There are a lot of things to complain about in today's schools. But there are some fun things. New school supplies, back to school pricing on clothes (whether they are school age people or not), new lunch boxes, new schedules. All the friends and neighbors who scattered during the summer come back to the fold. It is a new beginning, nine months into the year. Sort of a second chance on that new year's resolution thing.
Plus, I get to look forward to apple spiced things and fall. So come on school year. If nothing else, that means fall weather, colors and smells are coming soon.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Some days, I really fail as a Mom....and it is a good thing.
How is it that you can love and abide by your family and still mess up. If good intentions and love allowed success, I would be absolutely fabulous. But despite prayer, love and good attentions, I screw up. Todd and the kids are the most likely victims. This week I got up very early to take our daughter to get her drivers license. Months of Todd and my inattention to the renewal issue with my plate, meant I needed to get the tag updated before she had to take the road test. I researched the procedures for both, found the office for the DMV and the times of operation and formed a plan. I got up at 5am and we were there by 6am.
Now, I didn't notice the address change so the DMV was actually closed and had moved 8 miles away. But we got to the new location and were still first in line. I didn't notice they had ceased to do both registration and licenses, so at 8am, I had to call Todd to come get the paperwork, drive to another DMV, get the tag and bring it back before Stephanie took the road test. I had proof of insurance, but not the DMV-123 form, because I misunderstood the website instructions. So at 8 am, I called State Farm to fax the form to the DMV and at 8:30 called to make sure they got the message. The day before I bought Stephanie a 100 question test so she could pass the "written" part of the test and Todd and I quizzed her on the signs. Turns out that she didn't have to do that again after the permit process. Oh,well. She didn't mind too much doing all of that unnecessary studying.
At 10:00, we had a proud new driver in our family. I came home to get Todd to the airport, took Clay to lunch, and let Stephanie drive my car to a friends and to work. Whew. I went to work, and Clay got to go to a Knights game with his uncle and a friend. A birthday present from his uncle. At 10:00pm i wanted to go to bed. So I called Clay, found out he thought they would be home at 11:00 and waited up to let him in and find out about the game. At 11:40, I called, found out they were just leaving, and in frustration exclaimed how tired I was and that I didn't plan on being up until 1:00am.
Day killed. Clay paid for my exhaustion. I made him feel badly about enjoying his night and his present. He walked in the door apologizing. And my brother called the next day saying he was sorry he let time get away too. Complete failure. Two people paid for my decision to get up at 5am. and my failure to communicate and ask what time they would be home. It was a double header and I didn't even look. Funny how a long and wonderful day or working hard to keep the family going and reaching milestones can still be best remembered for Mom being a grouch.
Then, I told my daughter that parking places at school were being assigned on Wednesday. I was wrong. She went to get ahead of the game and fill out her paperwork and discovered they were assigning them at that every moment. I was in the parking lot of the courthouse in York County. She called me very stressed out. Her computer was not connecting to any of the printers, she couldn't find her debit card or the checkbook, and she needed the registration to fill out the application. Turns out I left the debit card in the machine the night before, and had moved her checks some time ago when setting up an Etsy account for her. With her practically in tears, I had her brother run home to help her with the copies she needed, and called a neighbor to take her cash for her petsitting job. Stephanie got it all done in time and has a parking space, but I felt so helpless. Not only had I not really facilitated anything, I almost prevented her from getting one by getting the information wrong and being so distracted I left her debit card.
Now, all in all, this all could be God's way of removing me from standing in the way of their growing independence. I suppose the less reliable I am, the less they can rely on me. My son was compassionate and realized I was tired. He then reminded me he had a key and I could have gone to sleep instead of waiting up for him. My daughter got everything covered and did it essentially herself. That was a good thing. She probably will not rely on my memory in the future and she knows she can manage these type issues herself. She even went the next day and worked with the bank to get a replacement card for the one I left in the ATM when depositing her paycheck for her.
Of course I encouraged my son to walk to the bank parking lot and meet her so they could go to lunch together. Only so he could watch her drive off given she couldn't read my text while she was driving..... Sigh.
Now, I didn't notice the address change so the DMV was actually closed and had moved 8 miles away. But we got to the new location and were still first in line. I didn't notice they had ceased to do both registration and licenses, so at 8am, I had to call Todd to come get the paperwork, drive to another DMV, get the tag and bring it back before Stephanie took the road test. I had proof of insurance, but not the DMV-123 form, because I misunderstood the website instructions. So at 8 am, I called State Farm to fax the form to the DMV and at 8:30 called to make sure they got the message. The day before I bought Stephanie a 100 question test so she could pass the "written" part of the test and Todd and I quizzed her on the signs. Turns out that she didn't have to do that again after the permit process. Oh,well. She didn't mind too much doing all of that unnecessary studying.
At 10:00, we had a proud new driver in our family. I came home to get Todd to the airport, took Clay to lunch, and let Stephanie drive my car to a friends and to work. Whew. I went to work, and Clay got to go to a Knights game with his uncle and a friend. A birthday present from his uncle. At 10:00pm i wanted to go to bed. So I called Clay, found out he thought they would be home at 11:00 and waited up to let him in and find out about the game. At 11:40, I called, found out they were just leaving, and in frustration exclaimed how tired I was and that I didn't plan on being up until 1:00am.
Day killed. Clay paid for my exhaustion. I made him feel badly about enjoying his night and his present. He walked in the door apologizing. And my brother called the next day saying he was sorry he let time get away too. Complete failure. Two people paid for my decision to get up at 5am. and my failure to communicate and ask what time they would be home. It was a double header and I didn't even look. Funny how a long and wonderful day or working hard to keep the family going and reaching milestones can still be best remembered for Mom being a grouch.
Then, I told my daughter that parking places at school were being assigned on Wednesday. I was wrong. She went to get ahead of the game and fill out her paperwork and discovered they were assigning them at that every moment. I was in the parking lot of the courthouse in York County. She called me very stressed out. Her computer was not connecting to any of the printers, she couldn't find her debit card or the checkbook, and she needed the registration to fill out the application. Turns out I left the debit card in the machine the night before, and had moved her checks some time ago when setting up an Etsy account for her. With her practically in tears, I had her brother run home to help her with the copies she needed, and called a neighbor to take her cash for her petsitting job. Stephanie got it all done in time and has a parking space, but I felt so helpless. Not only had I not really facilitated anything, I almost prevented her from getting one by getting the information wrong and being so distracted I left her debit card.
Now, all in all, this all could be God's way of removing me from standing in the way of their growing independence. I suppose the less reliable I am, the less they can rely on me. My son was compassionate and realized I was tired. He then reminded me he had a key and I could have gone to sleep instead of waiting up for him. My daughter got everything covered and did it essentially herself. That was a good thing. She probably will not rely on my memory in the future and she knows she can manage these type issues herself. She even went the next day and worked with the bank to get a replacement card for the one I left in the ATM when depositing her paycheck for her.
Of course I encouraged my son to walk to the bank parking lot and meet her so they could go to lunch together. Only so he could watch her drive off given she couldn't read my text while she was driving..... Sigh.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Summer Fling with Hubby
For Father's Day, the children and I purchased two tickets for Alison Krauss and Union Station for Todd. He loves them. They were to perform at the Biltmore Summer Concert Series and there is no better venue in the country that I have seen. Todd decided to stay a second night so we could extend the weekend and hang out. My mom came and stayed with the children in Charlotte so they could hang out with their friends.
The weather was wonderfully cook after weeks of excessive heat in Charlotte and Texas. The music was splendid. The dinners and meals we shared were great. We walked along the streets of Asheville with no particular agenda or destination, taking pictures and stopping wherever we felt like it.
It was such a pleasure to know the children were safe and happy, and Todd and I had no obligations to anyone but each other and ourselves. We love Asheville and always seem to relax when we are there, regardless of which hotel. Despite a few mistaken glances at work email on my iPhone, we stayed true to the plan. We stopped at the Wine Bar on Walnut, checked out the murals and graffiti in the alleys, stayed at the Blue Indigo, and found a new wine bar in a bookstore that is just great. (Yes, Wine was a theme)
I am so lucky that I have a husband that knows how important it is to preserve the marriage that started the family. As the children grow, mature and seek independence, I am glad that when they spread their winds and fly, Todd will be watching them right beside me. And then he will head back inside to look up the next weekend when we can get away and go somewhere fun.
The weather was wonderfully cook after weeks of excessive heat in Charlotte and Texas. The music was splendid. The dinners and meals we shared were great. We walked along the streets of Asheville with no particular agenda or destination, taking pictures and stopping wherever we felt like it.
It was such a pleasure to know the children were safe and happy, and Todd and I had no obligations to anyone but each other and ourselves. We love Asheville and always seem to relax when we are there, regardless of which hotel. Despite a few mistaken glances at work email on my iPhone, we stayed true to the plan. We stopped at the Wine Bar on Walnut, checked out the murals and graffiti in the alleys, stayed at the Blue Indigo, and found a new wine bar in a bookstore that is just great. (Yes, Wine was a theme)
I am so lucky that I have a husband that knows how important it is to preserve the marriage that started the family. As the children grow, mature and seek independence, I am glad that when they spread their winds and fly, Todd will be watching them right beside me. And then he will head back inside to look up the next weekend when we can get away and go somewhere fun.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Storm...Limbs...Chainsaws.
Tonight we got hit by a pretty large storm in the area. They said the winds reached 50-60 miles per hour. I was at a friend's house when it hit and we were wondering about the trees as they were twisting in the wind. We even lost power and were forced to drink wine by candle light. I was secretly (ok... not so secretly) hoping the storm would take out my BRADFORD PEAR trees near my driveway. They smell so bad and always keep my driveway looking dirty.
Alas, it knocked the neighbors' tree pear onto our house instead. No harm done of course, to anything but their tree. So close., but some people have all the luck. The neighborhood was littered. My favorite thing. The suburban men rushing out with chain saws to clean the mess. Whoo Hooo. Power Tools!!!! Testosterone filled the air. I swear within one hour of the storm, there was a neatly cut pile of branches in front every house in the hood. One of my friends was laughing that his next door neighbor was actually out with the chainsaw and cutting before the leaves had settled on the ground.
It is easy to laugh because there was no real damage, and our guys got to play with their toys. You have to have your fun where you find it.
Alas, it knocked the neighbors' tree pear onto our house instead. No harm done of course, to anything but their tree. So close., but some people have all the luck. The neighborhood was littered. My favorite thing. The suburban men rushing out with chain saws to clean the mess. Whoo Hooo. Power Tools!!!! Testosterone filled the air. I swear within one hour of the storm, there was a neatly cut pile of branches in front every house in the hood. One of my friends was laughing that his next door neighbor was actually out with the chainsaw and cutting before the leaves had settled on the ground.
It is easy to laugh because there was no real damage, and our guys got to play with their toys. You have to have your fun where you find it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Peace... and music.
Today, a client settled his case with his ex wife. We fought for over a year and over the weekend he decided, and she agreed, it would be best to put down arms before the trial set for tomorrow. Since we have heard that before, the other attorney and I made sure the terms were reduced to an Order that both would sign before we gave up the trial date. Fortunately, they signed. I hope it works out for them. I know they have saved some stress and money. It certainly makes my day when people can work through things and compromise. It only works when both sides are willing to let the other side get something they want. If the goal is to destroy, then there is no reasoning with the opponent.
The added bonus, their peace, allowed me to relax and enjoy the concert with friends I had planned to attend. Had they not resolved their action, I would have been squeezing in a couple of sets and off to bed.
So off I went with three wonderful ladies from the neighborhood and my daughter with two of her friends. The weather held, the music was great, and the company even better. A true win-win.
The added bonus, their peace, allowed me to relax and enjoy the concert with friends I had planned to attend. Had they not resolved their action, I would have been squeezing in a couple of sets and off to bed.
So off I went with three wonderful ladies from the neighborhood and my daughter with two of her friends. The weather held, the music was great, and the company even better. A true win-win.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Rainy days and Mondays.
Blogging by phone. This Monday brought me
1 hour alone with brother;
Lunch with Clay and Todd;
Call from daughter;
Sharing my weekend with co-workers;
Lightening storm;
Wine;
Call with friend;
No cable or Internet ....;
2 chapters of new book;
Early night.
Good Night Moon.
1 hour alone with brother;
Lunch with Clay and Todd;
Call from daughter;
Sharing my weekend with co-workers;
Lightening storm;
Wine;
Call with friend;
No cable or Internet ....;
2 chapters of new book;
Early night.
Good Night Moon.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Treasure Hunting
I just got back from "The Antique Roadshow" in Atlanta. A friend, who is interested in antiques and spends weekends searching yard sales and estate sales for treasure, found an item she wanted to take. Friends and family members applied for tickets so she could go. And fortunately, a few entries resulted in the needed ticket. I was invited to accompany her on the big trip. During the course of the trip, we talked about this blog and her blog for antiques, Jazzy Poet. I recounted and remembered why I started this blog... why I call it, "Everyday Magic"
During a tough time I needed to remind myself that every day held moments of magic. I was facing clients pouring pain and anger over me all day. I had two wonderful children, one a teenager. My husband was delightful, but somewhat neglected by yours truly. I had one parent going through a second and difficult divorce while caring for my grandmother, one parent struggling to keep his resolutions for better relationships, a grandmother in declining in health, a brother struggling with his career, frown lines, a ballooning waistline, an aging house and a deficit of hours in the day. I decided that if I had to find something wonderful every day, I would become a more optimistic person who was more present to experience and enjoy the many gifts in my life.
Now, a quick look at my archive shows that I have missed a few days. I have taken note of the things big and small that made me smile. But I have not written them down, unless you count Facebook or Twitter posts. I didn't start the blog for anyone else to read. I started it for me...and I have failed myself. (I messed up my healthy eating routine and morning prayer routine too. But, one things at a time.)
This past weekend with antiques was wonderful on so many levels. The trip was a break for me. My friend is quite busy and so am I. I do not see her as much as I would like and it was so nice just to be in the car for four hours to talk and share. We stayed at her parents' home and her brother was visiting as well. They shared a favorite family restaurant that they love. Her parents opened their home and their hearts showing me true hospitality. I enjoyed being with them and felt right at home.
At the auction itself, I saw numerous items that held value for people. Ultimately, experts set values on those items that represented the market value. It is somewhat like finding money in your pockets. Everyone hoped that an item they already liked would somehow be special or valuable.... or both. For me, the excitement was seeing my friend realize a dream. My friend is smart, beautiful, an accomplished business woman, a great mother, wife, a church leader, a giving friend, and devoted daughter, sister, and aunt among other things. But she has a passion for beautiful things and a beautiful home place. And this love for interesting antiques planted a seed... a dream of sorts. Please remember that a dream and a goal are two very different things.
Her dream was to find an item which was a true find...something with unexpected value. Then, she could take this to " The Antique Roadshow" to have it appraised. They would find it to be more valuable than she imagined. Maybe, she could even be filmed for a segment on the show. Now, this is not curing cancer. And in the context of the meaningful things she does every day to help people, as well as the goals she has met regularly in life and business, this personal day dream made me very happy. I love it when people have a personal dream. Some people want to travel to a certain city, meet a personal hero, win a ribbon, finish a marathon, open their own bakery, write a book, or have a painting in a gallery. And I admire them all. My dreams have always stayed in my imagination, so people who take steps to make a dream happen impress me greatly.
After the appraisals of my own items, I search for my friend to see if her item, an old map of New York City pre-dating the Revolution, was authentic. Well, there she sits, waiting to meet with Producers to see if they will tape her appraisal. I could have dropped right there. Long story short, the map is real, her appraisal is taped, the value of her piece is well above her $50 investment and she is the big find of the day as of 1PM. I will save the detailed version for my friend to share. I won't even get started on how much the item fascinates me. Because there was something even more striking.
I was there. Me. She has many close friends and family members. But for some reason, it all worked out where I got to be there. I was able to witness something wonderful happen to someone. A dream come true. I could have gone my whole life and never witnessed such a moment. It was pure magic.
A little bit of magic goes a long way, if you just stay open enough to see it. So I am going back to my daily treasure hunting. Who knows the value?
During a tough time I needed to remind myself that every day held moments of magic. I was facing clients pouring pain and anger over me all day. I had two wonderful children, one a teenager. My husband was delightful, but somewhat neglected by yours truly. I had one parent going through a second and difficult divorce while caring for my grandmother, one parent struggling to keep his resolutions for better relationships, a grandmother in declining in health, a brother struggling with his career, frown lines, a ballooning waistline, an aging house and a deficit of hours in the day. I decided that if I had to find something wonderful every day, I would become a more optimistic person who was more present to experience and enjoy the many gifts in my life.
Now, a quick look at my archive shows that I have missed a few days. I have taken note of the things big and small that made me smile. But I have not written them down, unless you count Facebook or Twitter posts. I didn't start the blog for anyone else to read. I started it for me...and I have failed myself. (I messed up my healthy eating routine and morning prayer routine too. But, one things at a time.)
This past weekend with antiques was wonderful on so many levels. The trip was a break for me. My friend is quite busy and so am I. I do not see her as much as I would like and it was so nice just to be in the car for four hours to talk and share. We stayed at her parents' home and her brother was visiting as well. They shared a favorite family restaurant that they love. Her parents opened their home and their hearts showing me true hospitality. I enjoyed being with them and felt right at home.
At the auction itself, I saw numerous items that held value for people. Ultimately, experts set values on those items that represented the market value. It is somewhat like finding money in your pockets. Everyone hoped that an item they already liked would somehow be special or valuable.... or both. For me, the excitement was seeing my friend realize a dream. My friend is smart, beautiful, an accomplished business woman, a great mother, wife, a church leader, a giving friend, and devoted daughter, sister, and aunt among other things. But she has a passion for beautiful things and a beautiful home place. And this love for interesting antiques planted a seed... a dream of sorts. Please remember that a dream and a goal are two very different things.
Her dream was to find an item which was a true find...something with unexpected value. Then, she could take this to " The Antique Roadshow" to have it appraised. They would find it to be more valuable than she imagined. Maybe, she could even be filmed for a segment on the show. Now, this is not curing cancer. And in the context of the meaningful things she does every day to help people, as well as the goals she has met regularly in life and business, this personal day dream made me very happy. I love it when people have a personal dream. Some people want to travel to a certain city, meet a personal hero, win a ribbon, finish a marathon, open their own bakery, write a book, or have a painting in a gallery. And I admire them all. My dreams have always stayed in my imagination, so people who take steps to make a dream happen impress me greatly.
After the appraisals of my own items, I search for my friend to see if her item, an old map of New York City pre-dating the Revolution, was authentic. Well, there she sits, waiting to meet with Producers to see if they will tape her appraisal. I could have dropped right there. Long story short, the map is real, her appraisal is taped, the value of her piece is well above her $50 investment and she is the big find of the day as of 1PM. I will save the detailed version for my friend to share. I won't even get started on how much the item fascinates me. Because there was something even more striking.
I was there. Me. She has many close friends and family members. But for some reason, it all worked out where I got to be there. I was able to witness something wonderful happen to someone. A dream come true. I could have gone my whole life and never witnessed such a moment. It was pure magic.
A little bit of magic goes a long way, if you just stay open enough to see it. So I am going back to my daily treasure hunting. Who knows the value?
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