Welcome to Friday, where we stop for 5 minutes, write with no restrictions, and encourage others to do the same.
Yes, it's Thursday. I was behind. And then I was going to skip this week. And then I remembered the word.
VISIT. And I can't skip that. And then this happened:
Go.
One of my dearest friends just called last week. She's in Seattle. I'm near DC. This is not close. And we don't get to visit (in person) as often as we'd like. But she's a super smart space-loving (as in outer space ... the moon, Mars, etc) gal and she's got a great job - with a boss that is IN DC. So this week she's out here for a business trip. (Sad for her family, but YAY for me!) When she gets out here, she's usually jam packed. We can sometimes squeeze in breakfast. But I'm a single mom and she's leaving hubby and kids behind, so during the week doesn't usually fit for us.
This week, though, she's TOTALLY FREE on Thursday night. (That's TONIGHT!) And so I found a babysitter (hooray for adult babysitters who can drive) and I am meeting up with her for an IN PERSON VISIT. And our other friend is coming along too. And we're making art. As in painting pictures. Hilarious - did I mention we are all band geeks? So we totally rock the music. And we generally all stink at making art. But tonight we lay that aside for the time of fun and fellowship with girlfriends. So we're laughing and painting and visiting together.
STOP.
PS And I will post a picture tomorrow if it is not too horrendous.
PPS here's the Five Minute Friday rules.
1. Write 5 minutes (set a timer) no editing, no backtracking. Just write.
2. Link up here
3. Leave an encouraging comment on the post of the brave writer who linked up before you.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Journey (OneWord365 January check in)
Amy has started a monthly accountability series - a check in for her OneWord365). Since I mostly write only when prompted (aka Five Minute Friday ... or Behind the Scenes) I decided to follow her lead, and her link up, and try to do a monthly check in on my word, too. JOURNEY.
It's 3 weeks into the new year, and my journey is already taking me places I never would have imagined this time last year. My final push for this word emerged with the gift my mom made for me for Christmas. (She's a rock star, eh? Cross-stitched this fantastic sampler for me, and now it will hang over my desk).
We've had 5 snow days. Yes, 5. In past years, that would prompt me to take the kids to daycare so I could work from home in the peace and quiet. I am a full time telecommuter and as a project manager, I spend a LOT of time on the phone, with internal customers and with clients. Two small kids cooped up at home plus conference calls would spell a recipe for disaster. But this year I decided to try it. So even on the "I think the roads are passable" days, I've let the girls stay home. We have a talk each morning about when mama needs it to be quiet (they can play in their rooms) and when it's ok for some noise near me (they can then be in the play room - which has my office in the corner). And the deal is if they can't be quiet at the quiet times, and if they can't keep from interrupting during those times, then day care is back on the table. I don't like to use it as a threat, as I want them to love their after school care place (and they do) but they'd rather be home. So it becomes an option on these days.
I am pleased to say that everyone (myself included) has shown an enormous amount of patience, and for the most part, it's been successful. I've cut the work days short on those days, or taken a long lunch to play in the yard or play a game with the girls, and they've been really, really good. A few mishaps -- which yielded this apology (written so as to not interrupt again), so I will even call that a win. Score one for the journey.
I've also been weighing a big (for me) decision. For 4 years. And with thoughtful contemplation, I came to the long needed conclusion. I determined:
(A) it would NOT be out of spite or a hasty move ... remember, 4 years in the thought process
(B) would not be frowned upon by my family (though my parents weren't jumping for joy, they didn't ask me not to do it)
(C) was something I wanted to keep my eyes focused on the journey - and how I wanted to live my live every day
and
(D) was a decision I was totally comfortable having my kids see the outcome of, and discussing WHY I did what I did
and so, with the support of some lovely new (and old) friends, I headed out to get this:
It's on my left foot, and every day I am reminded to choose joy on the journey. To find the good - to count my blessings - and to teach my girls to do the same.
And I have learned that they are indeed learning - we started our 2014 thanksgiving list (which we keep on the kitchen table in this beautiful piece of pottery that my friend made specifically for my family, specifically for this purpose). This morning, the girls told me to stay in bed. They brought me breakfast, and then had their own at the kitchen table. They came back up and said, "Mama, we made our thankful list entries, so now it's your turn." Unprompted by me. Score another point for the journey - and a little extra delight that they are seeing it, too.
3 weeks in, and so far, I feel less stressed, less hurried, less impatient. I'm noticeably more reflective, and I am seeing all of this mirrored in my girls. The journey has begun, and I am really liking where it's been, and where it's going.
It's 3 weeks into the new year, and my journey is already taking me places I never would have imagined this time last year. My final push for this word emerged with the gift my mom made for me for Christmas. (She's a rock star, eh? Cross-stitched this fantastic sampler for me, and now it will hang over my desk).
We've had 5 snow days. Yes, 5. In past years, that would prompt me to take the kids to daycare so I could work from home in the peace and quiet. I am a full time telecommuter and as a project manager, I spend a LOT of time on the phone, with internal customers and with clients. Two small kids cooped up at home plus conference calls would spell a recipe for disaster. But this year I decided to try it. So even on the "I think the roads are passable" days, I've let the girls stay home. We have a talk each morning about when mama needs it to be quiet (they can play in their rooms) and when it's ok for some noise near me (they can then be in the play room - which has my office in the corner). And the deal is if they can't be quiet at the quiet times, and if they can't keep from interrupting during those times, then day care is back on the table. I don't like to use it as a threat, as I want them to love their after school care place (and they do) but they'd rather be home. So it becomes an option on these days.
I am pleased to say that everyone (myself included) has shown an enormous amount of patience, and for the most part, it's been successful. I've cut the work days short on those days, or taken a long lunch to play in the yard or play a game with the girls, and they've been really, really good. A few mishaps -- which yielded this apology (written so as to not interrupt again), so I will even call that a win. Score one for the journey.I've also been weighing a big (for me) decision. For 4 years. And with thoughtful contemplation, I came to the long needed conclusion. I determined:
(A) it would NOT be out of spite or a hasty move ... remember, 4 years in the thought process
(B) would not be frowned upon by my family (though my parents weren't jumping for joy, they didn't ask me not to do it)
(C) was something I wanted to keep my eyes focused on the journey - and how I wanted to live my live every day
and
(D) was a decision I was totally comfortable having my kids see the outcome of, and discussing WHY I did what I did
and so, with the support of some lovely new (and old) friends, I headed out to get this:
It's on my left foot, and every day I am reminded to choose joy on the journey. To find the good - to count my blessings - and to teach my girls to do the same.
And I have learned that they are indeed learning - we started our 2014 thanksgiving list (which we keep on the kitchen table in this beautiful piece of pottery that my friend made specifically for my family, specifically for this purpose). This morning, the girls told me to stay in bed. They brought me breakfast, and then had their own at the kitchen table. They came back up and said, "Mama, we made our thankful list entries, so now it's your turn." Unprompted by me. Score another point for the journey - and a little extra delight that they are seeing it, too.
3 weeks in, and so far, I feel less stressed, less hurried, less impatient. I'm noticeably more reflective, and I am seeing all of this mirrored in my girls. The journey has begun, and I am really liking where it's been, and where it's going.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Encouragement
It's FRIDAY! and time to write. Stop, clear your mind, and then empty your heart onto the page.
Here's how it works:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat - no editing, backtracking, overthinking.
2. Link up over here and invite others to join.
3. And then, the most important part -- visit the brave writer who linked before you. and give them some encouragement. That's the unbreakable rule, the fun, the heart of this community.
And now, for my 5 minutes on
Encouragement
Encouragement comes in all shapes. Sizes. Faces. Sometimes it's the mama in the grocery store who sees you with all the kids and the crazy hair, and maybe still even in your PJ pants because one of the kids is sick, but you MUST get out because otherwise you will all starve. Sometimes it is the stranger who waves you through at the busy intersection.
Sometimes it is your mom who calls just to tell you hi. Or the friend who texts you to meet for coffee, even in the busy, because you've been on her heart.
Sometimes it's even your kids. Who stop and say, mom - that was so nice. Or mom, thanks for dinner. Or can I have another hug, because you are the best hugger, mom. or ... thanks for the angry bird bandaid because that made my owie feel all better.
However it comes, in whatever moment it hits, encouragement is what gets you through the toughest times. The times when you think you can't go one more inch. Not one more second without it all falling apart.
And it's also what lifts you even higher when you are soaring with great news. It's the coming alongside, dividing the grief, the sorrow, the pain, the tough days. The days when you want to pull your hair out for all the ridiculous things you've heard. And encouragement doubles the joy, the delight, the love, the laughter.
And right here, in this Five Minute Friday commuinity, we find it, and share it, by the bucketful.
Stop.
Here's how it works:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat - no editing, backtracking, overthinking.
2. Link up over here and invite others to join.
3. And then, the most important part -- visit the brave writer who linked before you. and give them some encouragement. That's the unbreakable rule, the fun, the heart of this community.
And now, for my 5 minutes on
Encouragement
Encouragement comes in all shapes. Sizes. Faces. Sometimes it's the mama in the grocery store who sees you with all the kids and the crazy hair, and maybe still even in your PJ pants because one of the kids is sick, but you MUST get out because otherwise you will all starve. Sometimes it is the stranger who waves you through at the busy intersection.
Sometimes it is your mom who calls just to tell you hi. Or the friend who texts you to meet for coffee, even in the busy, because you've been on her heart.
Sometimes it's even your kids. Who stop and say, mom - that was so nice. Or mom, thanks for dinner. Or can I have another hug, because you are the best hugger, mom. or ... thanks for the angry bird bandaid because that made my owie feel all better.
However it comes, in whatever moment it hits, encouragement is what gets you through the toughest times. The times when you think you can't go one more inch. Not one more second without it all falling apart.
And it's also what lifts you even higher when you are soaring with great news. It's the coming alongside, dividing the grief, the sorrow, the pain, the tough days. The days when you want to pull your hair out for all the ridiculous things you've heard. And encouragement doubles the joy, the delight, the love, the laughter.
And right here, in this Five Minute Friday commuinity, we find it, and share it, by the bucketful.
Stop.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
The Slippers (Behind The Scenes)
Welcome to behind the scenes, where life really happens. Snap, and share, that cute picture: but you don't see all the ... mess, chaos, fun, disaster ... that happened around the actual picture moment. You can visit Crystal and friends over here to learn more, and to read some other adventures about life lived behind the scenes.
This week, the photo is from our Christmas adventures in Jersey with my family.
The photo:
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The story: Those slippers are ones where the ears stick up every time you take a step. If you put your heel down just the right way. My mom loves cute slippers. My girls have their love of slippers from their Nana. These are the favorites. Brand new, under Nana's tree and they wore them ALL. DAY. LONG. With dresses and PJs. For playing and naptime.
And because it takes a little work to get those ears to stick up, instead of the quiet feet that slippers normally bring, these are LOUD FEET STOMPING slippers.
"Mama, look at this!" *stomp, stomp*
"Uncle Jeff, did you see what I drew? I will come show you!" *stomp, stomp*
"Grampy, can you read me a story? I will bring you the book." *stomp, stomp*
"OK, time for resting time..." *stomp, stomp, stomp* ... up 13 steps ... both kids ... *stomp, stomp*
and we loved every minute of it.
This week, the photo is from our Christmas adventures in Jersey with my family.
The photo:
The story: Those slippers are ones where the ears stick up every time you take a step. If you put your heel down just the right way. My mom loves cute slippers. My girls have their love of slippers from their Nana. These are the favorites. Brand new, under Nana's tree and they wore them ALL. DAY. LONG. With dresses and PJs. For playing and naptime.
And because it takes a little work to get those ears to stick up, instead of the quiet feet that slippers normally bring, these are LOUD FEET STOMPING slippers.
"Mama, look at this!" *stomp, stomp*
"Uncle Jeff, did you see what I drew? I will come show you!" *stomp, stomp*
"Grampy, can you read me a story? I will bring you the book." *stomp, stomp*
"OK, time for resting time..." *stomp, stomp, stomp* ... up 13 steps ... both kids ... *stomp, stomp*
and we loved every minute of it.
See (Five Minute Friday)
New year, still late to the posting party. Life just gets in the way. It's ok.
Welcome to the (late) edition of Five Minute Friday. Join me in the crowd of writers over at Lisa-Jo's place. Time well spent.
The rules:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Go.
When you see me, what do you see? As I ponder this, I wonder - what do I want you to see? Do I hide what you most need to see. Do I cover up the parts that make the story of my life the amazement that it is?
For you can surely see the smiles, the laughter. But have you seen the sadness and the tears? I know you can see the joy - the after. But have you seen the broken? The before? The wonder of my life, and where I am now, is not just because of what it looks like today. It's the healing that has come after the hurt. If you don't know where I've been, you can't fully appreciate where I am now. If I don't let you see the past - perhaps not every ugly detail (because who really wants all that? I don't even want to relive a lot of it) - but at least the broad brush strokes of what was - then how can I expect, or even hope, for you to see the joy of the here and now?
And so it is with my journey - not just the destination, but the path towards it. For it's on the day by day steps where we can see the growth - the change - the recovery - the healing. And when I look back, if you've been able to see the whole thing, then I think you just might be a little closer to seeing who I am.
Stop.
Welcome to the (late) edition of Five Minute Friday. Join me in the crowd of writers over at Lisa-Jo's place. Time well spent.
The rules:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Go.
When you see me, what do you see? As I ponder this, I wonder - what do I want you to see? Do I hide what you most need to see. Do I cover up the parts that make the story of my life the amazement that it is?
For you can surely see the smiles, the laughter. But have you seen the sadness and the tears? I know you can see the joy - the after. But have you seen the broken? The before? The wonder of my life, and where I am now, is not just because of what it looks like today. It's the healing that has come after the hurt. If you don't know where I've been, you can't fully appreciate where I am now. If I don't let you see the past - perhaps not every ugly detail (because who really wants all that? I don't even want to relive a lot of it) - but at least the broad brush strokes of what was - then how can I expect, or even hope, for you to see the joy of the here and now?
And so it is with my journey - not just the destination, but the path towards it. For it's on the day by day steps where we can see the growth - the change - the recovery - the healing. And when I look back, if you've been able to see the whole thing, then I think you just might be a little closer to seeing who I am.
Stop.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
An Open Letter to Vandy Nation
Dear Vandy Nation:
I'm embarrassed and disappointed in the way some of you have acted over the last 2 weeks.
I'm a proud Vanderbilt alumna, and I fly our flag and proclaim my blood of black and gold far and wide. I graduated in 1998 so I'm part of the class that saw 3 football coaches within my 4 years as a student.
I believe in our school and our team. I've cheered through many a lean year and many a 2 win season, and I've been delighted in the huge strides our team has made under Coach Franklin. I believe in following through on commitments, but I also know that sometimes choices and opportunities present themselves, and then plans change. Life happens.
What should NOT change is one's character. Integrity? Honor? Yes, these should remain even in the face of hard choices.
I can't speak to Coach Franklin's choice to leave us for PSU other than to say he believes it is right for his family. I can't speak to our recruiting class members' choices. Some may stay with us. They believe in Vanderbilt and what we can offer. To those recruits, I'm thankful you've decided to stay. I've not regretted for one second the choice I made to pursue my education at Vanderbilt. Some recruits may choose to follow Coach Franklin to PSU, or to choose another school altogether. To you, I wish you the best with your choice. It's one of the biggest decisions you will ever make - I hope it is the right one for you.
But to you, Vandy Nation.... The alumni and fans who make us what we are, take heed. Before you throw Coach Franklin's words "men of honor" back in his face, consider how you do that. Consider how you interact with our recruits. Consider how you interact with the media. Consider how you interact with the nation.
When you tweet flaming words of anger and hatred, are YOU acting like the "man of honor" you are so blatantly accusing those others of not being? I'm not sure you are. There are lots of ways to express your displeasure without being rude. There are lots of ways to wear the chip on your shoulder without being hateful.
I've got that chip, too. I believe in our school and this program. I believe in Vandy Nation. But I also believe in showing grace, in treating people first like human beings. Respecting their feelings and their choices. Recognizing that while they may not show their honor by staying where they made a commitment, that doesn't mean I should ever lay mine aside. Even if it is to tell them just that.
Man Up. And Anchor Down.
Jen Kamin Underwood
Class of 1998
I'm embarrassed and disappointed in the way some of you have acted over the last 2 weeks.
I'm a proud Vanderbilt alumna, and I fly our flag and proclaim my blood of black and gold far and wide. I graduated in 1998 so I'm part of the class that saw 3 football coaches within my 4 years as a student.
I believe in our school and our team. I've cheered through many a lean year and many a 2 win season, and I've been delighted in the huge strides our team has made under Coach Franklin. I believe in following through on commitments, but I also know that sometimes choices and opportunities present themselves, and then plans change. Life happens.
What should NOT change is one's character. Integrity? Honor? Yes, these should remain even in the face of hard choices.
I can't speak to Coach Franklin's choice to leave us for PSU other than to say he believes it is right for his family. I can't speak to our recruiting class members' choices. Some may stay with us. They believe in Vanderbilt and what we can offer. To those recruits, I'm thankful you've decided to stay. I've not regretted for one second the choice I made to pursue my education at Vanderbilt. Some recruits may choose to follow Coach Franklin to PSU, or to choose another school altogether. To you, I wish you the best with your choice. It's one of the biggest decisions you will ever make - I hope it is the right one for you.
But to you, Vandy Nation.... The alumni and fans who make us what we are, take heed. Before you throw Coach Franklin's words "men of honor" back in his face, consider how you do that. Consider how you interact with our recruits. Consider how you interact with the media. Consider how you interact with the nation.
When you tweet flaming words of anger and hatred, are YOU acting like the "man of honor" you are so blatantly accusing those others of not being? I'm not sure you are. There are lots of ways to express your displeasure without being rude. There are lots of ways to wear the chip on your shoulder without being hateful.
I've got that chip, too. I believe in our school and this program. I believe in Vandy Nation. But I also believe in showing grace, in treating people first like human beings. Respecting their feelings and their choices. Recognizing that while they may not show their honor by staying where they made a commitment, that doesn't mean I should ever lay mine aside. Even if it is to tell them just that.
Man Up. And Anchor Down.
Jen Kamin Underwood
Class of 1998
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Fight (Five Minute Friday)
Once a week, I join this fantastic group of brave writers for a 5 minute writers' flash mob. We get a prompt. We write. We share. We link. We love on each other. It's fun.
I get behind. Some weeks I miss altogether. Some weeks I write right at midnight. Whatever works. It's not about being just right. It's about just writing.
So this week I will write last week's post, miss the link up (because it closed 15 minutes ago), and then I will write again at midnight for the new word. Because tonight I have the energy of a toddler after eating a bag of m-n-m's.
The rules are simple.
1. set your timer, and write for 5 minutes flat. No editing, back-tracking, or overthinking.
2. Link up (yeah, not happening when I am this late)
3. Leave a comment for the one who linked before you. And maybe some others, too. It's all about the community here. Get into that.
Go.
Fight seems a pretty bold word to start off the new year. I'm headed on a journey this year, and fight doesn't seem to fit. At first. Then I realize - I am going to have to fight EVERY day to do this journey. To be deliberate where I spend my time. Fight against the media pull. The social media pull. The "I don't know if my coach is leaving or staying and why can't someone tell me and why isn't there news and why are there 5 million tweets about there not being any news." Fight to get out of all that mess. And just get where I need to be. So tonight, I let the kids stay up a few minutes late. And we read one extra Christmas story - a new one. "The Snow Angel". And right in there I saw myself. And my kids. So I will fight tonight, and every night, to make that time with them. And be thankful for it.
Stop.
I get behind. Some weeks I miss altogether. Some weeks I write right at midnight. Whatever works. It's not about being just right. It's about just writing.
So this week I will write last week's post, miss the link up (because it closed 15 minutes ago), and then I will write again at midnight for the new word. Because tonight I have the energy of a toddler after eating a bag of m-n-m's.
The rules are simple.
1. set your timer, and write for 5 minutes flat. No editing, back-tracking, or overthinking.
2. Link up (yeah, not happening when I am this late)
3. Leave a comment for the one who linked before you. And maybe some others, too. It's all about the community here. Get into that.
Go.
Fight seems a pretty bold word to start off the new year. I'm headed on a journey this year, and fight doesn't seem to fit. At first. Then I realize - I am going to have to fight EVERY day to do this journey. To be deliberate where I spend my time. Fight against the media pull. The social media pull. The "I don't know if my coach is leaving or staying and why can't someone tell me and why isn't there news and why are there 5 million tweets about there not being any news." Fight to get out of all that mess. And just get where I need to be. So tonight, I let the kids stay up a few minutes late. And we read one extra Christmas story - a new one. "The Snow Angel". And right in there I saw myself. And my kids. So I will fight tonight, and every night, to make that time with them. And be thankful for it.
Stop.
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