had to travel back east for a conference. Although it was great fun to meet my SE clients and hang out in Savannah it was a whirlwind trip AND crazy all over the place.
Saturday morning I noticed I could not find my power cord or my nail file - obviously one of these has more monetary value but I did really like that nail file. After a couple calls to the hotel I have given up and resigned myself to the fact that it is in the LOST and UNFOUND category.
LOST and freaking out about it until found would be the receipts. So, I took some people to lunches and dinners and had to keep my Amex receipts. No dice! Cannot find them. Freaked out at work today... you know the feeling... the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises... where are they? I know I left them right here? In this pocket in my purse? Right? Didn't I? Didn't you, MG? Right? You didn't accidentally throw them out with your car rental brochure? Did you?
Well, folks, yep... I think I did! I think I threw them out... at least some of them. And they are in some heap of trash back east somewhere.
Other things feeling lost right now... missing ministry a TON right now. Missing my little guy during the day. Missing friends back east... you know the kind you can just hang out with and not have any plans... there doesn't have to be any organizing to the hanging out -- You just do it? Really lost that right now... and just this special season of advent with liturgy and friends and Christmas teas and Thanksgiving in Philly.
FOUND: My parents are here as of tonight, though, and this is HUGE comfort and FOUND. So, I will end on the things that are FOUND. Jesus has FOUND me rather should say I FOUND grace in Jesus. Little Guy is growing so well and is finding his way around this big world. FOUND a new preschool for Little Guy to start in Jan when we get back to the desert. FOUND an incredibly hubby who is ROCKING his classes! C'mon all As! C'mon grants! FOUND a brother who turned 30 yesterday... eeps maybe I want to lose that one it makes me feel OLD. FOUND, letting your toddler play in the sprinklers is such fun!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cars, warranties...
Sunday morning we got up, had a lovely time together getting ready for church, headed down to the car and although it started the dreaded engine light came on. Now, the car sounded fine and it started but I don't know about you all if that light comes on I am NOT driving it. I mean, who knows what that means, right?
Fortunately, we are very blessed to have two cars. So, we hop out of one and get into the other to head to church (for which we will now be late) but we head off anyway. It's Sunday. It's lovely. It's God's day... but are you kidding me? We don't have the money to have the car fixed? We don't have ANY extra on a monthly basis right now?!? Oh, and did I mention the sermon series is on Finances. Trying not to be completely depressed as we walk into the nursery, we drop LG off and head to the sanctuary.
People are friendly, it's great worship music... and then it happens. The reality sinks in like a warm blanket after being out in the cold. The car is not mine. It's not my money to pay to get the car fixed it's HIS! We spend the next hour letting this truth sink in. It's not ours, it's HIS. I'm not mine... I'm HIS. My job, our life, my son, the car... all HIS. He has only entrusted me with the care of these things.
Let's backtrack a bit... when I was pregnant for some reason I really felt this fact. I really felt the humility and honor of carrying this little life that I knew that we had little to do with the miracle of making him. Even after he was born, I would sit up at night, rocking him and cuddling him, and just thank God that He gave me this little life to love and care for... and then I would spend a LONG time asking for HIS HELP in doing it! God blessed us with him... but then why, only 16 months later does it seems so hard to live this out. Not only with him but with so many other things - like the car's engine light.
Why do we do this? I mean, I don't think I'm alone here. I believe that Jesus is my Savior. I believe He is the only Son of God who came down from Heaven and was made man. But, why then am I totally freaked out about this silly car???
So, I have been thinking about this since Monday when I took said vehicle to the car Dr. It was, as we were dreading... not something tiny or minor. The first question, do you have an extended warranty on this car? NO, we are in grad school and when thinking about buying a warranty or moving your family for your husband's career, you do the move and not buy the warranty. Right? Well, in theory, yes. But, come to find out if we had bought the warranty (or one like it) it would have now practically paid for itself. GULP! So, what to do?
Cars are of this world... and like all things this side of heaven they are in a constant state of decay. With this in mind and thinking about that servant with his talents... I called a couple warranty places and talked to a few people that I trust (hubby, parents). The warranty we are looking into seems really good. But, warranties are like life insurance. You pay for them in the hopes that you won't need them, right? So, are we being the wise servant who invested their talents and made money... or are we burying it? We have 30 days to decide and will be praying about it...
And, as for why things like this freak me out - I think it goes something like this: The world tells me it's all mine! All I have to do is charge it and I can have it now. The world says cars say something about who you are. This world is always telling me things... and sadly sometimes I listen. Bottom line: need to hear less of this world and MORE of HIS! His Word says that He cares for the lillies of the field. He says that my treasure in his kingdom, not in this world. Mat. 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
And, he says, you are mine and I love you and I gave my life for you and I don't want you to worry about your car!
Fortunately, we are very blessed to have two cars. So, we hop out of one and get into the other to head to church (for which we will now be late) but we head off anyway. It's Sunday. It's lovely. It's God's day... but are you kidding me? We don't have the money to have the car fixed? We don't have ANY extra on a monthly basis right now?!? Oh, and did I mention the sermon series is on Finances. Trying not to be completely depressed as we walk into the nursery, we drop LG off and head to the sanctuary.
People are friendly, it's great worship music... and then it happens. The reality sinks in like a warm blanket after being out in the cold. The car is not mine. It's not my money to pay to get the car fixed it's HIS! We spend the next hour letting this truth sink in. It's not ours, it's HIS. I'm not mine... I'm HIS. My job, our life, my son, the car... all HIS. He has only entrusted me with the care of these things.
Let's backtrack a bit... when I was pregnant for some reason I really felt this fact. I really felt the humility and honor of carrying this little life that I knew that we had little to do with the miracle of making him. Even after he was born, I would sit up at night, rocking him and cuddling him, and just thank God that He gave me this little life to love and care for... and then I would spend a LONG time asking for HIS HELP in doing it! God blessed us with him... but then why, only 16 months later does it seems so hard to live this out. Not only with him but with so many other things - like the car's engine light.
Why do we do this? I mean, I don't think I'm alone here. I believe that Jesus is my Savior. I believe He is the only Son of God who came down from Heaven and was made man. But, why then am I totally freaked out about this silly car???
So, I have been thinking about this since Monday when I took said vehicle to the car Dr. It was, as we were dreading... not something tiny or minor. The first question, do you have an extended warranty on this car? NO, we are in grad school and when thinking about buying a warranty or moving your family for your husband's career, you do the move and not buy the warranty. Right? Well, in theory, yes. But, come to find out if we had bought the warranty (or one like it) it would have now practically paid for itself. GULP! So, what to do?
Cars are of this world... and like all things this side of heaven they are in a constant state of decay. With this in mind and thinking about that servant with his talents... I called a couple warranty places and talked to a few people that I trust (hubby, parents). The warranty we are looking into seems really good. But, warranties are like life insurance. You pay for them in the hopes that you won't need them, right? So, are we being the wise servant who invested their talents and made money... or are we burying it? We have 30 days to decide and will be praying about it...
And, as for why things like this freak me out - I think it goes something like this: The world tells me it's all mine! All I have to do is charge it and I can have it now. The world says cars say something about who you are. This world is always telling me things... and sadly sometimes I listen. Bottom line: need to hear less of this world and MORE of HIS! His Word says that He cares for the lillies of the field. He says that my treasure in his kingdom, not in this world. Mat. 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
And, he says, you are mine and I love you and I gave my life for you and I don't want you to worry about your car!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The magic cup!
I have been meaning to write about a great little invention that I have been utterly in love with for several months. In fact, when I originally sat down to create this blog, it was one of the initial topics I thought I would post. But, other things have popped up here and there and my list is growing... so I need to start crossing those older ideas off the list.
Here it is... the FooGo Thermos! So, I live in the desert, where up until 3 days ago the average temperature had been in the 90s (and the first 6 weeks we lived here, when the sun was up it was not BELOW 95). So, it's hot and we need to keep hydrated. Water and water bottles become close and fast friends out here.
Well, before we moved out here I heard about these FooGo things and read that they keep items cold for up to something like 12 hours. I have admit, I was skeptical but I knew LG would need something to keep him cool during this ridiculous summer heat (it is not really as bad because it is dry but hot is hot).
With 12 oz Foogo in hand, we headed to day care on the first full day. I brought the cup with me and forgot to bring it inside my office and LEFT IT IN THE CAR! Ok, so, it's early August, in the desert valley, although I am parked under a small tree there is still a pretty solid chance the car reached upwards of 120 deg., right?
Well, at 3PM I head to pick up LG. Water has been in car for approx. 6 hours. And, yes folks, it is STILL COLD!!!!!
So, I can personally attest to the fact that the Foogo is really quite wonderful! I highley recommend it and I am just really bummed they don't seem to make them in larger sizes. LG will drink two or three a day because it's only 12 oz.
Love the Foogo!
Here it is... the FooGo Thermos! So, I live in the desert, where up until 3 days ago the average temperature had been in the 90s (and the first 6 weeks we lived here, when the sun was up it was not BELOW 95). So, it's hot and we need to keep hydrated. Water and water bottles become close and fast friends out here.
Well, before we moved out here I heard about these FooGo things and read that they keep items cold for up to something like 12 hours. I have admit, I was skeptical but I knew LG would need something to keep him cool during this ridiculous summer heat (it is not really as bad because it is dry but hot is hot).
With 12 oz Foogo in hand, we headed to day care on the first full day. I brought the cup with me and forgot to bring it inside my office and LEFT IT IN THE CAR! Ok, so, it's early August, in the desert valley, although I am parked under a small tree there is still a pretty solid chance the car reached upwards of 120 deg., right?
Well, at 3PM I head to pick up LG. Water has been in car for approx. 6 hours. And, yes folks, it is STILL COLD!!!!!
So, I can personally attest to the fact that the Foogo is really quite wonderful! I highley recommend it and I am just really bummed they don't seem to make them in larger sizes. LG will drink two or three a day because it's only 12 oz.
Love the Foogo!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
West, east and back again
One week ago, I spent the evening packing my small bag for my business trip back east. I checked the weather online and it was supposed to be in the low 70s and at night in the upper 50s. It was going to rain a couple days but... when we landed I had to call my friend to bring a fleece! It had been about 10 degrees colder than anyone expected -- especially me! I stepped off the plane wearing cas black pants and a nice fitted T. I was sweating when I got the airport in the Valley at 6AM! When I stepped off the plane, chills went up my spine... it was COLD!
Not really, it was actually beautiful. I never really thought I would think rainy and chilly was beautiful but I think because it was such an extreme contrast to the Valley, I really appreciated it.
Wonderfully, the trip back east was for work but I certainly took advantage of being in town to try and see EVERYONE I could. I still feel like I could have stayed for another week just to spend more time with some really dear, dear friends! But, on Monday, I was so missing my boys I was almost in tears. I just missed them so badly and had another whole day and a half.
I cannot end this posting without especially thanking A, PW, & KD, my dearest, sweetest ones for all of their love, hospitality and GAS! I also have to say how much I love Va Piano, Irish pub until 1:00AM, and sleeping in on a rainy Saturday until 10! So, even though I missed my boys it was the first time since LG was born that I went out to a bar past midnight and then slept in until after 10! It was wonderful and RAINY too! Yes, I have to mention again about how the contrast of the rain and wet to the sun and dry was just refreshing.
I love you all back east! I cannot wait until Christmas. I think we will back there for about 4-5 weeks!!!! WAHOO! Only about 11 weeks until we get to be back home.
Yes, today it was over 100, again.
Not really, it was actually beautiful. I never really thought I would think rainy and chilly was beautiful but I think because it was such an extreme contrast to the Valley, I really appreciated it.
Wonderfully, the trip back east was for work but I certainly took advantage of being in town to try and see EVERYONE I could. I still feel like I could have stayed for another week just to spend more time with some really dear, dear friends! But, on Monday, I was so missing my boys I was almost in tears. I just missed them so badly and had another whole day and a half.
I cannot end this posting without especially thanking A, PW, & KD, my dearest, sweetest ones for all of their love, hospitality and GAS! I also have to say how much I love Va Piano, Irish pub until 1:00AM, and sleeping in on a rainy Saturday until 10! So, even though I missed my boys it was the first time since LG was born that I went out to a bar past midnight and then slept in until after 10! It was wonderful and RAINY too! Yes, I have to mention again about how the contrast of the rain and wet to the sun and dry was just refreshing.
I love you all back east! I cannot wait until Christmas. I think we will back there for about 4-5 weeks!!!! WAHOO! Only about 11 weeks until we get to be back home.
Yes, today it was over 100, again.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
CVS vs. Walgreens
CVS... we had one right down the street from our town-home back East and really lived there. It was so convenient and everything was laid out so nicely. The carpet is a nice touch. The one drawback was that if you were on one of the two-sided signs you needed to know Spanish. Si...
Well, we thought Walgreens would be similar, right? New store, in our nice desert neighborhood, right next to the hospital, easily accessible from a couple roads, convenient, has a pharmacy and other items one needs... So what is the difference!
CVS ROCKS and Walgreens -- at least this one -- is just not cool. The shelves are stacked up to the ceiling, the linoleum is just gross, and there just does not seem to be any signage.
Now, every CVS I have been to, on the other hand, the shelves do not go up over your head, nor are there items places above. There are signs everywhere - in multiple languages - and clearly written. The carpets are usually clean and things are just very organized.
Next time, I will drive the few extra miles (I think it's only 2) to hit the CVS!
Well, we thought Walgreens would be similar, right? New store, in our nice desert neighborhood, right next to the hospital, easily accessible from a couple roads, convenient, has a pharmacy and other items one needs... So what is the difference!
CVS ROCKS and Walgreens -- at least this one -- is just not cool. The shelves are stacked up to the ceiling, the linoleum is just gross, and there just does not seem to be any signage.
Now, every CVS I have been to, on the other hand, the shelves do not go up over your head, nor are there items places above. There are signs everywhere - in multiple languages - and clearly written. The carpets are usually clean and things are just very organized.
Next time, I will drive the few extra miles (I think it's only 2) to hit the CVS!
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