Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year Plans

Love. Health. Peace. Kindness. Joy. Laughter. Quiet. Connection. Satisfaction. Intimacy. Protection. Freedom. Success. Dreams. Strength. Warmth. Giving. Sweetness. Openness. Love.

I wish all this for all of us, the world over. And more.

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas everyone. May the light, hope, and miraculous love of Christmas be present with you.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Linkage--Raising a woman

I was planning a post in my head today about how, when I asked The Babydoll today what job she wanted to have when she grew up, she said, "A mommy." Even in her five-year-old eyes, being a mommy is work. Honorable, important work. And she made me think that I might be good at my job. Sometimes?

Then, I saw this post about raising daughters (I think it applies to daughters of every kind) and realized how much more work I have to do as she grows up. She needs a skill set that helps her to avoid being caught without a response to the crap of life. It really is important work.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Christmas Confusion

The Hubby asked The Babydoll and The Baby Boy if they knew the Chrismas story. He prepared to relay the whole narrative. But The Babydoll already had a preferred version. She said, "I know! The Home Alone story, right?"

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Random Bits of Holiday Goodness

Just as I'm hearing the bars slam shut on the grading jail that locks me in every semester, I'm feeling pretty good about a couple of things. That's impressive, I think, because I've been on Googling binges for a while, looking up people I used to know to see just how much more fabulous their lives and careers are than mine. Then I think about how suck I am. And how those people would think I was suck, too. And then I think about what my children will tell their therapists about me (because that's the logical next thought--right?) It's a horrible game. Worse than golf.

But I've had a few moments that interrupt the pity parties:

The Babydoll wanted to bring her lunch to school, so I packed one up for her (it was a Lunchable, but it counts!) I added an orange, but she called me at work the next morning to say that she had changed her mind about the orange because she wouldn't be able to peel it at school. BUT, she has an awesome mother, so her orange was already sliced and peeled and in a cute little container in the lunch box. She was thrilled!

I received promising news on a publication project that I've wanted to materialize for about 1000 years. I'm really hoping that it goes somewhere, but either way, this is the most interest anyone has shown in the project in all this time.

My students were completing evaluations sheets and asked if they really had to write down their answers because they didn't have a single critical thing to say. More than one said that this class changed their perspectives about writing and about themselves as writers. In addition, for the first time--ever, I think--most of the students followed documentation guidelines and didn't give me crazy, made-up crap that drives me nuts.

I made two desserts for two holiday parties and received raves on both!

Things are looking up!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Taking a Cue


I'm about to enter grading jail, so I want to take this cue from Belle at Scattered and Random while I can*:
December 1 One Word Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you're choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today. What would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Better: Last year was filled with so much unexpected disappointment and angst and doubt that I felt like I was playing in traffic. This year has provided resolution (or at least positive movement) that I just feel like I can't complain. I do complain, but what I want for my life and the lives of those I love most isn't lost, even if we're still waiting. There is so much goodness, and I'm grateful for that.
Fulfillment: I am hoping--expecting--that 2011 will materialize vision and purpose and joy and that our hopes will be fulfilled.
*I should probably disclose that I don't actually intend to do this every day, as is the intention, I think. But perhaps some of you will actually participate fully? This is likely my only reflection, so enjoy it while you can. :)