Countdown

The countdown began a few weeks ago.  I'm talking about the countdown to Alex's departure from the Family Home.  I'm not sure why we started it, but in moments of frustration, you can hear "ah, (fill in number) days."  I think he's excited to be considering living "independently" with hundreds of other dorm dwellers.  But why is Mom counting down?   Is it because of the anticipation of being emptynesters or is it for the relief of no more underwear on the bathroom floor or dirty dishes left on the table?  

Last night as I was setting the table, I realized I might miss him.  Who will unload the silverware willy-nilly into the drawer, mismatching the size of forks?  (Something that drives me crazy & has for years!) Who will make a Leaning Tower of Pisa out of the plastic containers in the cupboard so that when I open the door it falls on my head?  Will I truly miss that or will I feel at ease knowing that everything is tucked into what I consider their proper places -- that same feeling I felt years ago when he was younger, knowing he was safe in his own proper place?  

When our kids get older, they create an atmosphere of uncomfortableness so it's easier to say goodbye when they grow big-kid feathers and leave the nest.  At this point, with only three weeks to go and his feet teetering on the edge, his wings stretched wide, I think I'm ready. 

Below is a picture of the pen/pencil holder Alex made for me about 17 years ago.  I still have it on my desk.  I am reminded every day of his creative spirit, the colorful love that he shares so openly with everyone he meets.  I look forward to seeing him grow and spreading more love with new people.  There are so many opportunities ahead. 

Will it be a push and a shove, or will we fly "wing in wing" into our new worlds that await?

Amazing Love

Yesterday, being the 20th anniversary of (as hubby puts it) Frog & Princess getting married, we celebrated with a wonderful, quiet dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant.  

This man's love for me is amazing!  Why would he even put up with me for 20 years?  First we have to go back 21 years when he actually decided it would be a good idea for me to accompany him on life's journey, knowing everything he knew about me then.  And he still thinks it's a good idea!  That's what I call amazing.
Our evening was complete with my handsome "frog" kneeling next to the table, presenting his "princess" with the most beautiful custom-made sapphire & diamond ring and asking me to marry him again and spend another 20 years together!  My response was similar to the one I gave when he asked me to marry him the first time.  (He is in so much trouble!)  It wasn't until late last night that he reminded me that I never answered him!

I'm felt a tad cheap, as my $4.99 purchase in the card aisle doesn't compare with the beautiful piece of jewelry that will soon adorn my hand (after a little sizing adjustment).  Our week will be topped off on Friday when we have a "personal chef" coming to the house to make us a romantic (onion-free) dinner.  I'll update later on in the weekend as to how it all goes.




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Anybody have any suggestions for a terrific "guy" birthday idea?  I am soooo in the doghouse!

Oh, and my answer...?  Yes, I will!

Turnaround of Hope

After a brief conversation with my very smart & handsome husband, I was informed that the garlic starts I had finally planted were doomed.  Why were they doomed?  Because I planted them upside down.  You see, planting garlic is much like planting bulbs.  You do it in the fall so they sprout in the spring.  Root-end down and sprout-end up.  Since the little cloves weren't sprouting yet, I guessed.  I guessed wrong.  So out I went Sunday to dig up all 18 cloves and flip them around.  I think they still would have sprouted and eventually the little green stem would have found its way to the top of the soil & produced fine garlic, but I couldn't leave them in the ground knowing they would struggle.  

While on my little scavenger hunt, I was thinking that isn't this what Jesus does for us?  He knows sometimes that we are struggling or going in the wrong direction, but he gives us the extra edge, just like I did with those garlic cloves.  He guides us, puts a hand on our shoulder and says, here you go... turn around and get going in the right direction.  He gives us hope to make it.  He wants us to make it, just like I want my garlic starts to produce big heads of garlic next spring.  Jesus gives us the tools and the strength to be great disciples and to live according to His word, we just need to sprout.

The next time you're struggling, lean on God.  Ask Him to help turn you around so you can "make it."

co-worker or friend?

I said I was going to make a laminated card with good co-worker qualities, and though I have every intent in doing that, I haven't yet.  Doesn't mean I'm not going to attempt (and I already have) to be a better person, I've just been a tad busy.  Something about a threat of monetary sanctions keeps me motivated to get work completed by the deadlines.

So for the benefit of those who actually read my midlife mumblings, I will share with you what some people say make a good co-worker:

• team player
• will help out
• dependable
• willing to set aside differences
• take responsibility for your mistakes
• upbeat & positive
• listens
• knows when to back off
• doesn't gossip
• keeps an open mind
• respectful
• honest
• reliable
• appreciates others' strengths & weaknesses
• understanding
• trustworthy
• patient
• not focused in their own world

I'm not sure if I just listed the qualities of a good friend or a good co-worker, but it seems there's a not of similarities.  So there you go.  Why not start today with improving on just one of the things in the list above?  I think I will.  It can only make things better, right?!

Shape & Mold Me, Please

I have been amazed the last couple of days.  I am helping conduct interviews for a vacancy and one of the questions is something like, "tell me what the best co-worker looks like to you."  uh-oh.  I've really got to raise the bar.  I think I'm failing miserably and for that, I am truly sorry.  

There will soon be a laminated card at my workspace that indicates what all those qualities are that people look for in a good co-worker, so that I can be the best that I can be.  For so many years I have existed in my own bubble, and now it is time to make a change.  

There are so many changes on the horizon.  Just like my last posting with shedding the leaves and preparing for re-birth, I will attempt to make changes in who I am as I move forward this season to make myself into a better co-worker, wife, mother, friend, and Christian.  There is always room for improvement & now is the time!