I know that as the Mom I am in charge of everything around here. Apparently, that also included my kids' calendars and schedules. Lately, that is a nearly a full time job.
The Boy is in Boy Scouts. They are supposedly meeting each week on Wednesday, but lately we have had extra Pow Wow (read: earn a merit badge) meetings on Tuesdays, activities on a Saturday (today they are doing Orienteering) and there is a Court of Honor coming on a Thursday.
The Boy is also taking a Geology Merit Badge class at our school's Space Center. That is every Thursday this month. We signed up for these way back in November and we didn't know what we were getting into then. In January he did one of these classes on Aviation. The classes are great, but they are time intensive too.
Then, The Boy has a rather large part in their 6th grade play. The performance was coming up the end of this month, but yesterday it got moved to the first week of April. It is a great experience for him to try drama, work with a group, take direction, and perform for an audience. The cast is having to gear up for the performance levels at which they should be.
Then for fun, The Boy and The Girl babysat last night for a friend--they are a 2-for-1 at this stage of their babysitting. They make a little money and come home understanding why Mom and Dad make them do things a certain way. It is good my my parenting ego to hear they think we taught them some good stuff.
I don't usually think we have over scheduled our kids. Just this month is a little tricky. I told The Boy this week, on the way home from rehearsal, that when April comes, he will have so much time on his hands he won't know what to do. I offered to think up some new jobs for him to do to fill his time. He politely declined. Oh well.
In the meantime, whenever I hear "Have your people call my people" I'll have the phone ready.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
The End is Near! Please?
I feel overwhelmed today. Not physically; I can usually put up with most things that come along. No, I am feeling overwhelmed by the craziness that is happening in the world. And get this, I didn't even listen to talk radio yesterday. The craziness I am watching is happening right here, all around, to people I love.
I have been aware that the world was taking a dive for a long time. But in the past 2 1/2 years or so it seems to have accelerated. Selfishness, excuses, disregarded, fear, delusion, hurt, confusion. I see some people who waded in these things. Some are thrown into the deep of these by others; some bring themselves to the edge and jump.
I don't want to name names or be too specific. But my heart is breaking for so many that seem to have lost their way and consequently are making the waters pretty choppy for those sailing behind them.
It just isn't how life should be, according to my rosy glasses. But the tint of these glasses has been slowly fading as well and maybe that is the problem at its root. I am becoming more cynical. I expect trouble rather than help. I am discouraged by choices others make that are directly affecting those around them.
I have hope that the things affecting my friends and loved ones will, in the long run, work out for the best. But that will be a long time coming for some. For others, I wonder if they will even have the strength to survive the turmoil in their lives. Seemingly, no one is immune. My friends, we've got trouble, right here in River City!
I see things getting worse before they get better. I sound like the doom-sayers, now, don't I? But I sure can't see another way around this mess. No way but through. And that doesn't sound good at all. But I keep getting up and going day to day, trying to do better than yesterday. My thinking today is a little discouraged, but I'm already out of bed, so I guess I keep at it.
I am glad I am not in charge of things. I just hope He will take care of so many that need His help. My hands are full at the moment with those in my own neighborhood. I am sure He can cover me and get the others I can't help. That is my hope. He is my hope.
Otherwise, let's get to the end of this right now. What do you say? Then we can all take a deep breath and be done.
I have been aware that the world was taking a dive for a long time. But in the past 2 1/2 years or so it seems to have accelerated. Selfishness, excuses, disregarded, fear, delusion, hurt, confusion. I see some people who waded in these things. Some are thrown into the deep of these by others; some bring themselves to the edge and jump.
I don't want to name names or be too specific. But my heart is breaking for so many that seem to have lost their way and consequently are making the waters pretty choppy for those sailing behind them.
It just isn't how life should be, according to my rosy glasses. But the tint of these glasses has been slowly fading as well and maybe that is the problem at its root. I am becoming more cynical. I expect trouble rather than help. I am discouraged by choices others make that are directly affecting those around them.
I have hope that the things affecting my friends and loved ones will, in the long run, work out for the best. But that will be a long time coming for some. For others, I wonder if they will even have the strength to survive the turmoil in their lives. Seemingly, no one is immune. My friends, we've got trouble, right here in River City!
I see things getting worse before they get better. I sound like the doom-sayers, now, don't I? But I sure can't see another way around this mess. No way but through. And that doesn't sound good at all. But I keep getting up and going day to day, trying to do better than yesterday. My thinking today is a little discouraged, but I'm already out of bed, so I guess I keep at it.
I am glad I am not in charge of things. I just hope He will take care of so many that need His help. My hands are full at the moment with those in my own neighborhood. I am sure He can cover me and get the others I can't help. That is my hope. He is my hope.
Otherwise, let's get to the end of this right now. What do you say? Then we can all take a deep breath and be done.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The BIG One
If you thought today's post would be about the earthquake foretold to drop California into the ocean, or the final global warming that melts the ice caps, I am sorry to disappoint you. My post for today is about the BIG Counselor appointment I get to go to with The Girl today. The SEOP.
SEOP is supposed to stand for Student Educational Occupation Plan. It is basically a counselor's appointment where together we map out the last four years of public school for The Girl.
First, How did she get this old? When did this happen? I have flashbacks like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride. Remember, the little girl sitting at the table, telling her dad "I met someone and we're in love and we're getting marrrrried."
Second, I am a little confused about the 'occupation' part. Are we interested in her finishing school first? Are we talking about the occupation she might want after years of college?! It took me 5 years and five majors to decide my 'occupation' and then it was a kindly academic advisor who basically told me that I was taking up space in the university so I had better pick a major and finished it. I was close to earning a couple there for a while. I don't want her to have that kind of pressure NOW.
Third, Our system here has 9th grade at the junior high still, so can we really make a plan that will help her through high school as well, or will the HS counselors want to get a piece of her too when she gets there?
If you ask her, she would like to be an animal trainer when she grows up. That is wonderful, sounding. We don't even have a dog. We have killed fish and hermit crabs. Genius Golfer is allergic to cats (at least that is what he SAYS). We have babysat for a coupe of dog friends--they both made successful escape attempts. We had to run around the neighborhood to find them. I am just not sure she has enough animal experience to choose a career like that at this point.
She is a very good student, so I hope she just finds something that is interesting, that engages her curiosity, and that she can enjoy. But I don't have high hopes for the 8th grade guidance counselor's appointment today to fill in all the blanks.
SEOP is supposed to stand for Student Educational Occupation Plan. It is basically a counselor's appointment where together we map out the last four years of public school for The Girl.
First, How did she get this old? When did this happen? I have flashbacks like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride. Remember, the little girl sitting at the table, telling her dad "I met someone and we're in love and we're getting marrrrried."
Second, I am a little confused about the 'occupation' part. Are we interested in her finishing school first? Are we talking about the occupation she might want after years of college?! It took me 5 years and five majors to decide my 'occupation' and then it was a kindly academic advisor who basically told me that I was taking up space in the university so I had better pick a major and finished it. I was close to earning a couple there for a while. I don't want her to have that kind of pressure NOW.
Third, Our system here has 9th grade at the junior high still, so can we really make a plan that will help her through high school as well, or will the HS counselors want to get a piece of her too when she gets there?
If you ask her, she would like to be an animal trainer when she grows up. That is wonderful, sounding. We don't even have a dog. We have killed fish and hermit crabs. Genius Golfer is allergic to cats (at least that is what he SAYS). We have babysat for a coupe of dog friends--they both made successful escape attempts. We had to run around the neighborhood to find them. I am just not sure she has enough animal experience to choose a career like that at this point.
She is a very good student, so I hope she just finds something that is interesting, that engages her curiosity, and that she can enjoy. But I don't have high hopes for the 8th grade guidance counselor's appointment today to fill in all the blanks.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
At the Gates
Do you ever think one way about someone famous, then they do something or you find out something that changes your idea of them?
I just ran across an article online from Vogue magazine about Melinda Gates, wife to Bill, co-namesake to the world's largest private charitable foundation. She has been the "and Melinda" to Bill for many years. She was a Microsoft employee since 1987, where she worked on projects like Encarta and Expedia, according to the article. They were married in 1994 and together they have three children. She became a full time mom two years after their first child was born.
I suddenly find her fascinating.
She isn't usually the one most media outlets go to first. Face it, Bill can be pretty animated when he is excited about something. Melinda, meanwhile, appears more subdued and behind the scenes.
In the Vogue article, Melinda is interviewed specifically about their foundation and the goals and aspirations the world's power couple has with it. Talk about lofty ideas. Disease, Hunger, Financial security in 3rd World nations. Makes my lunch time conversations look like gibberish.
Warren Buffett has promised the foundation the bulk of his wealth too, so it isn't just the Microsoft millions, billions, trillions, whatever it is. With the world's richest man pledging to join to cause, there is a lot of high end money going into this project. Maybe they can afford loftier goals.
I liked the way Melinda looks at all her work. She values the role she has with her children, yet recognizes the responsibility she has to make the world a better place because of the wealth they have. She looks to the long term to see the goals they have for the foundation and how they might meet them. There is a lot of dedication and drive behind those goals, and the same dedication and drive seem to be behind Melinda as well.
One other thing I enjoy in looking for a moment into her life is the real-life sense she seems to have with her kids. They need normalcy, not a glass case. They need to get along in the world without a bubble of indulgence. She nailed that concept, didn't she? All kids need that. And there are many more people, with no where near the wealth the Gates' have, that can't figure that out.
I caught myself smiling as I read about the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation and about her more personally in this article. I smiled because there are still bright people out in the world trying to do their best and helping others with the blessings they have been given. Too often we only hear about the greed and unscrupulousness of the super rich. Certainly there are more that try to do good in the world that we don't hear about. I am glad Melinda opened up a bit and shared the good they are doing. That gives me hope. And a wish to do a little better in my sphere of influence. Our spheres are not equal in size, but our influence might be comparable. I hope.
http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/2009/02/gates-of-heaven/
I just ran across an article online from Vogue magazine about Melinda Gates, wife to Bill, co-namesake to the world's largest private charitable foundation. She has been the "and Melinda" to Bill for many years. She was a Microsoft employee since 1987, where she worked on projects like Encarta and Expedia, according to the article. They were married in 1994 and together they have three children. She became a full time mom two years after their first child was born.
I suddenly find her fascinating.
She isn't usually the one most media outlets go to first. Face it, Bill can be pretty animated when he is excited about something. Melinda, meanwhile, appears more subdued and behind the scenes.
In the Vogue article, Melinda is interviewed specifically about their foundation and the goals and aspirations the world's power couple has with it. Talk about lofty ideas. Disease, Hunger, Financial security in 3rd World nations. Makes my lunch time conversations look like gibberish.
Warren Buffett has promised the foundation the bulk of his wealth too, so it isn't just the Microsoft millions, billions, trillions, whatever it is. With the world's richest man pledging to join to cause, there is a lot of high end money going into this project. Maybe they can afford loftier goals.
I liked the way Melinda looks at all her work. She values the role she has with her children, yet recognizes the responsibility she has to make the world a better place because of the wealth they have. She looks to the long term to see the goals they have for the foundation and how they might meet them. There is a lot of dedication and drive behind those goals, and the same dedication and drive seem to be behind Melinda as well.
One other thing I enjoy in looking for a moment into her life is the real-life sense she seems to have with her kids. They need normalcy, not a glass case. They need to get along in the world without a bubble of indulgence. She nailed that concept, didn't she? All kids need that. And there are many more people, with no where near the wealth the Gates' have, that can't figure that out.
I caught myself smiling as I read about the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation and about her more personally in this article. I smiled because there are still bright people out in the world trying to do their best and helping others with the blessings they have been given. Too often we only hear about the greed and unscrupulousness of the super rich. Certainly there are more that try to do good in the world that we don't hear about. I am glad Melinda opened up a bit and shared the good they are doing. That gives me hope. And a wish to do a little better in my sphere of influence. Our spheres are not equal in size, but our influence might be comparable. I hope.
http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/2009/02/gates-of-heaven/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Exactly
This morning in my personal study time, I was reading on 'obedience' and noticed something new about the Stripling Warriors that Helaman led into battle with such success. Not only did they trust what their mothers had taught them, but this time I noticed that their faith was so complete it caused them to be exactly obedient. The verse reads "...they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them...."
It made me think about what I do to "exactness". I am afraid there isn't much. I'm more of a "good enough" girl. But if those warriors were blessed according to their obedience, maybe I should rethink my plans.
No one, seemingly at least, is "exact" anymore. Most of us just get by. We are generally trying to do our best, but it sure feels like we have a lot of outside influences we must deal with simultaneously that nudge us off course from being "exact".
Certainly there are some professions that demand exactness in those who undertake them. Brain or heart surgeons come immediately to mind. Bankers and other financial professionals--one would hope--but the news has proven that only a theory of late, am I right? But for the most part, there is a lot of leeway for most of us.
Maybe that is the real trick here. The "exactness" of the 2000 Stripling Warriors came by their complete faith, but more importantly that faith drove them to desire exactness. If we want to do what is right, we will find a way to do it completely. I suppose the "wanting to" is the harder point for us, simply because we like to think we can do what we want. We cannot expect blessings like they received without relinquishing our will to the Lord's. If we shift to wanting what He wants for us, then our desire to be exact will follow. Only then we can be blessed "according to our faith".
While I recognize that strength comes from making personal strides to become better each day, there are times when waving a wand and leaving it to magic would just be easier. But that is not the plan we signed on for, now, is it? Dangit. Easy wasn't part of the deal. Exactly.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Phones Schmones
I tried making a call yesterday afternoon and got an annoying three chime tone along with a recorded voice telling me "the local number you are trying to reach must be redialed to include the area code" or something like that.
That is right. We have to dial all 10 digits to reach our neighbor across the street from now on. Long distance numbers will be proceeded by only the extra "1". I think it is crazy.
Apparently the addition of a new area code isn't something most people like to deal with. Folks don't like to have their own area code changed, so the phone company decided instead to do an overlay area code. So we have 2 area codes for our region now. It began on Sunday. New phones number requests around here will be getting the new area code, and the oldies keep the original one.
I don't remember it myself, but I like movies where they pick up the wall mounted ear piece and talk into the wall mounted mouthpiece and ask for "Dexter 153" or something. Wouldn't they be shaking their heads at us now?
How many numbers do most homes have? The land line, the Internet connection, the On-Demand TV line, mom and dad's cell phones, kids' cell phones. Too many, I say. But progress hasn't ever stopped for my opinion so I don't think it will now.
So if you call me, be sure to use all 10 digits. If I call you, I'll try to remember, but let's be honest here, I don't like the phone much anyway. This is just another reason to stay off of it.
That is right. We have to dial all 10 digits to reach our neighbor across the street from now on. Long distance numbers will be proceeded by only the extra "1". I think it is crazy.
Apparently the addition of a new area code isn't something most people like to deal with. Folks don't like to have their own area code changed, so the phone company decided instead to do an overlay area code. So we have 2 area codes for our region now. It began on Sunday. New phones number requests around here will be getting the new area code, and the oldies keep the original one.
I don't remember it myself, but I like movies where they pick up the wall mounted ear piece and talk into the wall mounted mouthpiece and ask for "Dexter 153" or something. Wouldn't they be shaking their heads at us now?
How many numbers do most homes have? The land line, the Internet connection, the On-Demand TV line, mom and dad's cell phones, kids' cell phones. Too many, I say. But progress hasn't ever stopped for my opinion so I don't think it will now.
So if you call me, be sure to use all 10 digits. If I call you, I'll try to remember, but let's be honest here, I don't like the phone much anyway. This is just another reason to stay off of it.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Weekend Update
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to get away from it all, but be able to return as soon as you needed to? Sure it would be great to go away to Barbados and exchange real life for beaches and fruity drinks, but what do you do when you realize you have 40 minutes to make it home for something? You are hosed.
Well, this weekend I got away from it all, and traded real life for total relaxation with some very dear friends. We were only about 40 minutes away, in truth, but it felt like a million miles.
We were in the mountains in a beautiful villa--see, I sounds like someone who knows what this life is like regularly already! The sun was shining and the mountains were glistening and I ate more seafood and drank more Diet Coke than I probably should have done. But it was fantastic!
I did come home yesterday evening and quickly fell into my responsibilities, but that is OK. I had a brief respite and felt rejuvenated. I laughed harder than I have in many months; I talked later into the night than I have for many, many months; and I learned a new card game, only to realize when I thought I won, I was in fact, cheating. But that was OK, as my friendly escapees only teased me about it and let it go.
Sometimes moms need a full break, not just from one part of your life, but from all of it. That is what this overnight escape was like. Getting away from it all is really only worth it so you can get back to it all anyway, but this time with the attitude that you enjoy it.
Well, this weekend I got away from it all, and traded real life for total relaxation with some very dear friends. We were only about 40 minutes away, in truth, but it felt like a million miles.
We were in the mountains in a beautiful villa--see, I sounds like someone who knows what this life is like regularly already! The sun was shining and the mountains were glistening and I ate more seafood and drank more Diet Coke than I probably should have done. But it was fantastic!
I did come home yesterday evening and quickly fell into my responsibilities, but that is OK. I had a brief respite and felt rejuvenated. I laughed harder than I have in many months; I talked later into the night than I have for many, many months; and I learned a new card game, only to realize when I thought I won, I was in fact, cheating. But that was OK, as my friendly escapees only teased me about it and let it go.
Sometimes moms need a full break, not just from one part of your life, but from all of it. That is what this overnight escape was like. Getting away from it all is really only worth it so you can get back to it all anyway, but this time with the attitude that you enjoy it.
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