Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Worst Job Ever
We've all had them. Yep, it's those jobs we've had or have that cause us to groan just thinking about them. Life threw our family a curve ball last year and I needed a job ... fast. Friends of mine own a cleaning company and were looking for help in the office and, Hey, I have experience working in an office. It's a win-win. Except..... more often than not, I'm out cleaning. I HATE CLEANING. Always have. Growing up, my parents cleaned a bingo hall for a little extra money. That's fine except my sister and I had to come along .... and help. Most of it wasn't bad but the bathrooms .... Let's just say the elderly don't always manage to hit their target. It was enough to make me gag and refuse to clean bathrooms. (just ask my college roommate). So now I am cleaning other people's homes. Some aren't bad. Some are well maintained. Others are complete pig stys. In the office, I talk to customers who get mad because we have sent a new team to their house and, to quote, "They are not my kind!" Yes, I have some that actually complain because we have sent non-English speaking employees to their home. On the other hand, we have clients who prefer non- Enlish speaking teams --- so they don't have to have a conversation with them. I am asked if all the clients homes are for rich people. That is the misconception. Sure, there are quite a few super-sized homes that we clean. But the question should be whether those homes are maintained in between cleans. The truth of the matter is some are, some are not. Having money does not make people organized or self-sufficient. Neither does not having money. The homes I don't mind cleaning are for our clients who are elderly or sick or handicapped. These are the people who truly need the help and are more often than not, grateful for the extra hand on the duties they can no longer do themselves. But there are those other homes, where we may clean on a regular basis, but they do absolutely nothing in between to help themselves. The kitchens which are spotless when we leave, are covered in spaghetti sauce, crumbs, and various other food the very next week we come. There are parents who are not teaching their children the importance of cleaning up after themselves; picking up toys, clothes, food items. They leave it for the maids to do for them. Pure laziness as far as I'm concerned. Today I was sent to an empty apartment. Our job was do wash everything down because the elderly tenant was gone and his son (or grandson, not sure) was going to move in. I walked in and wanted to cry. The apartment was small (thankfully) I'd estimate not more than 500 square feet total, but disgustingly dirty. Years worth of cobwebs hung from the ceiling and walls. Dust and dirt covered the baseboards and cabinets. I've cleaned some neglected places before but not like this. My teammate and I did our best in 4 1/2 hours, but in the end, I refused to do the toilet bowl as it was so black inside I didn't know what health hazards I'd be facing. In the midst of wanting to quit my job all together (remember I took an office job, not the cleaning) I truly felt sorry for the man who had lived there. Not knowing his health issues or his age, I do know he was neglected by his family who ALLOWED him to live in such filth. Obviously they live close enough that one of them wants to take over the apartment. I can honestly say I'm glad the family member who called us to do the clean was not in attendance today. While I can be very tactful, I think I would have had a difficult time not expressing my opinions of their apparent disregard for family. No, it's not the first time I've seen it. I've cleaned a kitchen in a home that had not been cleaned in six years. I only cleaned the kitchen because that is all I had time to do in the 2-hour time limit we had. That woman had us come in because someone cared enough to buy a gift certificate for her. We did what we could in that time, but I know that unless she finds the money to have us come back,... or family to come in to help, her house will get to the point where it will be better off to condemn than clean. Just last month, with 3 feet of snow on the ground, I had a rat run across my foot as I walked up to the entrance of a home. Yes, this is the worst job I've ever had. But it's a paycheck right now. Is it building character? I don't know about that. But when it comes to the expression "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger" I have to add "Hey Doc, when was my last tetanus shot?" So that's my worst job story. How about you?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Gina's Sister
Last year, my sister Michele earned her nursing degree and, of course, we are all very proud of her. For her graduation, I borrowed a friend's video camera and she told me her husband would transfer onto a DVD for me. Awesome, right? Well.... When I got the DVD back, written on the DVD itself it said "Gina's Sister"
Okay, I laughed. This is Michele's big day captured on video and her name isn't on it. But it get's better. My friend's husband went so far as to put actual title's ON THE DVD itself and what is captured forever on this video is Gina's Sister's Graduation. I laughed so hard I cried. This has now become a running joke in our household. Birthday and Christmas cards are addressed to: Gina's Sister or 'Love Gina's Sister, Gina's Brother-in-Law, Gina's Niece and Gina's Nephew"
Then I got my contract to be published. My parents, while at a block party last year talked about my being published. This was at the same time Michele and her family moved out of our parent's house (where they lived while Michele finished school) and rented a house not too far away. The easiest way to describe it to the nieghbor's was to mention a big, ugly fence. Well, they have one neighbor that isn't the most tactful. While my parents were talking about my book, he said, "Well, it's not like she's going to be famous!" About a week later, my sister, doing a favor for my parents, came in contact with this neighbor's son. He asked this, "Are you the daughter with the book or the one who lives in the house with the ugly fence?" Michele replied, "I'm the NURSE who lives in the house with the ugly fence."
This past week we had a death in our family and saw many, many relatives whom we have not seen in years. My book has been out about 2 months and it's still a hot topic amongst the family. So as my mom is introducing us to her cousins the conversations went along these lines. "This is my oldest daughter, Gina." Their reply, "Oh, you're the one who wrote the book?" Then my mom would say, and my daughter, Michele, who is a nurse."
Thank goodness my sister has a sense of humor because God knows I could NEVER do her job. I admire her more than she knows. Michele was one of those people who needed time after high school before she was ready for college, but once she decided she was, she put everything into it. But she was also a mother at that point, as well. She got straight A's while working and going to school at night. She had 2 children when she decided go for her nursing. Her dedication and drive is amazing and she achieved her dream. The job she does is hard and exhausting and so much more deserving of recognition.
Yes, my book is published and my dream came true, but I would be proud and honored to be introduced as Michele's sister.
Okay, I laughed. This is Michele's big day captured on video and her name isn't on it. But it get's better. My friend's husband went so far as to put actual title's ON THE DVD itself and what is captured forever on this video is Gina's Sister's Graduation. I laughed so hard I cried. This has now become a running joke in our household. Birthday and Christmas cards are addressed to: Gina's Sister or 'Love Gina's Sister, Gina's Brother-in-Law, Gina's Niece and Gina's Nephew"
Then I got my contract to be published. My parents, while at a block party last year talked about my being published. This was at the same time Michele and her family moved out of our parent's house (where they lived while Michele finished school) and rented a house not too far away. The easiest way to describe it to the nieghbor's was to mention a big, ugly fence. Well, they have one neighbor that isn't the most tactful. While my parents were talking about my book, he said, "Well, it's not like she's going to be famous!" About a week later, my sister, doing a favor for my parents, came in contact with this neighbor's son. He asked this, "Are you the daughter with the book or the one who lives in the house with the ugly fence?" Michele replied, "I'm the NURSE who lives in the house with the ugly fence."
This past week we had a death in our family and saw many, many relatives whom we have not seen in years. My book has been out about 2 months and it's still a hot topic amongst the family. So as my mom is introducing us to her cousins the conversations went along these lines. "This is my oldest daughter, Gina." Their reply, "Oh, you're the one who wrote the book?" Then my mom would say, and my daughter, Michele, who is a nurse."
Thank goodness my sister has a sense of humor because God knows I could NEVER do her job. I admire her more than she knows. Michele was one of those people who needed time after high school before she was ready for college, but once she decided she was, she put everything into it. But she was also a mother at that point, as well. She got straight A's while working and going to school at night. She had 2 children when she decided go for her nursing. Her dedication and drive is amazing and she achieved her dream. The job she does is hard and exhausting and so much more deserving of recognition.
Yes, my book is published and my dream came true, but I would be proud and honored to be introduced as Michele's sister.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Hydrant Flushing
While taking our dog on our morning walk we discovered the city was doing a bit of hydrant flushing. Two things were clarified for me: 1) my son is a madman and 2) my dog is a diva.
The hydrant at the corner of our street was opened on the side, forcing the water straight out and down the hill. While my son really, really wanted to run into that hydrant, all my mind could see was him being lifted off the ground and thrown down the street like nothing more than the water. So, being the mommy that I am, I had to say NO. Instead of turning around and heading up the hill, we continued down and waded in the cool water.
Well, my son and I waded. Hollyberry on the other hand.... Let's just say my dog does not like the water. She walked in it but it was like watching a dog walk on tip-toes. As we turned the corner, my son screamed "Puddle Jumping" and proceeded to splash in every puddle. Hollyberry proceeded to jump OVER or around every puddle.
We continued our normal path which leads us down to the elementary school and what did we find? Another hydrant open. This one was open on the top and gave a huge spray upward. My son's eyes widened and I couldn't resist. For the next 10 minutes, I watched as he ran, jumped, screamed, giggled through the water. I did not join in, not because I didn't think it would be fun, but Diva Dog had plopped herself behind a rock and was not budging. Now, I don't know if it has to do with the water itself or the roar of sound these hydrants made (or maybe it stems from when my son was out in the sprinkler in the front yard, picked up the dog and held her in the water of the sprikler?) but she was in full Shiba Attitude mode.
When it was time to head back, Hollyberry gladly headed up the path away from the hydrant at the school, but once we reached the street and the rushing water of the other hydrant, she planted her feet. The only way I was getting home was if I carried her.
Of course, I didn't take my camera out walking the dog, but it was too fun not to get pictures. With the dog safely back at home, I grabbed the camera and headed back out with my son, who of course did not mind getting a second chance to have fun.
The hydrant at the corner of our street was opened on the side, forcing the water straight out and down the hill. While my son really, really wanted to run into that hydrant, all my mind could see was him being lifted off the ground and thrown down the street like nothing more than the water. So, being the mommy that I am, I had to say NO. Instead of turning around and heading up the hill, we continued down and waded in the cool water.
Well, my son and I waded. Hollyberry on the other hand.... Let's just say my dog does not like the water. She walked in it but it was like watching a dog walk on tip-toes. As we turned the corner, my son screamed "Puddle Jumping" and proceeded to splash in every puddle. Hollyberry proceeded to jump OVER or around every puddle.
We continued our normal path which leads us down to the elementary school and what did we find? Another hydrant open. This one was open on the top and gave a huge spray upward. My son's eyes widened and I couldn't resist. For the next 10 minutes, I watched as he ran, jumped, screamed, giggled through the water. I did not join in, not because I didn't think it would be fun, but Diva Dog had plopped herself behind a rock and was not budging. Now, I don't know if it has to do with the water itself or the roar of sound these hydrants made (or maybe it stems from when my son was out in the sprinkler in the front yard, picked up the dog and held her in the water of the sprikler?) but she was in full Shiba Attitude mode.
When it was time to head back, Hollyberry gladly headed up the path away from the hydrant at the school, but once we reached the street and the rushing water of the other hydrant, she planted her feet. The only way I was getting home was if I carried her.
Of course, I didn't take my camera out walking the dog, but it was too fun not to get pictures. With the dog safely back at home, I grabbed the camera and headed back out with my son, who of course did not mind getting a second chance to have fun.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Official Release of A Lesson In Love
Woo Hoo! Today is the official release date of A Lesson In Love. What a ride it has been for me to get to this place. I am beyond excited right now. I wanted to take this moment to extend my thank you to several people.
I received my advance copies on Saturday, just in time for Mother's Day. I immediately headed to my parents to give them the first signed copy. I dedicated this first book to them because they have always believed I could accomplish this dream and have been supportive (and even kicked my butt into gear when I faltered) and have been my biggest cheerleaders. I also dedicated the book to my Nana, who was very proud of me when I got my contract. I know she is with me in spirit today as I celebrate. Thank you is too small for what I feel for them.
Thank you to my husband, who was understanding when I was writing and sometime didn't manage to do anything around the house. He would come home from work, cook dinner, do laundry and dishes and look after our son while I typed away at the computer. My son has also been a trooper. I'll admit there were times I was thankful for "ON DEMAND" that kept him busy while I worked. But he's also a big cheerleader for me. We'll be driving and he'll roll down his window and yell out, "Gina Leuci dot com. Gina Leuci dot com" because he's getting me customers.
Whenever anyone tells me they want to write and what advice can I give them, I immediately tell them to join a writer's group like RWA. Many, many thanks go to the women I have met at the NH chapter of RWA. I have learned and continue to learn so much from them. Whether they are published or not, as writers we have all walked this journey together and I have been blessed to count these women as friends. I know I would not have made it to the published stage of my career without their critiques and guidance. So thank you.
I also have to thank Lisa and Linda of L&L Dreamspell. Lisa saw the potential of my manuscript and took the time to advise me on what I needed to change to make the story work. Linda gave me an incredible, beautiful cover that captures the essence of my story.
To you, my friends and family, you have supported and cheered me on as I have counted down to this amazing day. I could have been a pain in the behind with my enthusiasm and continued talk about my book --and if I was, you have all been wonderfuly silent about that but equally loud in your support and encouragement. I know I have amazing friends out there and I want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you.
So, in honor of my friends and in celebration of this momentous occassion, I will raffle off a signed copy of my book. If you would like to enter this raffle, all you need to do is comment on this blog between now and Sunday evening. I will choose a winner on Monday morning.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Thank you.
Gina Leuci
author of A Lesson In Love
(yeah, that sounds nice)
I received my advance copies on Saturday, just in time for Mother's Day. I immediately headed to my parents to give them the first signed copy. I dedicated this first book to them because they have always believed I could accomplish this dream and have been supportive (and even kicked my butt into gear when I faltered) and have been my biggest cheerleaders. I also dedicated the book to my Nana, who was very proud of me when I got my contract. I know she is with me in spirit today as I celebrate. Thank you is too small for what I feel for them.
Thank you to my husband, who was understanding when I was writing and sometime didn't manage to do anything around the house. He would come home from work, cook dinner, do laundry and dishes and look after our son while I typed away at the computer. My son has also been a trooper. I'll admit there were times I was thankful for "ON DEMAND" that kept him busy while I worked. But he's also a big cheerleader for me. We'll be driving and he'll roll down his window and yell out, "Gina Leuci dot com. Gina Leuci dot com" because he's getting me customers.
Whenever anyone tells me they want to write and what advice can I give them, I immediately tell them to join a writer's group like RWA. Many, many thanks go to the women I have met at the NH chapter of RWA. I have learned and continue to learn so much from them. Whether they are published or not, as writers we have all walked this journey together and I have been blessed to count these women as friends. I know I would not have made it to the published stage of my career without their critiques and guidance. So thank you.
I also have to thank Lisa and Linda of L&L Dreamspell. Lisa saw the potential of my manuscript and took the time to advise me on what I needed to change to make the story work. Linda gave me an incredible, beautiful cover that captures the essence of my story.
To you, my friends and family, you have supported and cheered me on as I have counted down to this amazing day. I could have been a pain in the behind with my enthusiasm and continued talk about my book --and if I was, you have all been wonderfuly silent about that but equally loud in your support and encouragement. I know I have amazing friends out there and I want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you.
So, in honor of my friends and in celebration of this momentous occassion, I will raffle off a signed copy of my book. If you would like to enter this raffle, all you need to do is comment on this blog between now and Sunday evening. I will choose a winner on Monday morning.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Thank you.
Gina Leuci
author of A Lesson In Love
(yeah, that sounds nice)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Red Sox Nation
My parents took me, my husband, my sister and her husband to a Red Sox game yesterday. If you've never experienced game day in Boston, it is quite the experience. We decided to take public transportation into Boston and the fun started the moment we stepped into the subway parking lot.
We were all adorned with our Red Sox hats, shirts, sweatshirts and immediately met two men also dressed for the game. Instant commaraderie. But there is always that ONE. Getting onto the T, we met the fair-weather fan. "Who's going to win the world series this year?" Our answer: "We are." And that 's when it started. "Nope, it'll be the Yankees." And so our ride began. Now this gentleman knew his Red Sox history and he regaled us with trivia fact after trivia fact, but as one of our new commerades said later, "Being a Red Sox fan isn't about trivia. It isn't about how much you know about them. Being a Red Sox fan is in the heart." If it's in the heart, you don't fall in and out of love with them based on whether they are winning or losing.
Off the subway, we headed to Yawkey Way and Landsdown Street where we had to partake in the food from the outside vendors. Had to. It's tradition. Plus there is something about the smell of sausage, peppers and onions at the park.
Then it was time to go inside Fenway Park where everyone is an instant friend. We were located in left field ... right near the Green Monster. Wow, what a view. There is something magical about watching a Red Sox game from inside the park. From the moment we put our hands over our hearts and sang the national anthem, the air was filled with tangible energy. Let the game begin.
Now, I'll talk about the game in a moment, but first, I must mention the fans. Watching the people is as much of a show as the game itself. First, as a woman, I have to say, Ladies, if you are attending a baseball game, it is not a DATE, it is an event. Fenway park at night is not the place to be wearing spikey heels or dresses that barely cover your arse. Even my husband commente on how inappropriate it was. Jeans and your Red Sox sweatshirt with comfortable shoes, aka sneakers are fine. Don't worry about your man. He's a guy. Guys are pigs. If you've got a pulse, and you are cheering for their team, you're already in.
Then there is the effects of beer on the fans. The drunk guys that put their beer on our table while they struggled to open a peanut. "Oh, we just needed a place to put our beer for a moment. Our friend, he's dating a new girl and she's aweful. Oh, the drama." And off they went. Then we had a loud, foul-mouthed gentleman standing near us. Now, if you were going to use the F word in every sentance I wouldn't announce to the world around you that you are a cop and in what city you worked 'cause you never know who is going to be offended by your language. There was the drunk woman who hit on my brother-in-law by pulling on his hoodie sweatshirt and chatting him up ... while her boyfriend was beside her. Then there was the girl who spilled her beer all over the back of my mother's legs. Now, accidents happen, but when you ignore it and refuse to offer an apology ... Well, let's just say security was alerted and they stood and watched her for a while especially as she didn't look to be of an age where she should be drinking. A simple apology would have gove a long way in not getting my Irish up.
Another part of the whole experience was the fact that we had a brand new babysitter for our son. A fifteen year old from the neighborhood and this was going to be a nine hour babysitting day for her. My cell rang at 8:40. I missed the actual call and listened to the message. It was my son talking in quite the most forlorn voice ever. "Mommy, I miss you. Come home right now. I miss you. I love you. Bye." I did call right back, but only to reassure my little boy, but I had no intention of rushing back home. Instead, I replayed the message for everyone to hear while I laughed at my son's hysterics. The babysitter got a little extra for the drama.
Now for the game itself. Oh, the fun. The excitement. Baltimore scored first but it was early and the fans had faith. We were behind 3-0. Then came the 7th inning. That's when the Red Sox became red hot. Varitek. Youk. Lowell. Lackey pitched a good game and our boys were on fire. Until the 9th. That's when Baltimore came back. Okay, fans, I don't know how you can leave Fenway before the game is over. Baltimore brought the score up to within one. It was 7-6, Sox with 2 out, 2 on bottom of the ninth. Paplebon breathed. Paplebon focused. Paplebon struck them out. Red Sox won. Fenway was electric.
Back onto the T where it was so crowded we were pressed together like sardines. As Bill Cosby once said, There is a nut in every car. And sure enough, we met another. There were 3 couples that got somewhat separated because of the amount of people ... and they were also a bit drunk. Now these people were not at the game. (we found that out later) but they were loud and very funny to watch. And then my dad recognized the loudest as someone he knows from one of the stops he makes at work. Mark. Once Mark recognized my dad, he pushed his way through the crowd. "Jack. Jack. Oh, man, it's great to see you. Oh, these are your daughters. Let me tell you, I work with a lot of jerks, but your dad is one of the nicest guys I've ever met because I work with a lot of jerks. : And yes, it went on from there. That's how we found out it was Mark's birthday. We told our dad later that he'll have to remind Mark about seeing him on the subway because we highly doubt he'll remember any of it.
Yes, going to Boston on game day is an adventure. It's an experience that never gets old. And next month, my parents are going again... this time they are bringing the grandchildren. And I am so looking forward to hearing the stories the kids (and my parents) will be sharing then.
We were all adorned with our Red Sox hats, shirts, sweatshirts and immediately met two men also dressed for the game. Instant commaraderie. But there is always that ONE. Getting onto the T, we met the fair-weather fan. "Who's going to win the world series this year?" Our answer: "We are." And that 's when it started. "Nope, it'll be the Yankees." And so our ride began. Now this gentleman knew his Red Sox history and he regaled us with trivia fact after trivia fact, but as one of our new commerades said later, "Being a Red Sox fan isn't about trivia. It isn't about how much you know about them. Being a Red Sox fan is in the heart." If it's in the heart, you don't fall in and out of love with them based on whether they are winning or losing.
Off the subway, we headed to Yawkey Way and Landsdown Street where we had to partake in the food from the outside vendors. Had to. It's tradition. Plus there is something about the smell of sausage, peppers and onions at the park.
Then it was time to go inside Fenway Park where everyone is an instant friend. We were located in left field ... right near the Green Monster. Wow, what a view. There is something magical about watching a Red Sox game from inside the park. From the moment we put our hands over our hearts and sang the national anthem, the air was filled with tangible energy. Let the game begin.
Now, I'll talk about the game in a moment, but first, I must mention the fans. Watching the people is as much of a show as the game itself. First, as a woman, I have to say, Ladies, if you are attending a baseball game, it is not a DATE, it is an event. Fenway park at night is not the place to be wearing spikey heels or dresses that barely cover your arse. Even my husband commente on how inappropriate it was. Jeans and your Red Sox sweatshirt with comfortable shoes, aka sneakers are fine. Don't worry about your man. He's a guy. Guys are pigs. If you've got a pulse, and you are cheering for their team, you're already in.
Then there is the effects of beer on the fans. The drunk guys that put their beer on our table while they struggled to open a peanut. "Oh, we just needed a place to put our beer for a moment. Our friend, he's dating a new girl and she's aweful. Oh, the drama." And off they went. Then we had a loud, foul-mouthed gentleman standing near us. Now, if you were going to use the F word in every sentance I wouldn't announce to the world around you that you are a cop and in what city you worked 'cause you never know who is going to be offended by your language. There was the drunk woman who hit on my brother-in-law by pulling on his hoodie sweatshirt and chatting him up ... while her boyfriend was beside her. Then there was the girl who spilled her beer all over the back of my mother's legs. Now, accidents happen, but when you ignore it and refuse to offer an apology ... Well, let's just say security was alerted and they stood and watched her for a while especially as she didn't look to be of an age where she should be drinking. A simple apology would have gove a long way in not getting my Irish up.
Another part of the whole experience was the fact that we had a brand new babysitter for our son. A fifteen year old from the neighborhood and this was going to be a nine hour babysitting day for her. My cell rang at 8:40. I missed the actual call and listened to the message. It was my son talking in quite the most forlorn voice ever. "Mommy, I miss you. Come home right now. I miss you. I love you. Bye." I did call right back, but only to reassure my little boy, but I had no intention of rushing back home. Instead, I replayed the message for everyone to hear while I laughed at my son's hysterics. The babysitter got a little extra for the drama.
Now for the game itself. Oh, the fun. The excitement. Baltimore scored first but it was early and the fans had faith. We were behind 3-0. Then came the 7th inning. That's when the Red Sox became red hot. Varitek. Youk. Lowell. Lackey pitched a good game and our boys were on fire. Until the 9th. That's when Baltimore came back. Okay, fans, I don't know how you can leave Fenway before the game is over. Baltimore brought the score up to within one. It was 7-6, Sox with 2 out, 2 on bottom of the ninth. Paplebon breathed. Paplebon focused. Paplebon struck them out. Red Sox won. Fenway was electric.
Back onto the T where it was so crowded we were pressed together like sardines. As Bill Cosby once said, There is a nut in every car. And sure enough, we met another. There were 3 couples that got somewhat separated because of the amount of people ... and they were also a bit drunk. Now these people were not at the game. (we found that out later) but they were loud and very funny to watch. And then my dad recognized the loudest as someone he knows from one of the stops he makes at work. Mark. Once Mark recognized my dad, he pushed his way through the crowd. "Jack. Jack. Oh, man, it's great to see you. Oh, these are your daughters. Let me tell you, I work with a lot of jerks, but your dad is one of the nicest guys I've ever met because I work with a lot of jerks. : And yes, it went on from there. That's how we found out it was Mark's birthday. We told our dad later that he'll have to remind Mark about seeing him on the subway because we highly doubt he'll remember any of it.
Yes, going to Boston on game day is an adventure. It's an experience that never gets old. And next month, my parents are going again... this time they are bringing the grandchildren. And I am so looking forward to hearing the stories the kids (and my parents) will be sharing then.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The advantages to owning a dog
Top 5 Advantages to owning a new dog:
1) Your son is the most popular kid on the playground..
2) The dog is a great conversation starter.
3) Puppy kisses are the greatest.
4) You always know when someone arrives at your house... no doorbell necessary (good thing because mine needs batteries and the batteries have been dead for at least 6 mos)
And last but not least....
5) My fat jeans are now falling off my butt... from all the walks up and down the hill I live on. (okay, my skinny jeans are still too tight, but something's working.)
1) Your son is the most popular kid on the playground..
2) The dog is a great conversation starter.
3) Puppy kisses are the greatest.
4) You always know when someone arrives at your house... no doorbell necessary (good thing because mine needs batteries and the batteries have been dead for at least 6 mos)
And last but not least....
5) My fat jeans are now falling off my butt... from all the walks up and down the hill I live on. (okay, my skinny jeans are still too tight, but something's working.)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The fine line of parental advice
My son is the most outgoing person I know. From an early age, he would walk into a room and say, "Does anyone want to be my friend?" We lovingly refer to him as the Mayor because when we take walks he has to say hello to everyone we meet. He knows everyone and no one is a stranger for long.
That is why it is so hard as a parent to hear him say that he has no friends at school. There is one boy that is his best friend, but he is not in my son's class. When I drop my son off at school, is immediately runs to the playground and there is a girl who is older that allows him to chase her around. They have fun, but again, she is not in his class. Which makes recess lonely for my outgoing little man.
So what do we do as a parent? The first instict is to protect and to right the wrongs... not what is really needed here, though. So I let my son talk. And then I have to tell him that not everyone is going to be his friend even though he wants to be theirs. People are different with different interests and that is okay. If those kids don't want to include him then he needs to find other kids to play with. They won't let him in his club, start his own club.
Still I now watch the clock and when my son is out at recess, I pray that he is not feeling lonely because that is the last thing a mom wants and listening, reassuring, and giving hugs is the best thing I can do for him. This will not be the last time he will go through this, and I have to learn to sit back and gently encourage him from afar.
Then there is the child who was the rules breaker from day one. The child who despite what you said made the wrong choices over and over breaking your heart on a daily basis. Now he is an adult. Finally, we are seeing him make choices that put a glimmer of hope back in us. Choices that make us say, "Yes. He was listening after all." But now that son is learning a very hard lesson with these choices.
Sometimes the RIGHT choice is not the easiest, nor is it always the most popular. Making the right choice sometimes puts you on the outside looking in with those that you love. Again, as a parent you want to rush in, defend your child. While a small part of you also wants to gloat, just a tiny bit and say, "see, this is what you used to do to us," that was not the first emotion to hit or even to prevail.
Our role as parents is to guide. We talk with our children. We set the example. Then we have to sit back and hope they get it. So what do you do when they finally DO get it and it blows up in their face?
We tell them we are proud of them. We tell them to stand by their convictions, hold their head up high, and never compromise from what they know is right.
Being a parent can bring us many, many moments of joy, but it can also be a struggle when our emotions get in our way. So every night I pray that the way we have chosen to be parents, the choices we make as parents, that in the end helps our children in a positive way.
Now, on a completely different note, I want to send a BIG THANK YOU to Rachel Dawson for my beautiful new title header for my blog. I love it, Rachel.
That is why it is so hard as a parent to hear him say that he has no friends at school. There is one boy that is his best friend, but he is not in my son's class. When I drop my son off at school, is immediately runs to the playground and there is a girl who is older that allows him to chase her around. They have fun, but again, she is not in his class. Which makes recess lonely for my outgoing little man.
So what do we do as a parent? The first instict is to protect and to right the wrongs... not what is really needed here, though. So I let my son talk. And then I have to tell him that not everyone is going to be his friend even though he wants to be theirs. People are different with different interests and that is okay. If those kids don't want to include him then he needs to find other kids to play with. They won't let him in his club, start his own club.
Still I now watch the clock and when my son is out at recess, I pray that he is not feeling lonely because that is the last thing a mom wants and listening, reassuring, and giving hugs is the best thing I can do for him. This will not be the last time he will go through this, and I have to learn to sit back and gently encourage him from afar.
Then there is the child who was the rules breaker from day one. The child who despite what you said made the wrong choices over and over breaking your heart on a daily basis. Now he is an adult. Finally, we are seeing him make choices that put a glimmer of hope back in us. Choices that make us say, "Yes. He was listening after all." But now that son is learning a very hard lesson with these choices.
Sometimes the RIGHT choice is not the easiest, nor is it always the most popular. Making the right choice sometimes puts you on the outside looking in with those that you love. Again, as a parent you want to rush in, defend your child. While a small part of you also wants to gloat, just a tiny bit and say, "see, this is what you used to do to us," that was not the first emotion to hit or even to prevail.
Our role as parents is to guide. We talk with our children. We set the example. Then we have to sit back and hope they get it. So what do you do when they finally DO get it and it blows up in their face?
We tell them we are proud of them. We tell them to stand by their convictions, hold their head up high, and never compromise from what they know is right.
Being a parent can bring us many, many moments of joy, but it can also be a struggle when our emotions get in our way. So every night I pray that the way we have chosen to be parents, the choices we make as parents, that in the end helps our children in a positive way.
Now, on a completely different note, I want to send a BIG THANK YOU to Rachel Dawson for my beautiful new title header for my blog. I love it, Rachel.
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