The other day, I recieved an email from my sister-in-law. The subject line read 'perception'. It directed me to this link: http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/07/autism-perception-a-bump-in-the-road.html.
Her only note included in the email said, "this article, most likely, will enlighten you. this amazing mother writes what I haven't been able to say...but, often wish I could"
It's a bit overwhelming, long, and at times feels bitter and negative to me. That said, I ask you to please take the time to read it through and you will be able to begin to empathize and understand how dealing with so many things outside of 'normal' can be so overwhelming, bringing a mother, (insert any family or loved one here) to this place.
Although I like to look at things from the 'glass-full' side of life; in reading this, I understand how sometimes that might prove a difficult task for these families. I don't know that I agree with everything that is mentioned in this blog post, but it definitely has information and a perspective that we all need to at least have an awareness of.
My nephew, Bert, is a beautiful boy that we love very much. I have seen the effects of autism in him and in our family for over 10 years and I still don't begin to understand. It is difficult on so many levels, but Bert is also funny, sweet, caring and full of life in many ways...he is just not like us--that doesn't make him 'different', but that is how society sees these children.
I can only imagine that those without exposure or knowledge of this disease are uneducated, confused and at times, frightened by the disease and therefore these children. Ignorance often breeds fear. It is a natural response to the unknown. Unfortunately, even if you don't know anyone on the autism spectrum now, there is a good chance that you will. Sadly, there is now a 1 in 150 chance that a child will have some form of autism. Please read and educate yourself; try to get involved and at least have some understanding and compassion for families that deal with this each and every day. Changes need to come through research and insurance, teaching and so many other areas to make the progress needed with this disease.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Eight Years Ago...
I was in our living room in our home in Jacksonville. The sun was shining...it was a beautiful Florida day. Kira wasn't even yet three months old. She was swinging in her baby swing and I was folding laundry and watching the TODAY Show. When a report came on as “Breaking News", as always, it caught my attention. It seemed like a horrible thing had happened-a plane crash; but never did I begin to imagine the horrific moment in time I had just become a part of...that we had all become a part of.
I called Palmer at work to tell him about this plane that they thought had flown too close to one of the towers. While I was talking to him, they reported more and then they knew, we all knew...this was something HORRIBLE, unimaginable. Something that would change lives and the world as we'd known it --forever.
All I could do was pick up Kira and hold her tight, realizing how blessed we were to have this beautiful child; but in shock and disbelief of what had happened, wondering what would her world be like from this day forward. How could any of us go back to our day-to-day lives? I just sat there, trying to comprehend it; wishing if I just sat there long enough, maybe it wouldn't be real, but unable to stop watching it, all at the same time.
Eight years later, 9/11 is still a day of horrible memories for so many of us, a time to remember and pray, especially for the lives lost and those left to go on without so many loved ones. But for now, to Kira, it's just another date in September. Soon, I'll have to tell her all about it; what happened that day, the lives and loves lost and those left to carry on. I'll have to tell her about other children her age that unfortunately DO know what 9/11 means because they lost a parent that day. Some had not even yet been born, so even a memory of this parent will never be.
I'll tell her how our country came together and supported each other and help her to see how even in the hardest and most horrible of situations, some good can come of it. I'll tell her of the stories I've heard where someone missed a train, slept through an alarm or got stuck in traffic because they lingered a bit longer saying goodbye to their kids...and so they survived! I'll tell her of all the people that were in the buildings, there in the middle of all of it...but they survived and lived to tell about it. I'll tell her about the people that banded together, helping each other down thousands of steps, trying to get out; looking out for one another, never thinking of themselves. I'll tell her about all the fireman, policeman, emergency workers, good Samaritans and everyday people who sacrificed their lives, saving others. I've already had the opportunity to try to tell her about Todd Beamer from Flight 93 and all the crew and passengers and the sacrifice they made which undoubtedly saved so many more people. So many heroes, so many lost, so very sad.
I hope we will never face anything like this again. I pray that some good really has come out of it and that we can all remember what it was like to stand UNITED, supporting one another. And still, in all of the horror that has been and will be, I pray for peace and love for each other.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hey, these conversations apparently are happening in town too!
One day this week, Kira and I were in the car with my Mom. I mentioned how hot I was all the time. Mom says "going through the change...". Kira says, "what's the change"? Mom tells her it's a time when big girls turn into even bigger, older girls. (gee, that sounds exciting!!) Anyway, that seems to work for a few minutes.
Mom continues, telling me how hot she'd been, how she'd stick her head in the freezer. (At this point, I'm just imagining Kira listening and thinking how cool that will be, and planning to try it when she gets home.) Then Mom asks me if I'm hot at night. I tell her not so much, but that I am already freezing Palmer out of the bed. I tell her eventually I'll probably have to sleep in another room. Then Kira pipes up and says, "that's okay Mommy...you can sleep with me. I don't have the change!" Oh, little people...so great! It's fun when they don't yet get what they are talking about.
Mom continues, telling me how hot she'd been, how she'd stick her head in the freezer. (At this point, I'm just imagining Kira listening and thinking how cool that will be, and planning to try it when she gets home.) Then Mom asks me if I'm hot at night. I tell her not so much, but that I am already freezing Palmer out of the bed. I tell her eventually I'll probably have to sleep in another room. Then Kira pipes up and says, "that's okay Mommy...you can sleep with me. I don't have the change!" Oh, little people...so great! It's fun when they don't yet get what they are talking about.
Road Trip Conversations continued...
Recently as we were driving around with a friend's child in the car with us, this is what I heard going on in the back of the car.
Friend says to Kira..."Someone taught me how to talk like a Jewish woman and then she proceeds to mimic". As I contemplated how to address the situation, not sure if Kira even understood what was going on; for that matter, did the other child even realize what she was saying or was she just repeating the ramblings of an adult. Should I say something about it or just let it go. Well, before I could even figure out what to do, Kira says "I know lots of Jewish people and they don't sound like that! They are just people like us!" I was SO proud!
Later on, after we dropped this child off, I told Kira how very proud I was of her and her response to the situation. I told her no matter how many times I get upset because she doesn't listen or has an attitude, THAT one instance made me realize she really understands and that is just SO good. To all of this, she responds, "Well, I just wanted to tell her to stop judging people!"
Times like this make you feel like you must be doing something right...that and just realizing that you really do have a great kid! <3 her~!
Friend says to Kira..."Someone taught me how to talk like a Jewish woman and then she proceeds to mimic". As I contemplated how to address the situation, not sure if Kira even understood what was going on; for that matter, did the other child even realize what she was saying or was she just repeating the ramblings of an adult. Should I say something about it or just let it go. Well, before I could even figure out what to do, Kira says "I know lots of Jewish people and they don't sound like that! They are just people like us!" I was SO proud!
Later on, after we dropped this child off, I told Kira how very proud I was of her and her response to the situation. I told her no matter how many times I get upset because she doesn't listen or has an attitude, THAT one instance made me realize she really understands and that is just SO good. To all of this, she responds, "Well, I just wanted to tell her to stop judging people!"
Times like this make you feel like you must be doing something right...that and just realizing that you really do have a great kid! <3 her~!
Road Trip Conversations.8-10-09
Driving through Charleston, Kira says, "mom, you know what my life-time dream is?" (remember she's 8!). Without waiting for an answer from me, she says to be a skateboarder! Who knew?! About that time a boy on a skateboard flies by and she says, "See, like him."
We had lunch today at Hyman's Seafood, apparently a Charleston landmark. (BTW, thanks for the recommendations...it was wonderful!) She comes out of the little girl's room, walks back to our table and sits down. She says "While I was in the bathroom, I was looking in the mirror and with this top, these sunglasses and my hair...I'm so Hollywood! (Okay...obviously way too much Disney with Hannah Montana, HSM and London, but who can argue with that kind of confidence and self-esteem?!?) A bit later when we were visting yet another bathroom together (lots of bathroom trips on these long road trips), she looked in the mirror again and said, "All I need is some lipgloss and a little white dog and I'd be totally Hollywood!"
Finally we arrive in Jacksonville. I search to find an acceptable radio station. We listen for a little while and she asks me "Mom, how do they know where we are?" I am a bit confused and ask her what she is talking about. She says "well, when we where in Charleston, they were saying 'The City of Charleston', now they are saying 'The City of Jacksonville'...how do they know where we are?" I explained to her that each city is a new station and that they don't follow us. I never thought of it like that. It's amazing how much you find out about how their little minds work when you just listen.
Good night for now...stay tuned for more "words of wisdom" from Kira.
We had lunch today at Hyman's Seafood, apparently a Charleston landmark. (BTW, thanks for the recommendations...it was wonderful!) She comes out of the little girl's room, walks back to our table and sits down. She says "While I was in the bathroom, I was looking in the mirror and with this top, these sunglasses and my hair...I'm so Hollywood! (Okay...obviously way too much Disney with Hannah Montana, HSM and London, but who can argue with that kind of confidence and self-esteem?!?) A bit later when we were visting yet another bathroom together (lots of bathroom trips on these long road trips), she looked in the mirror again and said, "All I need is some lipgloss and a little white dog and I'd be totally Hollywood!"
Finally we arrive in Jacksonville. I search to find an acceptable radio station. We listen for a little while and she asks me "Mom, how do they know where we are?" I am a bit confused and ask her what she is talking about. She says "well, when we where in Charleston, they were saying 'The City of Charleston', now they are saying 'The City of Jacksonville'...how do they know where we are?" I explained to her that each city is a new station and that they don't follow us. I never thought of it like that. It's amazing how much you find out about how their little minds work when you just listen.
Good night for now...stay tuned for more "words of wisdom" from Kira.
Road Trip Conversations.8-9-09
On a recent drive to Charleston, we decided to log all the license plates we saw to see which state had the best representation. We were close to crossing over the VA/NC line. Of course, one of the plates was NC. Kira looked at the driver and said "Yea, they look like North Carolina...they usually have a bald head and a little beard!"
In the back seat, Kira decided to lean over a bit in her seat to relax. This resulted in her legs kind of being up towards the window of the door. She told me that she wanted to lie down, but she was afraid if we had an accident, her legs would get broken. Then she asked if both legs get broken, are you paralyzed? I explained to her that usually if both legs were broken, you'd still be able to heal and probably walk; but that if your spine or back got broken, you could be paralyzed. "So Mommy, have you ever broken anything?" "No", I said. "Nothing?!" "Nothing", I said. "Well, I don't really want to break anything, but I'd like to do it so I would know how it feels in case I ever do." "Just like I don't want to die, but I'd like to know what it feels like when you do...you know, so I'll know." I tried to tell her that when we do have to die, it's okay because we will be with God and Jesus and all the people that have gone before us and they all be with us. Only the people left will miss us until they come too. "Well," she said, "I just think I'd like to know how it feels when you die...like I think whatever happens might hurt. Like, I especially would not want to get it with a knife". "Me either", I said. Then she says, "I think I'd just like to die of old age...that wouldn't hurt...you just go to sleep." "Yea, me too", I agree.
We're checked into the Hampton Inn and Kira has found that they have mouthwash and all those fun things. Then she found the moisturizer and told me "they even have moisturizer, Mama. You should use it...it makes you really soft."
In the back seat, Kira decided to lean over a bit in her seat to relax. This resulted in her legs kind of being up towards the window of the door. She told me that she wanted to lie down, but she was afraid if we had an accident, her legs would get broken. Then she asked if both legs get broken, are you paralyzed? I explained to her that usually if both legs were broken, you'd still be able to heal and probably walk; but that if your spine or back got broken, you could be paralyzed. "So Mommy, have you ever broken anything?" "No", I said. "Nothing?!" "Nothing", I said. "Well, I don't really want to break anything, but I'd like to do it so I would know how it feels in case I ever do." "Just like I don't want to die, but I'd like to know what it feels like when you do...you know, so I'll know." I tried to tell her that when we do have to die, it's okay because we will be with God and Jesus and all the people that have gone before us and they all be with us. Only the people left will miss us until they come too. "Well," she said, "I just think I'd like to know how it feels when you die...like I think whatever happens might hurt. Like, I especially would not want to get it with a knife". "Me either", I said. Then she says, "I think I'd just like to die of old age...that wouldn't hurt...you just go to sleep." "Yea, me too", I agree.
We're checked into the Hampton Inn and Kira has found that they have mouthwash and all those fun things. Then she found the moisturizer and told me "they even have moisturizer, Mama. You should use it...it makes you really soft."
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A Day of Horrible Lists
Not all of the lists we have to make are good. This was shown to us all in a most horrific way last Monday (April 16, 2007) when a tragedy we never could have imagined unfolded at Virginia Tech. Before it was over, 32 innocent people had lost their lives and a 33rd, the shooter had committed suicide after committing such carnage. What kind of lists must he have been making over the last several months or maybe years to arrive at this disastrous end?!!
As we look over this list of incredbibly talented, gifted, giving and wonderful people, http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20070418_VICTIMS_GRAPHIC.html) one must question...why? What caused a person who was born to a family just like the others to believe that this was the only way? One may talk of his childhood, a life that might not have had the love he deserved or the fact that he was an immigrant that had been taunted through his school years; but a look at the list of victims seems to contradict that.
Henry Lee, a freshman, had immigrated from China during his elementary school years. He came her much like Cho, not knowing any English and most likely going through much of the same things as Cho. He did not grow up to shoot and kill...he was the salutatorian of his graduating class and by all accounts, an incredibly gifted and wonderful person. Liviu Librescu, the 75 year old senior researcher and professor was a Holocaust survivor. He undoubtedly has endured and witnessed unspeakable acts of hatred, torture and murder...a reason some might say could have warranted the acts of a madman, yet he chose to live a good life and in the end gave that very life to save his students. Every person on this list is incredibly gifted, giving and it seems to be...very special people that we have lost much too soon and in a way no one should ever have to die. The list does not discriminate...it includes men and women, young and old, professor and student, black and white and people from at least seven other countries. This is a list we should never have to comprise.
Now, somehow, we must all find a way to go on. I can never imagine how these families will gather the strength to do that. I know the power must come from someone greater than we, and I know the support and prayers of a world are lifting them up. I know each of these families must have a list written on their hearts of memories shared with a child, a spouse, a mother or father and in time, I hope this will be something that can bring them comfort and joy.
I will close this with a link to the blog of very precious friend. She wrote this last week after what happened. I am sure it will touch you as it has me. http://playfulmama.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-mother-somewhere.html#comments May we pray that this will be the last time we have to ever make a list like this. May our lists be full instead of random acts of kindness, friendships, miracles and love. May we each reach out to that person who may be a little different and who might be struggling. May we teach our children love rather than hatred...acceptance rather than discrimination. We can change the world and in the words of that spirited author and poet, Nikki Giovanni...WE WILL PREVAIL!
Posted by Jenna at 4:54 AM 2 comments
A Day of Horrible Lists
Not all of the lists we have to make are good. This was shown to us all in a most horrific way last Monday (April 16, 2007) when a tragedy we never could have imagined unfolded at Virginia Tech. Before it was over, 32 innocent people had lost their lives and a 33rd, the shooter had committed suicide after committing such carnage. What kind of lists must he have been making over the last several months or maybe years to arrive at this disastrous end?!!
As we look over this list of incredbibly talented, gifted, giving and wonderful people, http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20070418_VICTIMS_GRAPHIC.html) one must question...why? What caused a person who was born to a family just like the others to believe that this was the only way? One may talk of his childhood, a life that might not have had the love he deserved or the fact that he was an immigrant that had been taunted through his school years; but a look at the list of victims seems to contradict that.
Henry Lee, a freshman, had immigrated from China during his elementary school years. He came her much like Cho, not knowing any English and most likely going through much of the same things as Cho. He did not grow up to shoot and kill...he was the salutatorian of his graduating class and by all accounts, an incredibly gifted and wonderful person. Liviu Librescu, the 75 year old senior researcher and professor was a Holocaust survivor. He undoubtedly has endured and witnessed unspeakable acts of hatred, torture and murder...a reason some might say could have warranted the acts of a madman, yet he chose to live a good life and in the end gave that very life to save his students. Every person on this list is incredibly gifted, giving and it seems to be...very special people that we have lost much too soon and in a way no one should ever have to die. The list does not discriminate...it includes men and women, young and old, professor and student, black and white and people from at least seven other countries. This is a list we should never have to comprise.
Now, somehow, we must all find a way to go on. I can never imagine how these families will gather the strength to do that. I know the power must come from someone greater than we, and I know the support and prayers of a world are lifting them up. I know each of these families must have a list written on their hearts of memories shared with a child, a spouse, a mother or father and in time, I hope this will be something that can bring them comfort and joy.
I will close this with a link to the blog of very precious friend. She wrote this last week after what happened. I am sure it will touch you as it has me. http://playfulmama.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-mother-somewhere.html#comments May we pray that this will be the last time we have to ever make a list like this. May our lists be full instead of random acts of kindness, friendships, miracles and love. May we each reach out to that person who may be a little different and who might be struggling. May we teach our children love rather than hatred...acceptance rather than discrimination. We can change the world and in the words of that spirited author and poet, Nikki Giovanni...WE WILL PREVAIL!
Posted by Jenna at 4:54 AM 2 comments
Thursday, February 22, 2007
There is a light at the end of the renovation tunnel!
Posted by Jenna at 9:36 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Lose weight...
This lovely item has been on my list, I think, since birth. I've certainly "done" it more than once but it's never completely crossed off my list. Once, about 15 years ago at the 30 year mark, I went on a liquid diet (like Oprah) and drank nothing but milkshakes for 10 months and lost 140 pounds. I was a size 6 for literally about a minute and in time...I filled my shape back out to what it had always been. It was nice to be and see what I would look like as a size 6, but honestly, it was probably one of the worst things I ever could have done...for my body and my psyche. It totally screwed with the little bit of metabolism I might have ever had hope for and it probably did even worse things for my mind as I watched the pounds coming back on, feeling like a total failure.
I have to say though that in the years since that time, I find that although I still and probably always will battle with weight, I am happy with me now. I know this is me and that the shape of my body does not define who I am, what I can do or where I will go in life. I realize that being size 5 doesn't mean your world is perfect and that actually being size 22 sometimes is actually better. You have to work harder and actually prove yourself to triumph above all of the snobs out there that want to judge people on how they look, forgetting that there is WAY more in a person and what they have to offer. This makes you a stronger person in a lot of ways. I am confident now and I like me. It's nice if other people do, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
I am the best I can be and I'll keep trying to do better...at everything in my life...it's just that I won't let me weight be what defines me. If I can teach that to my 5 year old daughter and make sure that she knows how important she is, I'll have accomplished the most important thing I have to do.
I fought feeling insecure, shy and introverted most of my life. My daughter is a social butterfly and has one of the best examples of self-confidence I have ever seen. I couldn't be more thrilled and I am so proud of her. I've no doubt she'll go far...she's 40 years ahead of me! I'm way over being a size 6...for now, I'd thrill to wear a size 16...I'd even be glad to wear the tag so everyone would know.
Like I just read in PEOPLE, "I look fabulous," Jennifer Hudson declares, "if I do say so myself." Ugly Betty's America Ferrera in her emotional speech after winning the Golden Globe said, "I hear from young girls on a daily basis how [my character] makes them feel worthy and lovable and that they have more to offer the world than they thought." As PEOPLE writes, "Will the success of Ferrera, 22, and Hudson, 25, [both Golden Globe winners] help redefine the face-and body- of Hollywood stardom?" One can only hope!!!
And I'll end with this quote from Ferrera's costar, Vanessa Williams: "we're showing that a leading lady can be curvy, beautiful and funny. Curvy women are kicking ass!"AMEN, sister!!
Posted by Jenna at 8:16 AM 0 comments
Labels: Golden globes, Jennifer Hudson, losing weight, Ugly Betty
There is a light at the end of the renovation tunnel!
Posted by Jenna at 9:36 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Lose weight...
This lovely item has been on my list, I think, since birth. I've certainly "done" it more than once but it's never completely crossed off my list. Once, about 15 years ago at the 30 year mark, I went on a liquid diet (like Oprah) and drank nothing but milkshakes for 10 months and lost 140 pounds. I was a size 6 for literally about a minute and in time...I filled my shape back out to what it had always been. It was nice to be and see what I would look like as a size 6, but honestly, it was probably one of the worst things I ever could have done...for my body and my psyche. It totally screwed with the little bit of metabolism I might have ever had hope for and it probably did even worse things for my mind as I watched the pounds coming back on, feeling like a total failure.
I have to say though that in the years since that time, I find that although I still and probably always will battle with weight, I am happy with me now. I know this is me and that the shape of my body does not define who I am, what I can do or where I will go in life. I realize that being size 5 doesn't mean your world is perfect and that actually being size 22 sometimes is actually better. You have to work harder and actually prove yourself to triumph above all of the snobs out there that want to judge people on how they look, forgetting that there is WAY more in a person and what they have to offer. This makes you a stronger person in a lot of ways. I am confident now and I like me. It's nice if other people do, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
I am the best I can be and I'll keep trying to do better...at everything in my life...it's just that I won't let me weight be what defines me. If I can teach that to my 5 year old daughter and make sure that she knows how important she is, I'll have accomplished the most important thing I have to do.
I fought feeling insecure, shy and introverted most of my life. My daughter is a social butterfly and has one of the best examples of self-confidence I have ever seen. I couldn't be more thrilled and I am so proud of her. I've no doubt she'll go far...she's 40 years ahead of me! I'm way over being a size 6...for now, I'd thrill to wear a size 16...I'd even be glad to wear the tag so everyone would know.
Like I just read in PEOPLE, "I look fabulous," Jennifer Hudson declares, "if I do say so myself." Ugly Betty's America Ferrera in her emotional speech after winning the Golden Globe said, "I hear from young girls on a daily basis how [my character] makes them feel worthy and lovable and that they have more to offer the world than they thought." As PEOPLE writes, "Will the success of Ferrera, 22, and Hudson, 25, [both Golden Globe winners] help redefine the face-and body- of Hollywood stardom?" One can only hope!!!
And I'll end with this quote from Ferrera's costar, Vanessa Williams: "we're showing that a leading lady can be curvy, beautiful and funny. Curvy women are kicking ass!"AMEN, sister!!
Posted by Jenna at 8:16 AM 0 comments
Labels: Golden globes, Jennifer Hudson, losing weight, Ugly Betty
Monday, January 29, 2007
I can't wait until I'm caught up and have enough time to make a list of what I need to do.
This is a quote from a calendar that my sister gave to me for Christmas. Not so ironically, it was from one of those "Women Who Do Too Much" calendars. So far, this is my favorite quote from it. I find myself more caught up in lists every day and the other night as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, I could find no sheep to count, only millions of little 'to do' bugs bouncing around in my brain. Finally I wrote out a paper list by the light of my telephone screen, so as not to disturb my husband. After that I went to sleep...I even got 5 hours of sleep before i had to get up and start on my list.
Today school is out. I had, as usual, so many grandiose plans of what I might accomplish. I ended up helping my 5 year old daughter finish up a poster for a contest entry for Virginia 529 College Savings plan. Then she wanted to deliver it in person to a big building downtown, braving wind and hills and conquering parallel parking in a space way far away. Then I took my mom shopping and just made it in time for gymnastics. So much for a 'day off'. You'd think after all of this time, I might realize I can't conquer Rome in a day, but somehow I keep trying.
My best friend told me the other day that I need to focus all my scattered energies on one thing and just think of what I could accomplish. She is SO right and I plan to do that...as soon as I finish my lists. (She's also the one who calls me a "Renaissance Women" because I seem to know how to do a little bit of everything. She's the best!) Now, on top of all of that, I think i just might have time to have a blog! HA!!! Anyway, thanks for stopping by.
Writing's always kind of been my escape and the older I get, the more I find myself being drawn to it. So, hey, thanks Kristen for that email link http://kristismess.blogspot.com/2006/12/i-do-nothing-as-far-as-you-can-tell.html that led me here. I could really relate to it and then I thought...if she can do all that and write a blog too...so can I. Posted by Jenna at 1:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: lists, new beginnings
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I can't wait until I'm caught up and have enough time to make a list of what I need to do.
This is a quote from a calendar that my sister gave to me for Christmas. Not so ironically, it was from one of those "Women Who Do Too Much" calendars. So far, this is my favorite quote from it. I find myself more caught up in lists every day and the other night as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, I could find no sheep to count, only millions of little 'to do' bugs bouncing around in my brain. Finally I wrote out a paper list by the light of my telephone screen, so as not to disturb my husband. After that I went to sleep...I even got 5 hours of sleep before i had to get up and start on my list.
Today school is out. I had, as usual, so many grandiose plans of what I might accomplish. I ended up helping my 5 year old daughter finish up a poster for a contest entry for Virginia 529 College Savings plan. Then she wanted to deliver it in person to a big building downtown, braving wind and hills and conquering parallel parking in a space way far away. Then I took my mom shopping and just made it in time for gymnastics. So much for a 'day off'. You'd think after all of this time, I might realize I can't conquer Rome in a day, but somehow I keep trying.
My best friend told me the other day that I need to focus all my scattered energies on one thing and just think of what I could accomplish. She is SO right and I plan to do that...as soon as I finish my lists. (She's also the one who calls me a "Renaissance Women" because I seem to know how to do a little bit of everything. She's the best!) Now, on top of all of that, I think i just might have time to have a blog! HA!!! Anyway, thanks for stopping by.
Writing's always kind of been my escape and the older I get, the more I find myself being drawn to it. So, hey, thanks Kristen for that email link http://kristismess.blogspot.com/2006/12/i-do-nothing-as-far-as-you-can-tell.html that led me here. I could really relate to it and then I thought...if she can do all that and write a blog too...so can I. Posted by Jenna at 1:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: lists, new beginnings
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Blog Archive
▼ 2007 (4)
▼ April (1)
A Day of Horrible Lists
► February (1)
There is a light at the end of the renovation tunn...
► January (2)
Lose weight...
I can't wait until I'm caught up and have enough t...
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Jenna View my complete profile
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