Looks like I am the "bad guy" tonight. My teenage son is out about town on some scavenger hunt with friends who will be leaving for college. We have agreements (or so I thought) about checking in & answering calls when out. I suppose it is super "uncool" to have that connection, but with our family situation, it is a necessity. Several hours into this event, he chooses NOT to respond to call but texts me info that he'll be back within the hour & can't talk.
I am all about the peer bonding thing! I thrived in it every summer when I was a camp counselor. But there does lie a certain responsibility which needs to be upheld. As a single parent, I get the "best" of both worlds. I have fumed enough, put my thoughts & consequences in writing....
He's home, safe (pissed off at me, no doubt). Here comes one of those great tests of parenting 101...
SNOW
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The power of ONE
Tonight I experienced one of those heart warming moments as a parent. My son had campaigned to be president of his high school theater club. There were 2 other people running for the office as well.
Prior to the reveal of the officer positions, the theater teacher/director had mentioned that the person who was elected by one vote. She went on to speak of the power of one voice, one person, one chance. So, that part alone got me thinking how my son had taken a chance, put himself out there to be judged by his peers (something I NEVER would have done @ his age, I liked my anonymity then). I reflected on the passion and energy he had in composing his speech late into the evenings, the diligence he took with his campaign posters (never recall such nice writing). Today, he brought 2 trays of brownies for his theater group of friends & wished his competitors a "happy president's day"...cute gesture.
So, here we are, the big moment. Each current officer has a bag of items to welcome the new inductee. The current president revealed that it was one of Gabe's competitors & I had a small sinking feeling in my heart, but only to be welled up with tears of pride to see him rise to his feet to give her a standing ovation. He was honestly thrilled that she got the position. She was crying out of disbelief & joy that she got the nomination. His friends give him hugs and offer kind words, knowing he really wanted the position, but he never gave anyone the impression he was upset. Gabe gave me that knowing wink from across the room & the tears came streaming down. This was my boy, now I see the man he will become. A good hearted man who gives it his all, regardless of status.
He ended up with some other notable recognitions; the only underclassman (not a senior) to accumulate over 50points for the International Thespian Society and the 2009 most promising Technical Theater Award as a Junior.
Prior to the reveal of the officer positions, the theater teacher/director had mentioned that the person who was elected by one vote. She went on to speak of the power of one voice, one person, one chance. So, that part alone got me thinking how my son had taken a chance, put himself out there to be judged by his peers (something I NEVER would have done @ his age, I liked my anonymity then). I reflected on the passion and energy he had in composing his speech late into the evenings, the diligence he took with his campaign posters (never recall such nice writing). Today, he brought 2 trays of brownies for his theater group of friends & wished his competitors a "happy president's day"...cute gesture.
So, here we are, the big moment. Each current officer has a bag of items to welcome the new inductee. The current president revealed that it was one of Gabe's competitors & I had a small sinking feeling in my heart, but only to be welled up with tears of pride to see him rise to his feet to give her a standing ovation. He was honestly thrilled that she got the position. She was crying out of disbelief & joy that she got the nomination. His friends give him hugs and offer kind words, knowing he really wanted the position, but he never gave anyone the impression he was upset. Gabe gave me that knowing wink from across the room & the tears came streaming down. This was my boy, now I see the man he will become. A good hearted man who gives it his all, regardless of status.
He ended up with some other notable recognitions; the only underclassman (not a senior) to accumulate over 50points for the International Thespian Society and the 2009 most promising Technical Theater Award as a Junior.
I am feeling the good karma tonight for my son.
I believe in the power of one!
I believe in the power of one!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tag, you're it...
Rules: Answer the questions. Replace the one question you dislike the most with one of your own, AND add one question of your liking. Tag five untagged people. Ready? GO!
What is your current obsession?
Knitting, I just re-learned it after many years. Love it!
What are you wearing now?
My comfy worn out cotton shorts that I refuse to surrender & a jazz festival t-shirt from volunteering. Looks like I won't be acquiring any more since they are on "hiatus", 8 years was a good run, though.
Do you nap a lot?
I do catch myself finding napping opportunities every so often. If I nap too long, my whole internal clock is out of whack can't get to sleep at a decent hour.
What is under your bed?
A rug that’s actually supposed to be in the middle of the room. No matter how often I move it back, it inches slowly, day by day, on its own back underneath the bed.
Hopefully, the match to a tennis shoe that my dog ran off with about 20 minutes ago. Also several dust bunnies have reconvened for their weekly reunion.
What would you like to learn to do?
Teach my dog to channel her energy on an agility course, I enjoy watching the championships on Animal Planet, and I think Chloe does, too.
What’s for dinner?
We had buffalo chicken wings, zucchini spears & rice. Bananas Foster with ice cream for dessert.
What was the last thing you bought?
lemons, cheese & french bread.
What is your favorite weather?
Today was a fine example, upper 70's & sunny. Tonight we had some thunderstorms, which seem hypnotic to me.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
With the gang of girls in Boston! I am outnumbered here!
What is your most challenging goal right now?
Deciding on the priority of full time employment versus part time work. Family needs have come into the forefront the past 5 months and I now realize that I've neglected that responsibility more than I can explain. I know the answer is right in front of me, I just feel the need to over analyze the concept!
Why do you blog?
I initially started to share pictures, then I enjoyed posting thoughts and personal observations for others to share
what would you like to have in your hands right now?
A cup of chai latte or something to drink.
What do you want but can’t have right this second?
A massage (preferably by an attractive, unattached, virile male who has a few hours to spare)
What languages can you speak?
English, Spanish & Lithuanian (it's a lot of work but I can get by)
What language(s) do you want to be able to speak?
Something lyrical like French or Italian
What's one thing you're looking forward to?
An upcoming theater banquet that will determine if my son was elected as President of the theatre company and if he will be a cappie for the next school year. These things have taken over all dinner conversations. The anticipation is growing weary!
What websites do you visit constantly during the day?
CNN,Two Peas in a Bucket, Blogger, bank, Facebook and BBC radio
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
Dave Koz, I swear he is working on the soundtrack to my life!
If you had all the time in the world, what would you do with it?
Good stuff! Help people, be creative, and travel while doing the aforementioned.
What is your favorite time period?
Renaissance.
When you are unplugged from technology, what activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading and spending time with my son. I've determined that if we are playing a card game, chess, mancala or some other non mechanical activity, I am able to catch up on what is important in his life at the moment. I relish the positive relationship I have with him. I recall a time when I couldn't answer things like his favorite color, biggest fear, favorite subject etc. That was an eye opener for me.
I am tagging: Ana, Lynn, Vanessa
What is your current obsession?
Knitting, I just re-learned it after many years. Love it!
What are you wearing now?
My comfy worn out cotton shorts that I refuse to surrender & a jazz festival t-shirt from volunteering. Looks like I won't be acquiring any more since they are on "hiatus", 8 years was a good run, though.
Do you nap a lot?
I do catch myself finding napping opportunities every so often. If I nap too long, my whole internal clock is out of whack can't get to sleep at a decent hour.
What is under your bed?
A rug that’s actually supposed to be in the middle of the room. No matter how often I move it back, it inches slowly, day by day, on its own back underneath the bed.
Hopefully, the match to a tennis shoe that my dog ran off with about 20 minutes ago. Also several dust bunnies have reconvened for their weekly reunion.
What would you like to learn to do?
Teach my dog to channel her energy on an agility course, I enjoy watching the championships on Animal Planet, and I think Chloe does, too.
What’s for dinner?
We had buffalo chicken wings, zucchini spears & rice. Bananas Foster with ice cream for dessert.
What was the last thing you bought?
lemons, cheese & french bread.
What is your favorite weather?
Today was a fine example, upper 70's & sunny. Tonight we had some thunderstorms, which seem hypnotic to me.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
With the gang of girls in Boston! I am outnumbered here!
What is your most challenging goal right now?
Deciding on the priority of full time employment versus part time work. Family needs have come into the forefront the past 5 months and I now realize that I've neglected that responsibility more than I can explain. I know the answer is right in front of me, I just feel the need to over analyze the concept!
Why do you blog?
I initially started to share pictures, then I enjoyed posting thoughts and personal observations for others to share
what would you like to have in your hands right now?
A cup of chai latte or something to drink.
What do you want but can’t have right this second?
A massage (preferably by an attractive, unattached, virile male who has a few hours to spare)
What languages can you speak?
English, Spanish & Lithuanian (it's a lot of work but I can get by)
What language(s) do you want to be able to speak?
Something lyrical like French or Italian
What's one thing you're looking forward to?
An upcoming theater banquet that will determine if my son was elected as President of the theatre company and if he will be a cappie for the next school year. These things have taken over all dinner conversations. The anticipation is growing weary!
What websites do you visit constantly during the day?
CNN,Two Peas in a Bucket, Blogger, bank, Facebook and BBC radio
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
Dave Koz, I swear he is working on the soundtrack to my life!
If you had all the time in the world, what would you do with it?
Good stuff! Help people, be creative, and travel while doing the aforementioned.
What is your favorite time period?
Renaissance.
When you are unplugged from technology, what activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading and spending time with my son. I've determined that if we are playing a card game, chess, mancala or some other non mechanical activity, I am able to catch up on what is important in his life at the moment. I relish the positive relationship I have with him. I recall a time when I couldn't answer things like his favorite color, biggest fear, favorite subject etc. That was an eye opener for me.
I am tagging: Ana, Lynn, Vanessa
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Well, hello there!
Our pup was causing a commotion at the patio window. Went to see what was amiss, only to find a couple of Canadian Geese stopping by...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Truth in fiction?!?
So, I will be the first to admit I am a skeptic. If the forecast calls for 3 " of snow, or that I can clean my shower with the flick of a switch, I am the stick in the mud staying , "I live in the 'show-me state'!!"
On a recent trip to the library, I encountered a book on colorstrology--- the concept is that you find your birth date & it will reveal your "color" and describe your traits.
Step 1. Locate birthday; Jan 27 (easy enough) Hmm... the page is polignac (purplish hue), I like purple(coincidence?) The opposite page is lavender... oh, a mere 24 hours!
Step 2. Read character traits: adorable, interesting, and unusual . Okay, so a lot of people qualify for those traits (check other dates in book to see how often those come up, several).Okay, close. I would have chosen "giving, quirky, and curious" but that's just me talkin' here...
Step 3. Passage excerpt "There is something about you that people just love. It may be your innocence (translated as naive) or your unusual perception of life that keeps people enamored (that's a stretch). You have a strong sense of what is right and wrong, you care deeply about humanity. Friends are important to you, so be sure to surround yourself with the right people." Uh, okay. Pretty accurate. Skeptic says.... "read on".
Step 4. Locate other family members birth dates. Colors are relatively compatible with each person. Characteristics are mostly accurate (my mother's was WAY off in my opinion). My son's & brother's seemed to be the most accurate. We even tried the dog's... it was dead on!
So, I guess some of these -ology books may have some entertainment value. I certainly wouldn't live my life by this stuff.
My son says, "Mom, hate to burst your bubble here. We just studied this stuff in Psych & the traits and characteristics are worked so generically that people can find similarities in most of the stuff out there". Well....yeah! Like those people that reportedly can speak to the deceased, just watch the way they talk to the loved one, it is such a scam!!!
On a recent trip to the library, I encountered a book on colorstrology--- the concept is that you find your birth date & it will reveal your "color" and describe your traits.
Step 1. Locate birthday; Jan 27 (easy enough) Hmm... the page is polignac (purplish hue), I like purple(coincidence?) The opposite page is lavender... oh, a mere 24 hours!
Step 2. Read character traits: adorable, interesting, and unusual . Okay, so a lot of people qualify for those traits (check other dates in book to see how often those come up, several).Okay, close. I would have chosen "giving, quirky, and curious" but that's just me talkin' here...
Step 3. Passage excerpt "There is something about you that people just love. It may be your innocence (translated as naive) or your unusual perception of life that keeps people enamored (that's a stretch). You have a strong sense of what is right and wrong, you care deeply about humanity. Friends are important to you, so be sure to surround yourself with the right people." Uh, okay. Pretty accurate. Skeptic says.... "read on".
Step 4. Locate other family members birth dates. Colors are relatively compatible with each person. Characteristics are mostly accurate (my mother's was WAY off in my opinion). My son's & brother's seemed to be the most accurate. We even tried the dog's... it was dead on!
So, I guess some of these -ology books may have some entertainment value. I certainly wouldn't live my life by this stuff.
My son says, "Mom, hate to burst your bubble here. We just studied this stuff in Psych & the traits and characteristics are worked so generically that people can find similarities in most of the stuff out there". Well....yeah! Like those people that reportedly can speak to the deceased, just watch the way they talk to the loved one, it is such a scam!!!
Let's just refer to it as
"BRAIN CANDY"
(looks & tastes good but isn't nutritious)
and call it a day!
"BRAIN CANDY"
(looks & tastes good but isn't nutritious)
and call it a day!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Knowing...
Things I would tell my younger self now that I know...
* The grass may be greener on the other side, but it still needs to be fertilized, cut, reseeded.
* Looking into your child's eyes can make everything right again, even if just for a moment.
* Always, trust yourself first, no matter how close you are to someone, you never really know what they are capable of doing.
* A broken heart hurts like hell, but you do come out stronger on the other side of the pain.
* Blood is thicker than water.
* This, too, shall pass. It may not be the outcome you wanted, but you learn something from the experience.
* True friends ask how you are, and actually listen for your answer.
* Remember to keep a sense of humor, especially in respect to yourself.
* Going out to a museum, dinner, event alone allows you to meet interesting people. At first it seems awkward, but knowing all the amazing people I have met by doing this, it was worth the risk.
* Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do one thing that scares you every day". You will be surprised by the results.
* You never get tired of reading a GOOD book.
* There are REAL moments in your adult life where you actually say, "I am becoming just like my mother". (remember... humor!)
*Parenting is difficult, frustrating, exhausting, overwhelming, and worth every damn second!
* Be honest & consistent with your kids, they can see right though you!
* Beware of tunnel vision as an adult. Look at your surroundings. Some of the most beautiful and important stuff is on the fringe of your periphery.
These were several of the thoughts that were swarming my brain last night. Perhaps it was because I was looking at my son all dressed up for Prom, coming to the realization that he will be graduating high school next year.
Just wanting to put them down in a tangible form for future reference...
* The grass may be greener on the other side, but it still needs to be fertilized, cut, reseeded.
* Looking into your child's eyes can make everything right again, even if just for a moment.
* Always, trust yourself first, no matter how close you are to someone, you never really know what they are capable of doing.
* A broken heart hurts like hell, but you do come out stronger on the other side of the pain.
* Blood is thicker than water.
* This, too, shall pass. It may not be the outcome you wanted, but you learn something from the experience.
* True friends ask how you are, and actually listen for your answer.
* Remember to keep a sense of humor, especially in respect to yourself.
* Going out to a museum, dinner, event alone allows you to meet interesting people. At first it seems awkward, but knowing all the amazing people I have met by doing this, it was worth the risk.
* Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do one thing that scares you every day". You will be surprised by the results.
* You never get tired of reading a GOOD book.
* There are REAL moments in your adult life where you actually say, "I am becoming just like my mother". (remember... humor!)
*Parenting is difficult, frustrating, exhausting, overwhelming, and worth every damn second!
* Be honest & consistent with your kids, they can see right though you!
* Beware of tunnel vision as an adult. Look at your surroundings. Some of the most beautiful and important stuff is on the fringe of your periphery.
These were several of the thoughts that were swarming my brain last night. Perhaps it was because I was looking at my son all dressed up for Prom, coming to the realization that he will be graduating high school next year.
Just wanting to put them down in a tangible form for future reference...
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